29439, Folly Beach, South Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 29439, Folly Beach, South Carolina is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.40 percent of the residents in 29439 has some form of health insurance. 32.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.69 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 29439 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 251 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29439. An estimate of 22 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 272 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 16,808 health care providers accessible to residents in 29439, Folly Beach, South Carolina.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29439 and Primary Care in Folly Beach**

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly for a complex condition like Alzheimer's disease, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will focus on doctors within ZIP code 29439 (which encompasses Folly Beach, South Carolina) and assess the primary care landscape, including its implications for Alzheimer's care. The evaluation will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital components in the overall 'Alzheimer's Score'.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of access. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially diminished quality of care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and the potential for more individualized attention. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Census Bureau and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, can provide population estimates for Folly Beach. Comparing this population data to the number of primary care physicians and specialists practicing within 29439 yields a preliminary physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio, however, is a crude measure. It does not account for the age distribution of the population, which is crucial in Alzheimer's care. Folly Beach, as a coastal community, may have a higher proportion of older adults, increasing the demand for geriatric and neurological care.

Identifying standout practices is critical. This involves researching practices that specialize in geriatric care, neurology, and memory disorders. These practices often have physicians with advanced training and experience in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease. Key indicators of quality include board certifications, affiliations with reputable hospitals or research institutions, and patient reviews. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc can be valuable resources for gathering this information. Furthermore, exploring the practice's approach to patient care, including its communication strategies and support services for patients and their families, is essential. Practices that offer comprehensive care, including memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and care coordination, will naturally score higher in an Alzheimer's-specific evaluation.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine can provide access to specialists, facilitate remote monitoring, and offer virtual support groups. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of practices in 29439 is vital. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring technologies, and the practice's technical infrastructure. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer greater convenience and accessibility, particularly for patients experiencing cognitive decline.

Mental health resources are an integral part of Alzheimer's care. The disease often leads to behavioral changes, mood swings, and depression. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups is crucial for managing these symptoms and supporting caregivers. The analysis needs to identify mental health providers within the ZIP code and assess the availability of specialized services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. This includes evaluating the presence of support groups, caregiver education programs, and access to psychiatric medications.

The 'Alzheimer's Score' is not a single number but a composite assessment based on the above factors. A practice or area would score higher if it has a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, several standout practices with expertise in Alzheimer's care, robust telemedicine capabilities, and readily accessible mental health resources. The score would be lower if the area has limited access to specialists, inadequate telemedicine options, and a scarcity of mental health support.

The specific data for 29439 needs to be gathered and analyzed to derive a precise score. This would involve a comprehensive search of physician directories, healthcare provider websites, and patient review platforms. The data collected would then be analyzed to create a weighted score based on the importance of each factor. For example, the availability of specialists might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific needs of the population.

The challenge lies in the limitations of publicly available data. Physician directories may not always be up-to-date, and patient reviews can be subjective. Furthermore, the specific services offered by a practice may not always be clearly stated on their website. Therefore, the analysis would require a combination of online research, phone calls to practices, and potentially interviews with healthcare professionals and community members.

The analysis should also consider the broader healthcare landscape in the Charleston metropolitan area, where Folly Beach is located. The availability of specialized Alzheimer's care centers, research facilities, and support services in the surrounding area can significantly impact the quality of care available to residents of 29439.

In conclusion, evaluating the 'Alzheimer's Score' for doctors in 29439 and primary care in Folly Beach is a complex undertaking. It requires a detailed assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The analysis should be thorough and data-driven, providing a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape and its implications for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including the location of doctors, specialists, and support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the data, making it easier to understand the distribution of resources and identify potential gaps in care.