Health Scores Near 28751, Maggie Valley, North Carolina
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28751, Maggie Valley, North Carolina is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 90.41 percent of the residents in 28751 has some form of health insurance. 53.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.05 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 28751 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 611 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28751. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,446 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,928 health care providers accessible to residents in 28751, Maggie Valley, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 28751, Maggie Valley, North Carolina
| Alzheimers Score | 76 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 73 |
| Provider Score | 76 |
| Hospital Score | 38 |
| Travel Score | 43 |
| 28751 | Maggie Valley | 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: Maggie Valley, NC (ZIP Code 28751)
This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care resources within Maggie Valley, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28751), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's care. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, ultimately aiming to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" reflecting the area's preparedness for supporting individuals with this complex condition.
Understanding the demographics of Maggie Valley is crucial. While a precise age breakdown is beyond the scope of this analysis, it's reasonable to assume a significant senior population, increasing the potential prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. This underscores the importance of accessible and high-quality primary care, which serves as the cornerstone of early diagnosis, management, and ongoing support for those affected.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access**
Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Maggie Valley is fundamental. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the US Census Bureau, when combined, can offer an estimate of this ratio. However, it's important to acknowledge the limitations of such data, as it may not account for specialists who also provide primary care services or the impact of seasonal population fluctuations in a tourist-dependent area.
Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is critical. Are they clustered in a single location, or are they spread throughout the community, offering greater convenience for residents? The presence of clinics and practices that accept Medicare and Medicaid is also a significant factor, ensuring access for a large segment of the senior population.
**Standout Practices and Their Contributions**
Identifying "standout" practices requires a nuanced approach. This involves looking beyond basic metrics and considering factors like the adoption of patient-centered care models, the availability of specialized training for staff in geriatric care and cognitive assessment, and the integration of care coordination services. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, provide educational resources for patients and caregivers, and maintain strong relationships with local hospitals and specialists are particularly valuable.
Furthermore, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is essential for efficient care management. EHRs facilitate the tracking of patient history, medication management, and the coordination of care among different providers. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are better positioned to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for individuals with Alzheimer's.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for enhancing access to care, particularly in rural areas like Maggie Valley. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide support to caregivers can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's. The availability of telemedicine services can be assessed by examining the practices' websites, contacting the practices directly, and reviewing insurance coverage policies.
However, the successful implementation of telemedicine requires more than just technology. It also necessitates adequate internet access for patients, training for both patients and providers on how to use the technology, and a clear understanding of the legal and ethical considerations associated with virtual care.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Role**
Alzheimer's disease has a profound impact on mental health, both for the individual with the disease and for their caregivers. Access to mental health resources, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups, is crucial for managing the emotional and behavioral challenges associated with the condition.
Assessing the availability of these resources involves identifying the number of mental health professionals practicing within the ZIP code, evaluating the accessibility of their services (e.g., accepting new patients, insurance coverage), and examining the availability of support groups and educational programs. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is essential for providing comprehensive and integrated care.
**Developing an Alzheimer's Score**
Creating a formal "Alzheimer's Score" requires a weighted scoring system based on the factors discussed above. The specific weights assigned to each factor would depend on their relative importance in supporting Alzheimer's care. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be assigned a significant weight, while the availability of telemedicine services could be given a moderate weight.
The score would be calculated by collecting data on each factor, assigning points based on the data, and then summing the weighted points. The resulting score would provide a numerical representation of the area's preparedness for supporting individuals with Alzheimer's.
**Conclusion and Call to Action**
The availability of primary care resources, mental health support, and innovative care models is critical for supporting individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers in Maggie Valley, NC (ZIP Code 28751). While this analysis provides a framework for assessing these factors, a more in-depth investigation, involving direct contact with healthcare providers and community organizations, is recommended for a comprehensive understanding.
For those seeking to visualize and analyze this data spatially, consider exploring the power of **CartoChrome maps**. They offer a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of access and distribution. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Maggie Valley and beyond.
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