35653, Russellville, Alabama Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 35653, Russellville, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.93 percent of the residents in 35653 has some form of health insurance. 35.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.96 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 35653 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,129 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35653. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,365 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,898 health care providers accessible to residents in 35653, Russellville, Alabama.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Russellville, AL (ZIP Code 35653)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services in Russellville, Alabama (ZIP code 35653), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. We will evaluate physician-to-patient ratios, highlight notable practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and explore the presence of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, reflecting the community's preparedness to support individuals and families affected by this debilitating condition.

The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care lies in accessible and quality primary care. Early diagnosis, ongoing management, and coordination of care are all critical elements. Therefore, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the first crucial factor. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio for Russellville requires access to up-to-date, publicly available data. This includes information from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. However, simply knowing the ratio isn't enough. We need to delve deeper.

The quality of care provided by PCPs is equally important. This involves factors like the physicians' experience, their familiarity with Alzheimer's disease, and their commitment to ongoing professional development. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) focused on geriatric care and dementia management are more likely to provide optimal support. We need to identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to this area.

Standout practices within Russellville should be recognized. This involves researching individual practices to determine their specific offerings. Do they have dedicated geriatric specialists or nurses? Do they offer memory screenings or cognitive assessments? Do they collaborate with local neurologists or specialists in Alzheimer's care? Practices that integrate these services are more likely to score highly. Information on practice websites, patient reviews, and professional directories will provide valuable insights.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine within Russellville's primary care practices requires investigation. Are virtual appointments offered? Do physicians use remote monitoring technologies? Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility, particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial. We need to investigate the presence of these professionals within Russellville and the surrounding areas. Are there sufficient resources to meet the needs of the community? Are there support groups for patients and caregivers? Information from local hospitals, clinics, and community organizations will be essential.

The Alzheimer's Score for Russellville, AL (35653) will be a composite of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will contribute a significant portion of the score, with a lower ratio leading to a higher score. The presence of geriatric specialists, memory screening services, and collaborations with neurologists will boost the score. Practices actively using telemedicine will receive a positive mark. The availability of mental health resources will also be factored in, with a greater availability leading to a higher score.

The assessment will also consider the ease of access to these resources. This involves evaluating factors like wait times for appointments, the availability of transportation assistance, and the affordability of care. A community with readily accessible and affordable care will receive a higher score.

The Alzheimer's Score is not just a numerical value; it is a reflection of the community's preparedness to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. It highlights strengths and weaknesses, providing valuable information for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The final analysis will involve gathering data from various sources. This includes public health records, medical directories, practice websites, and patient reviews. It also requires contacting local healthcare providers and community organizations to gather information. The goal is to create a data-driven assessment that provides a comprehensive picture of Alzheimer's care in Russellville.

The analysis will conclude with a summary of the findings. It will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the community's healthcare infrastructure. It will offer recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health resources. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can help improve the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score is a tool to promote better care. By identifying areas for improvement, we can work towards creating a more supportive and accessible healthcare environment for those affected by this devastating disease. The goal is to empower residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions that improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Russellville, including the location of physicians, healthcare facilities, and community resources, we recommend exploring **CartoChrome maps**. They offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data and understand the accessibility of care in your community.