The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 65.38 percent of the residents in 28747 has some form of health insurance. 33.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.49 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 28747 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 595 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28747. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 344 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 957 health care providers accessible to residents in 28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 28747, Lake Toxaway, North Carolina
Alzheimers Score | 46 |
---|---|
People Score | 35 |
Provider Score | 65 |
Hospital Score | 56 |
Travel Score | 31 |
28747 | Lake Toxaway | 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 disease presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized care and resources may be limited. This analysis focuses on evaluating the availability of Alzheimer's-related care within ZIP code 28747, encompassing Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, and its surrounding communities. We will assess the landscape of primary care physicians, their adoption of telemedicine, mental health resources, and overall physician-to-patient ratios, culminating in a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" analysis.
The foundation of Alzheimer's care often lies within primary care. In Lake Toxaway, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A low ratio, indicating a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 28747 requires detailed data collection, including the total population of the ZIP code and the number of actively practicing PCPs within the area. This data point is the first element of our "Alzheimer's Score" calculation.
Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are crucial. We must evaluate which primary care practices stand out in the area. Are any practices specifically focused on geriatric care or cognitive health? Do they offer comprehensive assessments, including cognitive screenings and memory evaluations? Practices demonstrating a commitment to these areas would receive higher scores in our analysis. This includes identifying practices with physicians who have specific training or certifications in geriatrics or dementia care. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as cognitive testing batteries, enhances the score.
Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Its adoption by PCPs in 28747 directly impacts access to care for individuals with Alzheimer's. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, medication management, and ongoing monitoring. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments, and employing remote monitoring technologies would receive higher marks. This includes assessing the ease of use of these platforms for both patients and physicians, as well as the availability of technical support. The level of telemedicine adoption is another crucial component of our "Alzheimer's Score."
Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential. Assessing the number of mental health providers within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas is crucial. Are there specialized mental health services for individuals with dementia? Are there support groups for caregivers? The presence of these resources significantly improves the "Alzheimer's Score." This includes examining the accessibility of these resources, considering factors such as insurance acceptance and appointment availability.
The overall healthcare infrastructure in 28747 also plays a role. The proximity to hospitals and specialized care centers offering neurology and geriatric services is a key consideration. The presence of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities equipped to care for individuals with dementia is also vital. The availability of these facilities and their quality of care directly impacts the "Alzheimer's Score." This includes evaluating the staffing levels and training of personnel within these facilities.
The "Alzheimer's Score" will be a composite metric, weighing the various factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant component, reflecting the fundamental access to care. The adoption of telemedicine will contribute to improved accessibility and convenience. The presence of specialized geriatric and cognitive health services will be highly valued. The availability of mental health resources will be essential. Finally, the overall healthcare infrastructure, including the presence of specialized facilities, will influence the score. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care.
To calculate the "Alzheimer's Score," a detailed data collection effort is required. This includes gathering information on the number of PCPs, their specialties, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This also requires analyzing the healthcare infrastructure in the area, including the presence of hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities. The data will be analyzed to determine the scores for each factor, and these scores will be combined to produce an overall "Alzheimer's Score" for the region.
The final "Alzheimer's Score" will provide a valuable snapshot of the Alzheimer's care landscape in 28747. It will highlight areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This score can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to identify gaps in care and develop strategies to improve access to resources and support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The score will also serve as a benchmark for future improvements and a tool for monitoring progress.
Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is vital for effective planning and resource allocation. The ability to visualize this information on a map can provide invaluable insights. CartoChrome Maps offers a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, including physician locations, facility locations, and other relevant information. Using CartoChrome Maps, you can create interactive maps that allow you to explore the healthcare landscape in 28747 and identify areas with limited access to care.
The data-driven insights provided by CartoChrome Maps empower healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members to make informed decisions. They can optimize resource allocation, improve access to care, and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 28747, including the factors influencing our "Alzheimer's Score" and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome Maps. Discover the power of data visualization and unlock actionable insights to improve Alzheimer's care in your community.
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