Health Scores Near 28779, Sylva, North Carolina
You may also like
The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 28779, Sylva, North Carolina is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 86.68 percent of the residents in 28779 has some form of health insurance. 36.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.81 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 28779 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 3,841 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28779. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,832 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,152 health care providers accessible to residents in 28779, Sylva, North Carolina.
Health Scores in 28779, Sylva, North Carolina
| Alzheimers Score | 46 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 35 |
| Provider Score | 75 |
| Hospital Score | 25 |
| Travel Score | 52 |
| 28779 | Sylva | 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 |
The analysis below offers a hypothetical "Alzheimer's Score" assessment for primary care physicians and resources within the Sylva, North Carolina, ZIP code 28779. This score is a composite, considering factors relevant to Alzheimer's care, including physician availability, access to mental health support, and adoption of technology. It is important to emphasize that this is a hypothetical exercise and should not be considered a definitive ranking.
The core of the assessment revolves around the availability of primary care physicians. In Sylva, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, which is critical for early detection and management of Alzheimer's disease. The analysis considers the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 28779 ZIP code, comparing this to the estimated population of Sylva. This ratio is then benchmarked against national and state averages to determine if Sylva experiences a shortage or surplus of primary care providers.
Beyond the raw numbers, the analysis delves into the operational characteristics of local practices. The "Alzheimer's Score" considers the size of the practices, as larger practices might have more resources, such as dedicated memory care specialists or nurses trained in geriatric care. The availability of comprehensive geriatric assessments within the practices is a key factor. These assessments are crucial for differentiating between normal age-related cognitive changes and the early stages of Alzheimer's. Practices that regularly conduct these assessments, including cognitive testing and functional evaluations, receive higher scores.
Standout practices within Sylva are identified based on their commitment to Alzheimer's care. This includes evaluating whether practices actively participate in clinical trials related to Alzheimer's disease or partner with local Alzheimer's organizations. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to patient education, offering resources and support groups for both patients and caregivers, are given significant weight in the scoring. The availability of specialized memory clinics or dedicated Alzheimer's care programs within a practice would significantly elevate its score.
Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the "Alzheimer's Score." Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The analysis assesses the extent to which local primary care practices utilize telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and cognitive assessments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, including secure online portals and remote monitoring devices, are recognized for their commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.
Mental health resources are essential for Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges for both patients and caregivers. The analysis examines the availability of mental health services within Sylva, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. The proximity of these services to primary care practices is considered, as a close collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals can improve patient outcomes. The availability of support groups for caregivers is also factored into the scoring, recognizing the crucial role caregivers play in managing the disease.
The "Alzheimer's Score" also considers the accessibility of diagnostic tools. This involves evaluating the availability of MRI and PET scans, which are often used in the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. The analysis considers the proximity of imaging centers to primary care practices and the wait times for these diagnostic tests. The availability of neuropsychological testing, which can help differentiate between different types of dementia, is also assessed.
The analysis considers the level of collaboration between primary care practices and specialists. The availability of neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists who focus on Alzheimer's disease is crucial. The analysis examines the referral patterns of primary care physicians, assessing how readily they refer patients to specialists for diagnosis and treatment. Practices that actively collaborate with specialists and share patient information are given higher scores.
The "Alzheimer's Score" also considers the availability of community resources. This includes evaluating the presence of local Alzheimer's Association chapters, memory care facilities, and adult day care centers. The analysis assesses the extent to which primary care practices are aware of these resources and refer patients and caregivers to them. The availability of transportation services for patients with Alzheimer's disease is also considered.
The score is not a static number but rather a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape in Sylva. As practices evolve, adopt new technologies, and improve their services, their scores will change. The "Alzheimer's Score" is designed to be a tool for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system regarding Alzheimer's care. It is a snapshot in time, designed to encourage continuous improvement and promote better outcomes for individuals affected by this devastating disease.
The hypothetical "Alzheimer's Score" for primary care availability in Sylva, NC (28779) is a complex calculation, incorporating various factors. While this analysis offers a framework for evaluation, the specific score for any given practice or the overall community would require detailed data collection and analysis. This model encourages a comprehensive approach to assessing Alzheimer's care resources.
To visualize this data and explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Sylva and beyond, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can help you visualize physician locations, specialist availability, and the proximity of support services. This visual approach can help you understand the healthcare landscape and identify areas where resources are most needed.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like
