28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.11 percent of the residents in 28679 has some form of health insurance. 29.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.00 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 28679 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 440 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28679. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 549 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 512 health care providers accessible to residents in 28679, Sugar Grove, North Carolina.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Sugar Grove, NC (ZIP Code 28679)**

Evaluating the availability of Alzheimer's care and support within Sugar Grove, North Carolina (ZIP code 28679), necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician accessibility, particularly primary care physicians (PCPs), and the broader healthcare infrastructure's capacity to address the complex needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. We'll delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, ultimately assigning an "Alzheimer's Score" reflective of the area's preparedness.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests with primary care physicians. They serve as the initial point of contact, responsible for early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management of the disease. In Sugar Grove, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, meaning a relatively small number of physicians serving a large population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and increased stress for patients and caregivers. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially more comprehensive care. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with information from healthcare directories and insurance providers, would be essential to determine the precise ratio within the 28679 ZIP code. This data point significantly influences the Alzheimer's Score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are crucial. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care through specialized training for their staff, dedicated memory care programs, and collaborative relationships with specialists. These practices may offer cognitive assessments, care coordination services, and support groups for patients and families. Researching local practices, examining patient reviews, and contacting these practices directly to inquire about their Alzheimer's-related services will help identify those that excel in this area. The presence of such practices positively impacts the Alzheimer's Score, reflecting a higher standard of care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in extending healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Sugar Grove. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can facilitate regular check-ups, medication management, and access to specialist consultations, particularly neurologists or geriatricians who may be located further away. The adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices and specialists is therefore a key indicator of the area's preparedness. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine will contribute to a higher Alzheimer's Score.

The emotional and psychological toll of Alzheimer's disease on patients and caregivers is substantial. Access to mental health resources is therefore paramount. This includes psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. The availability of these resources within Sugar Grove and the surrounding areas is a critical component of the Alzheimer's Score. Examining the presence of mental health professionals, support groups organized by organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance coverage, wait times) will help determine the score. Robust mental health support significantly boosts the score.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for Sugar Grove (28679) is a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of these factors. A high score indicates a well-equipped healthcare infrastructure with readily accessible primary care physicians, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. A low score suggests potential challenges in accessing comprehensive Alzheimer's care, highlighting the need for improvements. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is unfavorable, few practices offer specialized Alzheimer's care, telemedicine is limited, and mental health resources are scarce, the score will be lower. Conversely, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of dedicated memory care programs, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health services would result in a higher score.

To further refine the Alzheimer's Score, we would consider additional factors. These include the availability of specialized geriatric care, the presence of memory care facilities, and the existence of community-based support services, such as adult day care programs and respite care. The level of community awareness and education about Alzheimer's disease, as evidenced by outreach programs and educational initiatives, would also be considered. These additional factors would contribute to a more nuanced and comprehensive assessment.

The Alzheimer's Score is not static; it can evolve over time. Healthcare infrastructure changes, new practices open, and telemedicine adoption rates fluctuate. Regularly reassessing the score is essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement. This assessment should be a collaborative effort, involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies.

The final Alzheimer's Score for Sugar Grove (28679) is a snapshot of the current state of Alzheimer's care. It is designed to inform residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. The score serves as a valuable tool for making informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.

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