35446, Buhl, Alabama Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 35446, Buhl, Alabama is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.85 percent of the residents in 35446 has some form of health insurance. 45.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.15 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 35446 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 561 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35446. An estimate of 11 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 206 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,353 health care providers accessible to residents in 35446, Buhl, Alabama.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35446 and Primary Care Availability in Buhl, Alabama**

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care resources within ZIP code 35446, encompassing the town of Buhl, Alabama, with a focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's in this specific geographic area.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. In a rural area like Buhl, Alabama, the availability of primary care physicians can be significantly lower than in more urban centers. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for conditions like Alzheimer's. Researching the exact ratio for 35446 requires accessing publicly available data, such as that provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). However, we can anticipate that the ratio may be less favorable compared to the national average. This underscores the importance of understanding the local healthcare infrastructure and identifying strategies to mitigate the challenges posed by limited access.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 35446 is crucial. These practices may demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive care, including specialized services relevant to Alzheimer's patients. This could include practices with physicians who have a particular interest in geriatrics, cognitive health, or memory care. These practices might also have established relationships with specialists, such as neurologists and geriatric psychiatrists, who are essential for the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's. Furthermore, some practices may offer services such as memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and patient and caregiver education programs. Investigating the specific services offered by each practice and reviewing patient testimonials can help identify those that are best equipped to meet the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital aspect of healthcare delivery in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and care that might otherwise be unavailable. For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with neurologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals. It can also be used for remote monitoring of symptoms, medication management, and providing support to caregivers. The availability of telemedicine services within 35446 should be assessed, including the types of services offered, the technology used, and the ease of access for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can significantly improve the quality of care for Alzheimer's patients, especially those who have difficulty traveling to appointments.

The presence of mental health resources is particularly relevant to Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for managing these symptoms and improving the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health services within 35446, including the number of providers, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services for Alzheimer's patients. This includes assessing the availability of support groups, counseling services, and medication management options.

Primary care physicians play a central role in the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease. They are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline. Therefore, the training and expertise of primary care physicians in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's are critical. The analysis should assess the level of training and experience of primary care physicians in 35446 in the field of Alzheimer's. This could include the availability of continuing medical education (CME) opportunities, participation in specialized training programs, and the use of standardized cognitive assessment tools. Practices that prioritize the education and training of their physicians in Alzheimer's care are better positioned to provide high-quality care to their patients.

Caregiver support is another important consideration. Alzheimer's disease places a significant burden on caregivers, who often experience stress, burnout, and social isolation. The availability of caregiver support services within 35446 can significantly improve the well-being of caregivers and help them provide better care to their loved ones. The analysis should assess the availability of caregiver support services, including support groups, respite care, educational programs, and counseling services. Practices that actively engage with caregivers and provide them with the resources they need are better equipped to support Alzheimer's patients and their families.

The overall 'Alzheimer's Score' for 35446 would be a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, the training and expertise of primary care physicians, and the availability of caregiver support services. A higher score would indicate a more favorable healthcare landscape for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 35446, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare resources, including the location of physician practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, and other relevant services. They can also display demographic data, such as the age distribution of the population, which can help identify areas with a higher prevalence of Alzheimer's. By using CartoChrome maps, individuals and families can gain a more informed understanding of the healthcare options available to them and make informed decisions about their care.