The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 29810, Allendale, South Carolina is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 89.19 percent of the residents in 29810 has some form of health insurance. 50.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.39 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 29810 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 950 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 15 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29810. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 849 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 372 health care providers accessible to residents in 29810, Allendale, South Carolina.
Health Scores in 29810, Allendale, South Carolina
Alzheimers Score | 8 |
---|---|
People Score | 11 |
Provider Score | 31 |
Hospital Score | 31 |
Travel Score | 41 |
29810 | Allendale | South 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 |
## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Allendale, SC (ZIP Code 29810)
Allendale, South Carolina, a rural county seat, presents a unique challenge when considering the availability of healthcare resources, particularly for a disease like Alzheimer's. This analysis, framed as an "Alzheimer's Score," aims to evaluate the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) and related resources within ZIP code 29810, with a focus on the broader context of primary care availability in Allendale County. The score, though not a numerical value in this format, assesses various factors crucial for Alzheimer's care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support.
The foundation of Alzheimer's care often lies within the primary care setting. Early diagnosis and management are crucial, and PCPs are frequently the first point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. However, Allendale County, like many rural areas, faces significant challenges in PCP availability. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, meaning a small number of physicians serving a large population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced access to care, and potentially, delayed diagnoses. While precise physician counts fluctuate, the general trend suggests a scarcity of PCPs in Allendale County compared to national averages. This scarcity necessitates careful consideration of how existing resources are utilized and how access can be improved.
Within ZIP code 29810, identifying "standout practices" requires a nuanced approach. Rather than focusing on specific practice names (for privacy and data limitations), the analysis considers the characteristics that contribute to effective Alzheimer's care. These include practices that demonstrate a commitment to: comprehensive geriatric assessments, cognitive screening tools, and care coordination. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education on Alzheimer's and related dementias are also crucial. Moreover, practices that are integrated with local support services, such as the Alzheimer's Association or area agencies on aging, are particularly valuable. Identifying these practices involves assessing their patient intake processes, their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track cognitive changes, and their willingness to collaborate with specialists, such as neurologists or geriatricians, who may be located outside the immediate area.
Telemedicine presents a significant opportunity to bridge the gap in healthcare access in Allendale. Its adoption, however, is not uniform. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel, which can be a major barrier for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers. The "Alzheimer's Score" considers the availability of telemedicine services for primary care consultations, medication management, and even remote cognitive assessments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are likely to score higher in this assessment. This also includes the availability of telehealth-enabled mental health services, which are vital for addressing the emotional and psychological challenges associated with Alzheimer's for both patients and their caregivers.
Mental health resources are an integral part of Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings with it depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), is therefore critical. Allendale County, like many rural communities, may have limited access to these resources. The "Alzheimer's Score" considers the presence of mental health providers within the county, the availability of mental health services integrated with primary care, and the accessibility of support groups for both patients and caregivers. The ability to connect patients with mental health support, whether in person or via telehealth, is a key factor in providing comprehensive care.
The overall "Alzheimer's Score" for Allendale, SC, is influenced by the interplay of these factors. The scarcity of PCPs, the need for enhanced telemedicine adoption, and the limited availability of mental health resources create significant challenges. However, the presence of dedicated practices, even if few in number, that are committed to geriatric care and cognitive screening, and the potential for expanding telemedicine services, offer opportunities for improvement. The success of Alzheimer's care in Allendale hinges on collaborative efforts. This includes the recruitment and retention of qualified healthcare professionals, the expansion of telemedicine infrastructure, and the strengthening of partnerships between primary care practices, mental health providers, and community support organizations.
The analysis acknowledges that a comprehensive assessment requires more granular data than is publicly available. The assessment also acknowledges that this is a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. However, this "Alzheimer's Score" analysis provides a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities in Allendale County and highlights the critical need for a coordinated approach to address the healthcare needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
For a more detailed visualization of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to support services in Allendale County and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable visual representation of the healthcare landscape, assisting in identifying potential gaps in care and supporting informed decision-making.
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