28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 41.07 percent of the residents in 28708 has some form of health insurance. 41.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 20.24 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 28708 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28708. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 34 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,277 health care providers accessible to residents in 28708, Balsam Grove, North Carolina.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Balsam Grove, NC (ZIP Code 28708)**

Analyzing the availability and quality of healthcare services relevant to Alzheimer's disease within the Balsam Grove, NC (ZIP Code 28708) area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will consider factors impacting access to care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, reflecting the overall preparedness of the local healthcare ecosystem to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this debilitating condition.

The first critical element is physician access. Balsam Grove, a rural community, likely faces challenges in this area. A low physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the "Alzheimer's Score." Assessing the ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists practicing within the 28708 ZIP code or a reasonable radius. This data is typically obtained from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), state medical boards, and healthcare directories. A scarcity of specialists, particularly neurologists and geriatricians, would significantly lower the score.

The analysis must also consider the distribution of these physicians. Are they concentrated in a single clinic or hospital, or are they dispersed throughout the community? Dispersion can improve access for residents in different parts of Balsam Grove. Conversely, a concentration of providers in one location might create logistical barriers for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options, thereby lowering the score.

Standout practices play a crucial role in improving the "Alzheimer's Score." Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care is essential. This involves looking for clinics that offer specialized memory care programs, have staff trained in dementia care, and actively participate in Alzheimer's research or clinical trials. Practices utilizing standardized cognitive assessments, providing comprehensive patient and caregiver support, and offering early diagnosis and intervention strategies would receive high marks. Furthermore, practices that collaborate with local support groups, such as the Alzheimer's Association, would demonstrate a commitment to a holistic approach to care, thus positively influencing the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who may not be physically located in Balsam Grove. The "Alzheimer's Score" would be positively influenced by practices offering telehealth consultations for both initial assessments and follow-up care. The availability of remote monitoring tools, which can track vital signs and cognitive function, would also be a significant advantage. However, it's crucial to assess the infrastructure supporting telemedicine. Reliable internet access and digital literacy among both patients and providers are essential for successful implementation.

Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. The disease profoundly impacts both the individual and their caregivers, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The "Alzheimer's Score" will be positively impacted by the availability of mental health services within the community. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors specializing in geriatric mental health and dementia care. The presence of support groups for both patients and caregivers is also critical. These groups provide emotional support, education, and practical advice, helping families navigate the complexities of the disease. The score will be higher if these resources are readily accessible, affordable, and culturally sensitive.

Assessing the availability of respite care services is also important. Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers, allowing them to take breaks and avoid burnout. The presence of adult day care centers, in-home care services, and short-term residential facilities would positively impact the score. The affordability and accessibility of these services are also key considerations.

The "Alzheimer's Score" itself would be a composite metric, calculated based on the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting would reflect the relative importance of each factor. For example, physician access might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption if there is a severe shortage of physicians in the area. The final score would be presented on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 10, with a higher score indicating a better-prepared healthcare ecosystem for Alzheimer's care.

The score should be interpreted with caution, recognizing the limitations of the data. The score is only as good as the data used to create it. It is an assessment of the healthcare landscape, not a guarantee of quality of care. It is also important to note that the score does not account for individual patient experiences or the quality of care provided by specific physicians.

The analysis should be updated regularly, as the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. New practices may open, telemedicine adoption may increase, and new resources may become available. Regular updates will ensure the score remains relevant and useful.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for the Balsam Grove area, based on this preliminary assessment, would likely be moderate. The rural nature of the community suggests potential challenges with physician access, particularly specialists. However, the presence of dedicated practices, telemedicine adoption, and available mental health resources could improve the score. The final score would depend on the specific data collected and the weighting assigned to each factor.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Balsam Grove and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides valuable insights that can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.