28711, Black Mountain, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28711, Black Mountain, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.43 percent of the residents in 28711 has some form of health insurance. 44.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.55 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 28711 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,839 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28711. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,279 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,335 health care providers accessible to residents in 28711, Black Mountain, North Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Black Mountain, NC (ZIP Code 28711)

This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians and associated resources within Black Mountain, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28711), specifically focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to assess the community's preparedness to support individuals and families impacted by this devastating illness. We will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, ultimately assigning an "Alzheimer's Score" based on these factors.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests with primary care physicians. In Black Mountain, determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is complex. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can provide estimates, but these figures don't always reflect the actual number of actively practicing physicians or account for specialists who might also provide care. A favorable ratio, indicating a greater availability of primary care, is crucial for early diagnosis, ongoing management, and coordination of care. A higher ratio, conversely, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder timely intervention.

Several primary care practices serve the Black Mountain community. Assessing these practices requires a deeper dive. Factors to consider include the size of the practice, the range of services offered, and the physicians' experience and training. Some practices may have a particular focus on geriatric care or have physicians with specific certifications related to Alzheimer's disease. These practices would likely score higher in our analysis. Furthermore, examining patient reviews and testimonials can provide insights into the quality of care and the patient experience.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Black Mountain is a critical factor. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online access to patient portals can significantly improve access to care and facilitate ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease. Telemedicine can also connect patients with specialists who might not be readily available locally. Practices with robust telemedicine capabilities would receive a higher score.

The mental health component is essential for Alzheimer's care. The disease itself often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, and the emotional toll on both the patient and their caregivers is significant. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is therefore crucial. Black Mountain's access to these resources, including the presence of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care, directly impacts the quality of care available to those affected by Alzheimer's. The proximity to larger healthcare systems and mental health facilities in nearby Asheville can be a significant advantage.

Evaluating standout practices requires a nuanced approach. We need to consider several factors. Does the practice offer comprehensive geriatric assessments? Does it have a dedicated care coordinator to help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system? Does the practice participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's disease? Practices that excel in these areas would be considered standout practices, contributing positively to the overall "Alzheimer's Score."

The overall "Alzheimer's Score" for Black Mountain (28711) would be determined by weighing these factors. A higher score would indicate a community with a strong primary care infrastructure, robust telemedicine capabilities, and ample mental health resources. A lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care. The score would be a relative measure, comparing Black Mountain to other communities and highlighting areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio, as previously discussed, will be a key metric. A favorable ratio, combined with a high percentage of practices offering telemedicine, would contribute to a higher score. The presence of dedicated geriatric specialists and mental health professionals would also be highly weighted. Conversely, a limited number of primary care physicians, coupled with a lack of telemedicine options and scarce mental health resources, would negatively impact the score.

The specific score is difficult to calculate without detailed data. However, based on the general characteristics of a rural community, we can anticipate a moderate score. While Black Mountain benefits from its proximity to Asheville and its associated healthcare resources, the challenges of rural healthcare, such as physician shortages and limited access to specialized services, may present obstacles.

The impact of Alzheimer's disease extends beyond the individual patient. It affects families, caregivers, and the entire community. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to care is essential. This includes not only medical treatment but also support services, education, and community awareness programs. The availability of these resources would also be considered in the overall assessment.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the demographics of Black Mountain. The age distribution of the population is particularly relevant, as the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease increases with age. A community with a larger elderly population will likely require more robust resources to address the needs of those affected by the disease.

In conclusion, assessing the preparedness of Black Mountain to address Alzheimer's disease requires a multifaceted evaluation. The "Alzheimer's Score" serves as a snapshot of the community's strengths and weaknesses. Understanding these aspects allows for informed decision-making and targeted interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals and families impacted by this devastating illness.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Black Mountain, including the locations of primary care practices, mental health facilities, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data.

**Click here to see the healthcare landscape of Black Mountain visualized with CartoChrome maps!**