28630, Granite Falls, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28630, Granite Falls, North Carolina is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.55 percent of the residents in 28630 has some form of health insurance. 39.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.19 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 28630 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,683 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28630. An estimate of 25 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,069 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,880 health care providers accessible to residents in 28630, Granite Falls, North Carolina.

## Alzheimers Score Analysis: Granite Falls, NC (ZIP Code 28630)

Granite Falls, North Carolina, a community nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, presents a unique landscape for assessing the availability of healthcare resources, specifically concerning Alzheimer's disease. This analysis, framed as an "Alzheimers Score," aims to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care for individuals and families affected by this debilitating condition within the 28630 ZIP code. The score will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in supporting those navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational metric. A higher ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) per capita generally indicates better access to preventative care and early diagnosis, both critical in managing Alzheimer's. While precise data on the exact number of PCPs actively practicing within the 28630 ZIP code is difficult to obtain without a comprehensive survey, publicly available resources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau provide a starting point. Analyzing these sources, along with data from insurance providers, is necessary to estimate the ratio. Furthermore, the age distribution within the community is vital; a higher percentage of residents over 65, the age group most susceptible to Alzheimer's, would place a greater demand on available resources.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the training and experience of the PCPs in recognizing and managing cognitive decline. Do the local practices employ physicians with specific training in geriatrics or neurology? Are they equipped to conduct initial cognitive assessments, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)? The presence of specialists, such as neurologists and geriatricians, is also a significant factor. A strong network of specialists can provide more in-depth diagnostics, treatment plans, and ongoing care. Identifying the presence of these specialists, their availability, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is a key component of the "Alzheimers Score."

Standout practices within the 28630 ZIP code deserve recognition. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care, perhaps through specialized programs, dedicated staff, or community outreach initiatives, would receive a higher score. This might include practices that actively participate in clinical trials, partner with local support groups, or offer educational resources for patients and their families. Identifying these practices involves a combination of online research, patient reviews, and, ideally, direct contact with the practices themselves.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Granite Falls. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling or who live in areas with limited specialist availability. The "Alzheimers Score" should reflect the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. This includes assessing the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video conferencing, remote patient monitoring) and the ease of access for patients.

The availability of mental health resources is another critical element of the "Alzheimers Score." Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for managing these symptoms and supporting the well-being of both patients and caregivers. The score should consider the number of mental health providers in the area, their areas of specialization (e.g., geriatric psychiatry), their availability, and the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management).

Furthermore, the presence of support groups and community resources for Alzheimer's patients and their families is essential. These resources can provide emotional support, practical advice, and access to information about the disease. The "Alzheimers Score" should assess the availability of local support groups, respite care services, and educational programs. Partnerships with organizations like the Alzheimer's Association are a positive indicator.

Evaluating the "Alzheimers Score" requires gathering data from multiple sources and analyzing it systematically. This includes:

* **Public Health Data:** County health rankings, state health reports, and US Census Bureau data.
* **Medical Provider Directories:** North Carolina Medical Board, insurance provider directories, and online physician search tools.
* **Practice Websites and Patient Reviews:** Examining practice websites for information on services offered, specializations, and telemedicine capabilities. Reading patient reviews to gauge patient satisfaction and identify potential areas of concern.
* **Community Resources:** Identifying local support groups, respite care services, and educational programs through online searches and contact with community organizations.

The final "Alzheimers Score" would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The weights assigned to each factor would reflect their relative importance in providing quality Alzheimer's care. A higher score would indicate better access to care, a greater availability of specialized services, and a stronger support system for patients and their families.

In conclusion, understanding the healthcare landscape within the 28630 ZIP code is critical for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's. While this analysis provides a framework for evaluating the availability and quality of care, a more detailed and comprehensive assessment would require gathering more specific data. This analysis underscores the need for continued efforts to improve access to care, increase the availability of specialized services, and strengthen the support system for those living with Alzheimer's.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare resources in Granite Falls and the surrounding areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician locations, specialist availability, and the location of support groups, providing a clear and informative overview of the healthcare landscape.