28677, Statesville, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28677, Statesville, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.79 percent of the residents in 28677 has some form of health insurance. 41.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.21 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 28677 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,177 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28677. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,814 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,489 health care providers accessible to residents in 28677, Statesville, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Statesville, NC (ZIP Code 28677) & Primary Care Landscape

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 28677 (Statesville, NC) with a particular focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, management, and patient support. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a proposed Alzheimer's Score.

Statesville, North Carolina, situated in Iredell County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Its demographic profile, including an aging population, necessitates a robust primary care system capable of addressing the increasing prevalence of age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's disease. The availability and accessibility of these services directly impact the quality of life for individuals and families affected by this devastating illness.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios & Access to Care:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to improved access, shorter wait times, and a greater likelihood of timely diagnosis and treatment. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 28677 is crucial. This data should be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care physicians. If the ratio is higher than the average, it suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and specialized care.

Furthermore, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is important. Are physicians concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Examining the geographic distribution of practices can reveal potential healthcare deserts, where access to care is limited due to distance or transportation challenges. This is especially relevant for individuals with Alzheimer's, who may experience mobility limitations.

**Standout Practices & Specialized Services:**

Identifying standout primary care practices is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive care, including cognitive assessments, early detection of cognitive decline, and coordinated care for patients with Alzheimer's. Factors to consider include:

* **Cognitive Screening Protocols:** Does the practice routinely incorporate cognitive screening tools, such as the Mini-Cog or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), into routine checkups for older adults?
* **Specialized Training:** Do physicians and staff have specialized training in geriatric care and dementia management?
* **Care Coordination:** Does the practice have a dedicated care coordinator to help patients navigate the complexities of Alzheimer's care, including referrals to specialists, support groups, and community resources?
* **Patient-Centered Approach:** Does the practice prioritize patient-centered care, involving patients and their families in decision-making?

Researching local practices and reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided. Look for practices that are recognized for their commitment to geriatric care and dementia management.

**Telemedicine Adoption & Remote Monitoring:**

Telemedicine offers significant potential to improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine services by primary care practices is a critical factor to assess. Consider the following:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine checkups, medication management, and follow-up appointments?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote monitoring technologies, such as wearable sensors or home-based monitoring devices, to track patients' health and identify potential problems early on?
* **Accessibility:** Are telemedicine services accessible to all patients, regardless of their technological proficiency or internet access?

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with Alzheimer's, allowing them to receive care from the comfort of their homes and reducing the burden on caregivers.

**Mental Health Resources & Integration:**

Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety. The integration of mental health resources into primary care is crucial for providing comprehensive care. Consider the following:

* **Mental Health Screening:** Does the practice routinely screen patients for mental health conditions?
* **On-Site Mental Health Services:** Does the practice have an on-site psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker?
* **Referral Networks:** Does the practice have a strong referral network of mental health specialists in the community?
* **Support Groups:** Does the practice provide or recommend support groups for patients and caregivers?

The availability of mental health resources is essential for addressing the emotional and psychological challenges associated with Alzheimer's disease.

**Alzheimer's Score Methodology & Application:**

To create an Alzheimer's Score for Statesville, NC (ZIP code 28677), a weighted scoring system should be employed. Each of the above factors (physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration) would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. Data would be collected and analyzed for each factor. The resulting scores would be combined to generate an overall Alzheimer's Score.

For example, a higher physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while the presence of a geriatric specialist would positively influence it. The adoption of telemedicine would also contribute to a higher score. The Alzheimer's Score could then be used to compare the quality of primary care services in Statesville to other communities or to track improvements over time.

**Conclusion:**

The primary care landscape in Statesville, NC, plays a critical role in the lives of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. A comprehensive assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is essential for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The resulting Alzheimer's Score can be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve the quality of care and support for those living with this challenging illness.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Statesville, NC, and to identify areas with high primary care availability and specialized services, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization.

**Click here to explore interactive maps and gain valuable insights into healthcare access using CartoChrome maps.**