28615, Creston, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28615, Creston, North Carolina is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.19 percent of the residents in 28615 has some form of health insurance. 49.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.46 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 28615 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 250 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28615. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 546 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,764 health care providers accessible to residents in 28615, Creston, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's Disease, a progressive neurological disorder, poses significant challenges to healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas. Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care within a specific ZIP code, like 28615 (Creston, North Carolina), provides a crucial framework for understanding the potential impact of Alzheimer's on the local community. This analysis aims to assess the "Alzheimer's Score" for Creston, focusing on primary care physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources, offering a snapshot of the area's preparedness to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this disease.

Creston, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique healthcare access challenges. The area is predominantly rural, characterized by lower population density, which can translate to fewer healthcare providers and limited access to specialized services. The "Alzheimer's Score" for Creston begins with an assessment of physician availability. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and difficulties in establishing consistent care. Data from reputable sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the American Medical Association, would be required to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 28615. However, the rural nature of the area suggests that this ratio might be less favorable compared to more urbanized regions. This lower ratio would negatively impact the "Alzheimer's Score."

Standout practices within the community, if any, would be assessed based on their capacity to provide comprehensive care. This includes not only primary care but also the availability of geriatric specialists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists. Practices that offer a multidisciplinary approach, coordinating care among different specialists, would receive a higher "Alzheimer's Score." The presence of memory clinics or dedicated Alzheimer's care programs would also be a significant positive factor. The evaluation would consider the practice's commitment to early detection, diagnosis, and management of Alzheimer's, including the provision of patient and caregiver education and support. The absence of such specialized services would negatively impact the score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the "Alzheimer's Score." Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can be particularly beneficial in rural areas. It can improve access to specialists, facilitate follow-up appointments, and provide support to caregivers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources, would receive a higher score. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a critical factor, as poor connectivity would limit the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives. The degree of telemedicine adoption is another factor that would impact the score.

The availability of mental health resources is crucial. Alzheimer's disease is often accompanied by behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. The presence of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for providing comprehensive care. The "Alzheimer's Score" would consider the availability of mental health services within the community, including the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times). The availability of support groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers is also a significant factor. The lack of these resources would negatively impact the score.

Furthermore, the "Alzheimer's Score" would consider the level of community awareness and education regarding Alzheimer's disease. This includes the presence of community outreach programs, educational workshops, and public awareness campaigns. Communities that actively promote awareness and provide education about Alzheimer's, its symptoms, and available resources would receive a higher score. The existence of partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies would also be considered. The lack of these factors would negatively impact the score.

In conclusion, determining the "Alzheimer's Score" for Creston (ZIP code 28615) requires a comprehensive assessment of several key factors: physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized care providers, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and community awareness and education. Based on the inherent challenges of rural healthcare, Creston might face difficulties in these areas, potentially resulting in a lower score. This underscores the need for targeted interventions to improve access to care, support caregivers, and enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease within the community. The "Alzheimer's Score" serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas for improvement and guiding the development of effective strategies to address the challenges posed by this devastating disease.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and access to care within Creston and surrounding areas, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. This resource can provide valuable insights into the local healthcare landscape.