28759, Mills River, North Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28759, Mills River, North Carolina is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.26 percent of the residents in 28759 has some form of health insurance. 35.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.82 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 28759 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,753 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28759. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,852 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,907 health care providers accessible to residents in 28759, Mills River, North Carolina.

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) presents a significant public health challenge, particularly in communities with aging populations. Assessing the preparedness of a locality to address AD requires a multifaceted approach, encompassing access to primary care, specialist availability, mental health resources, and the integration of technology. This analysis provides an Alzheimer's Score assessment for doctors in ZIP code 28759 (Mills River, North Carolina) and the primary care landscape within that area.

Mills River, nestled in the heart of Western North Carolina, has a demographic profile that suggests a potential vulnerability to AD. The town's older population, combined with the increasing prevalence of AD nationwide, underscores the importance of evaluating the local healthcare infrastructure's capacity to manage this disease. This analysis, therefore, aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the current state of primary care availability and related resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and increased strain on existing medical professionals. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in 28759 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The data would need to be analyzed to determine if the ratio meets the needs of the community, especially considering the specific demands of AD care.

Standout practices within Mills River would ideally demonstrate a proactive approach to AD management. This includes early detection initiatives, such as cognitive screening programs, partnerships with local memory care centers, and a commitment to continuing medical education for their staff on the latest AD treatments and research. These practices should have established protocols for diagnosing and managing AD, including access to neuropsychological testing and support services for patients and their families. Identifying these standout practices would require detailed research, including reviewing patient testimonials, analyzing practice websites, and potentially conducting interviews with local healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for rural communities like Mills River. Telemedicine can enhance access to specialists, provide remote monitoring capabilities, and offer convenient follow-up appointments. The analysis should assess the extent to which primary care physicians in 28759 utilize telemedicine for AD-related care. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote cognitive assessments, and the use of telehealth platforms for medication management and patient education.

Mental health resources are essential for individuals with AD and their caregivers. AD often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is critical for managing these symptoms. The analysis should evaluate the presence of mental health providers in the area, the availability of specialized therapy programs for AD patients, and the accessibility of support groups for caregivers.

The analysis must also consider the integration of these various elements. Do primary care physicians collaborate effectively with specialists, mental health providers, and memory care facilities? Is there a coordinated approach to AD management within the community? This requires examining the referral patterns among healthcare providers and assessing the level of communication and information sharing.

To create a comprehensive Alzheimer's Score, the analysis must quantify these factors. This could involve assigning numerical values to each category (physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, etc.) and weighting them based on their relative importance. The final score would then provide a comparative assessment of the community's preparedness to address AD.

The score would serve as a benchmark, highlighting areas of strength and weakness within the local healthcare infrastructure. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio might negatively impact the score, while a high level of telemedicine adoption could positively influence it. The score should be presented with clear explanations of the methodology and limitations.

The analysis should also consider the availability of community resources. This includes adult day care centers, respite care services, and support groups for caregivers. These resources play a vital role in providing care and support to individuals with AD and their families. The analysis should assess the accessibility and affordability of these resources within the Mills River community.

The analysis must also consider the specific challenges faced by the elderly population in Mills River. This includes factors such as transportation limitations, financial constraints, and social isolation. The analysis should identify any programs or initiatives that address these challenges and support the well-being of individuals with AD and their caregivers.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score analysis for Mills River (28759) should provide a clear picture of the community's capacity to address AD. It will identify gaps in care, highlight areas for improvement, and provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. This comprehensive assessment will help to guide efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with AD and their families.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mills River and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can provide valuable insights into physician locations, healthcare facility proximity, and other relevant data points.