08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.34 percent of the residents in 08247 has some form of health insurance. 47.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.59 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 08247 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 84 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 08247. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 483 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 554 health care providers accessible to residents in 08247, Stone Harbor, New Jersey.

The task is to evaluate the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 08247, specifically focusing on primary care physicians and their ability to serve potential Alzheimer's patients in Stone Harbor, New Jersey. This analysis, framed as an "Alzheimer's Score," considers factors critical for effective Alzheimer's care, including physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources.

The foundation of any Alzheimer's care system is a strong primary care network. ZIP code 08247, encompassing Stone Harbor, is a relatively small community, suggesting a potentially limited number of primary care physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio presents a significant challenge. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and decreased opportunities for early detection and ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease. A thorough investigation would involve identifying the exact number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and comparing that number to the local population, including the demographic breakdown of the elderly population, who are at a higher risk.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of the practices themselves is crucial. The "Alzheimer's Score" must evaluate the practices' commitment to geriatric care and cognitive health. This includes assessing whether physicians have specialized training in geriatrics or neurology, possess experience in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's, and actively participate in continuing medical education related to dementia. Practices that utilize standardized cognitive assessment tools, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), should be given higher marks. Furthermore, the availability of care coordinators or nurses specializing in dementia management is highly beneficial. These professionals can provide crucial support to patients and their families, navigating the complexities of the disease and connecting them with necessary resources.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the "Alzheimer's Score." Telemedicine, particularly for remote monitoring and follow-up appointments, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online access to patient portals should be rated favorably. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists, such as neurologists or geriatric psychiatrists, who may not be readily available within the immediate community. The ability to connect patients with these specialists remotely can be invaluable in obtaining accurate diagnoses and developing comprehensive treatment plans.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to effective Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, agitation, and delusions. The "Alzheimer's Score" must evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers who specialize in geriatric mental health. Access to support groups for both patients and caregivers is also critical. These groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences, coping strategies, and emotional support. The proximity of these resources, the ease of access, and the affordability of services all contribute to the overall "Alzheimer's Score."

Standout practices within the ZIP code would likely exhibit several key characteristics. They would have a clear commitment to geriatric care, demonstrated through specialized training, the use of cognitive assessment tools, and the availability of care coordinators. They would embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring options. They would also have strong connections with local mental health providers and support groups, ensuring patients and their families have access to comprehensive care. These practices would likely have a positive reputation within the community, reflected in patient reviews and referrals.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for 08247 would be negatively impacted by a low physician-to-patient ratio, a lack of geriatric specialists, limited telemedicine adoption, and insufficient access to mental health resources. Conversely, a high physician-to-patient ratio, a strong network of geriatric specialists, robust telemedicine capabilities, and readily available mental health services would significantly improve the score. This comprehensive evaluation considers the interplay of these factors to provide a realistic assessment of the community's ability to support Alzheimer's patients and their families.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 08247 requires a multifaceted approach. While the exact "Alzheimer's Score" would depend on a detailed investigation of the factors discussed, the overall assessment will determine the level of support available to those impacted by this devastating disease. This analysis highlights the importance of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources in providing effective Alzheimer's care.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Stone Harbor, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize the healthcare resources within ZIP code 08247 and beyond, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.