28616, Crossnore, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28616, Crossnore, North Carolina is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 36.84 percent of the residents in 28616 has some form of health insurance. 17.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 27.63 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 28616 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28616. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,976 health care providers accessible to residents in 28616, Crossnore, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Crossnore, NC (ZIP Code 28616)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning Alzheimer's care, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) and related resources within Crossnore, North Carolina (ZIP code 28616), offering an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment. This score isn't a numerical value but a qualitative evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape concerning Alzheimer's patients and their families. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests on the shoulders of PCPs. They are frequently the first point of contact for patients exhibiting cognitive decline. The availability of PCPs in a given area directly impacts the ability of individuals to receive timely diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists. In Crossnore, the rural nature of the area presents a challenge. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely less favorable than in more urban settings. This means fewer doctors are available to serve a potentially dispersed population. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased difficulty in establishing a consistent doctor-patient relationship, both of which are crucial in managing a progressive disease like Alzheimer's.

The specific practices within ZIP code 28616 and its immediate vicinity must be examined to understand their capacity to address Alzheimer's care. Are there any practices that stand out in their approach? Do they have physicians with specialized training or experience in geriatric care or neurology? Do they offer memory screenings or cognitive assessments? Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to cognitive health, such as offering regular cognitive assessments for older patients or partnering with local memory care specialists, would receive a higher score. Conversely, practices lacking these resources would score lower, indicating a potential gap in care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool, especially in rural areas, to bridge the gap in healthcare access. Its adoption can significantly improve Alzheimer's care by providing remote consultations, monitoring, and support. The "Alzheimer's Score" gives weight to practices embracing telemedicine. Are local practices offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, or even initial consultations? Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel, which is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities. Practices utilizing telemedicine effectively would be considered to have a more robust infrastructure to support Alzheimer's patients.

The management of Alzheimer's is not solely a medical endeavor; mental health support is critical. Patients and their families often experience significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and caregiver burnout. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is a crucial element of the "Alzheimer's Score." Does the area have readily accessible mental health services? Are there support groups specifically for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers? Partnerships between medical practices and mental health professionals can improve overall care. A higher score is assigned to areas with a robust network of mental health resources, while areas lacking these services would receive a lower score.

The "Alzheimer's Score" also considers the broader community resources available. Are there local organizations dedicated to Alzheimer's support and education? Does the community offer respite care services for caregivers? Are there programs promoting brain health and awareness? The presence of these resources demonstrates a community-wide commitment to addressing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. A community with a strong support network would receive a higher score, indicating a more comprehensive approach to care.

Furthermore, the analysis examines the availability of specialized care. Are there neurologists or geriatricians within a reasonable distance of Crossnore? These specialists are essential for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's. The accessibility of these specialists directly impacts the quality of care available to patients. The "Alzheimer's Score" considers the proximity and availability of these specialized resources.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Alzheimer's Score" for Crossnore, NC (28616) reveals a complex picture. The rural setting presents challenges regarding physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specialized care. The score is influenced by the specific practices and their approaches to cognitive health, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The presence of community support networks also significantly impacts the overall score. The score is not a single number but a qualitative assessment reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Crossnore and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and the proximity of mental health services, we recommend exploring the data using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to identify patterns, assess accessibility, and make informed decisions about healthcare access.