29844, Parksville, South Carolina Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 29844, Parksville, South Carolina is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.00 percent of the residents in 29844 has some form of health insurance. 39.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.31 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 29844 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29844. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 42 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 383 health care providers accessible to residents in 29844, Parksville, South Carolina.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Parksville, SC (ZIP Code 29844)

The task at hand is to analyze the availability and quality of primary care, with a specific focus on Alzheimer's care, within the Parksville, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29844) area. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources, culminating in an Alzheimer's Score assessment. This score will provide a snapshot of the area's preparedness to address the growing needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

Parksville, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas regarding healthcare access. A primary concern is the physician-to-patient ratio. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards will be crucial. The analysis will seek to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated patient population. A high ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, will negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score. This shortage can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced access to specialized care, and increased stress on both patients and caregivers.

Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. The analysis will investigate practices known for their commitment to geriatric care and Alzheimer's management. This includes assessing the presence of board-certified geriatricians or physicians with specialized training in dementia. The availability of memory clinics, specialized testing services (e.g., neuropsychological evaluations), and support groups will also be considered. Practices actively involved in research or clinical trials related to Alzheimer's will receive higher marks. The presence of these resources significantly improves the Alzheimer's Score, reflecting a proactive approach to patient care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to geographical barriers, particularly in rural areas like Parksville. The analysis will examine the availability of telehealth services for primary care consultations, medication management, and mental health support. Practices offering remote monitoring for patients with Alzheimer's or their caregivers will be highly valued. The ability to conduct virtual appointments can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and provide timely interventions, thereby positively influencing the Alzheimer's Score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), within the area. The presence of specialized mental health services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers will be a key indicator. Access to counseling, support groups, and respite care services will also be considered. A robust network of mental health resources is crucial for managing the complex emotional and psychological challenges associated with Alzheimer's, directly contributing to a higher Alzheimer's Score.

To calculate the Alzheimer's Score, a weighted system will be employed. The physician-to-patient ratio will carry a significant weight, reflecting its impact on access to care. The presence of specialized geriatric services and memory clinics will also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption will receive a moderate weight, acknowledging its potential to improve access. The availability of mental health resources will be equally weighted, recognizing their crucial role in comprehensive care. Each factor will be scored based on its presence, quality, and accessibility. The scores will be aggregated to produce an overall Alzheimer's Score, providing a comprehensive assessment of the area's preparedness to address Alzheimer's.

The analysis will also explore the availability of resources for caregivers. Alzheimer's disease places a significant burden on family members and loved ones. The presence of caregiver support groups, respite care services, and educational programs will be assessed. These resources are essential for preventing caregiver burnout and ensuring the well-being of both patients and their caregivers. The availability of these resources will positively impact the Alzheimer's Score, reflecting a community that supports its caregivers.

The analysis will consider the involvement of local hospitals and healthcare systems. The presence of dedicated geriatric units, memory care units, and partnerships with Alzheimer's organizations will be evaluated. Hospitals that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as memory screenings and educational seminars, will be viewed favorably. The involvement of local healthcare systems is crucial for providing comprehensive care and support to individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. This involvement will contribute to a higher Alzheimer's Score.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the availability of transportation services for patients and caregivers. Transportation barriers can significantly impede access to healthcare, especially for individuals with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The availability of transportation assistance, such as volunteer driver programs or subsidized transportation services, will be considered. Addressing transportation barriers is essential for ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's can access the care they need, positively influencing the Alzheimer's Score.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community-based resources, such as adult day care centers and assisted living facilities with specialized memory care units. These facilities provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer's, allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity. The availability of these resources will be a key factor in determining the Alzheimer's Score, reflecting the community's commitment to providing comprehensive care.

Finally, the analysis will acknowledge the limitations of the data. The accuracy of the physician-to-patient ratio will depend on the availability of current and reliable data. The assessment of practices will be based on publicly available information and may not fully capture the nuances of each practice. Despite these limitations, the Alzheimer's Score will provide a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure in Parksville, SC, regarding Alzheimer's care.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score for Parksville, SC (ZIP Code 29844) will be a composite measure reflecting the availability of primary care physicians, specialized geriatric services, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, caregiver support, hospital involvement, transportation assistance, and community-based resources. This score will provide a valuable tool for understanding the area's preparedness to address the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape of Parksville and surrounding areas? Explore the data and gain deeper insights using CartoChrome maps.