Health Scores Near 28734, Franklin, North Carolina
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28734, Franklin, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 84.85 percent of the residents in 28734 has some form of health insurance. 46.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.08 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 28734 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 5,804 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28734. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,430 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,688 health care providers accessible to residents in 28734, Franklin, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 28734, Franklin, North Carolina
| Alzheimers Score | 33 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 12 |
| Provider Score | 60 |
| Hospital Score | 32 |
| Travel Score | 64 |
| 28734 | Franklin | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Franklin, NC (ZIP Code 28734)
This analysis delves into the availability and quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease within ZIP code 28734 (Franklin, NC), focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility and related resources. We aim to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, though a definitive numerical score isn't possible due to data limitations. Instead, this analysis provides a qualitative evaluation based on available information and expert understanding of the factors influencing Alzheimer's care.
**Primary Care Availability in Franklin:**
The foundation of Alzheimer's care lies in accessible and knowledgeable primary care. Early diagnosis, ongoing management of symptoms, and coordination of specialized care are crucial roles for PCPs. Assessing primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, and the integration of telemedicine.
Franklin, NC, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. Physician shortages, particularly in primary care, are a significant concern. The ratio of PCPs to residents is a critical indicator. While precise figures require up-to-the-minute data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, it's reasonable to assume that Franklin may have a lower-than-average PCP-to-population ratio compared to more urban centers. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to consistent care.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**
Identifying standout practices requires evaluating factors like physician experience, training in geriatric care and dementia management, and the availability of support services. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care often have dedicated staff, offer memory screenings, and coordinate with specialists.
Without specific practice names, we can infer general characteristics. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including cognitive assessments as part of routine checkups, are particularly valuable. Those that integrate care coordination, connecting patients with neurologists, therapists, and social workers, contribute significantly to a patient's overall well-being. The presence of practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's would be a positive indicator, though this is less likely in a rural setting.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**
Telemedicine offers a potential solution to geographical barriers and physician shortages. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide education and support through online platforms can improve access to care.
The adoption of telemedicine in Franklin is a crucial factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine can expand their reach, offering consultations to patients who may struggle to travel to in-person appointments. However, the success of telemedicine depends on factors like internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the availability of reimbursement for virtual services. Furthermore, the limitations of telemedicine, such as the inability to perform physical examinations, must be considered.
**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component:**
Alzheimer's disease profoundly impacts mental health. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Access to mental health resources, including psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups, is essential.
The availability of mental health services in Franklin is a key element of the Alzheimer's Score. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) is vital. Support groups, such as those offered by the Alzheimer's Association, provide invaluable emotional support and practical advice for both patients and caregivers. The availability of these resources, and the ease with which they can be accessed, significantly impacts the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
**Overall Assessment and Considerations:**
Based on the information available, the Alzheimer's Score for Franklin, NC (28734) is likely moderate. The rural setting presents inherent challenges related to physician access, particularly in primary care and specialized services. The success of care depends on the willingness of practices to adopt new technologies and the availability of mental health resources.
The quality of care is likely influenced by factors like the experience of PCPs in geriatric care, the presence of memory care specialists, and the availability of support groups. The adoption of telemedicine can improve access to care, but its effectiveness depends on infrastructure and patient acceptance.
**Recommendations for Improvement:**
To improve the Alzheimer's Score, Franklin should prioritize:
* **Recruiting and retaining PCPs:** Incentives, loan forgiveness programs, and efforts to create a more attractive practice environment can help address physician shortages.
* **Expanding Telemedicine Capabilities:** Investing in infrastructure, training providers, and educating patients about telemedicine benefits can improve access to care.
* **Enhancing Mental Health Resources:** Increasing the number of mental health providers, establishing more support groups, and promoting mental health awareness are crucial.
* **Caregiver Support:** Providing resources for caregivers, including respite care, education, and support groups, can ease the burden of care.
* **Community Awareness:** Educating the public about Alzheimer's disease, its symptoms, and the importance of early diagnosis can encourage people to seek help.
**Conclusion:**
While a precise numerical score is impossible, the assessment indicates that improvements in several areas could enhance the quality of Alzheimer's care in Franklin, NC. Understanding the geography of care, physician locations, and resource availability is critical for patients and caregivers.
**Call to Action:**
To gain a more detailed understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability in Franklin, NC, consider exploring interactive mapping tools. **CartoChrome maps** can provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution of healthcare providers and related services, helping you make informed decisions about care.
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