29567, Little Rock, South Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 29567, Little Rock, South Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.43 percent of the residents in 29567 has some form of health insurance. 55.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 26.97 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 29567 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 81 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29567. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 128 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 503 health care providers accessible to residents in 29567, Little Rock, South Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29567 & Primary Care in Little Rock

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of care for Alzheimer's patients, focusing on two distinct geographical areas: doctors practicing within ZIP code 29567 (likely in the Myrtle Beach, South Carolina area) and the broader primary care landscape in Little Rock, Arkansas. The evaluation considers factors crucial for Alzheimer's care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" based on the relative strengths and weaknesses of each location.

**ZIP Code 29567: A Coastal Perspective**

Assessing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 29567 requires a deep dive into the specific resources available. The area, likely encompassing parts of the Grand Strand, is known for its significant retirement population, making it a region where Alzheimer's disease is a pressing concern. Physician-to-patient ratios, specifically concerning neurologists, geriatricians, and primary care physicians with expertise in dementia, are a critical starting point. Researching the number of specialists per capita, relative to the elderly population, gives an initial indication of access to specialized care. A low ratio suggests potential challenges in timely diagnosis and treatment.

Standout practices in the area should be identified through online reviews, recommendations from local support groups, and partnerships with regional hospitals. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care often have dedicated memory clinics, offer comprehensive diagnostic services (including neuropsychological testing), and participate in clinical trials. These practices are vital for providing advanced care and keeping up with the latest research. Their presence significantly elevates the "Alzheimer's Score" for the area.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element, especially for a region with a potentially dispersed population. Telemedicine allows patients to access specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations. Practices utilizing telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and medication management should be considered favorably. This increases the accessibility of care, particularly for patients who may find it difficult to travel.

Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. Patients and caregivers often experience significant emotional distress. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, support groups, and respite care services is paramount. The presence of these resources, along with their accessibility and affordability, directly impacts the quality of life for both patients and their families. A strong network of mental health providers significantly boosts the "Alzheimer's Score."

**Little Rock: A Broader View of Primary Care**

The evaluation of primary care availability in Little Rock takes a different approach, considering the city's broader healthcare infrastructure. The physician-to-patient ratio of primary care physicians is a fundamental metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can indicate potential difficulties in accessing timely primary care, which is often the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline.

Standout practices in Little Rock should be identified based on their commitment to geriatric care and their capacity to diagnose and manage Alzheimer's. This includes practices that have implemented specialized memory care programs, offer comprehensive cognitive assessments, and demonstrate a strong understanding of the complexities of the disease. These practices are key in improving the "Alzheimer's Score."

Telemedicine adoption is again a critical factor. Primary care physicians who utilize telemedicine for patient consultations and follow-up appointments can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. This aspect is especially important in a city like Little Rock, which serves a larger regional population.

Mental health resources are equally important in Little Rock. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in geriatric care and dementia is essential. Support groups, caregiver resources, and respite care services are also critical components of a comprehensive Alzheimer's care system. The presence of these resources significantly contributes to the overall "Alzheimer's Score."

**Comparative Assessment and Scoring Methodology**

The "Alzheimer's Score" for each location would be based on a weighted assessment of the factors discussed above. Physician-to-patient ratios would be assigned a significant weight, reflecting the importance of access to care. Standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources would also be weighted, reflecting their impact on the quality of care. The weighting would be based on the relative importance of each factor in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care.

For ZIP code 29567, the score would be determined by the specific availability of specialists, the presence of dedicated memory clinics, and the utilization of telemedicine. The overall score would reflect the area's ability to provide timely diagnosis, treatment, and support for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

For Little Rock, the score would reflect the city's overall primary care infrastructure, the availability of specialized geriatric services, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The score would indicate the city's capacity to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for Alzheimer's patients within its broader healthcare system.

**Conclusion**

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the Alzheimer's care landscape in ZIP code 29567 and Little Rock. The "Alzheimer's Score" generated would provide a valuable insight into the strengths and weaknesses of each location, highlighting areas for improvement and informing patients and caregivers about the resources available to them. The ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

**Call to Action:**

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape for Alzheimer's care? Explore the data and map the resources with CartoChrome maps.