36477, Samson, Alabama Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36477, Samson, Alabama is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.96 percent of the residents in 36477 has some form of health insurance. 46.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.83 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 36477 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 678 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36477. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 850 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 156 health care providers accessible to residents in 36477, Samson, Alabama.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Samson, Alabama (ZIP Code 36477)

This analysis delves into the availability of primary care and related resources within Samson, Alabama (ZIP code 36477), specifically assessing factors relevant to the care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" analysis, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support. This is a complex undertaking, and the following assessment relies on publicly available information, which may be subject to limitations.

Samson, a small town in Geneva County, presents unique challenges and opportunities concerning healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to lower population densities and potentially fewer healthcare providers compared to urban centers. This geographical context significantly impacts the Alzheimer's Score.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

A critical element of the Alzheimer's Score is the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically for primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are often the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline and are crucial for diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 36477 requires detailed data on practicing PCPs and the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates, but the data may be generalized to the county level, not specific to the ZIP code. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and difficulty in establishing a strong doctor-patient relationship, all crucial for managing Alzheimer's.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care offered. This includes assessing the availability of geriatric specialists, memory care clinics, and support services for patients and their families. Searching online directories and healthcare review websites may reveal information about local practices. However, it's important to critically evaluate the source and the recency of the information. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care often have dedicated staff trained in geriatric medicine, offer cognitive assessments, and provide resources like support groups and educational materials. The presence of such features would significantly improve a practice's standing and positively influence the Alzheimer's Score. The lack of these resources would negatively impact the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption can significantly improve access to care for individuals with Alzheimer's, allowing for remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine within 36477 requires examining the practices of local physicians and healthcare facilities. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring technologies? The presence of telemedicine capabilities would enhance the Alzheimer's Score, especially considering the potential mobility challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. A lack of telemedicine would negatively impact the score.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Access to mental health resources is therefore crucial. This includes the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counseling services. Evaluating the presence of these resources within 36477 involves searching for mental health providers in the area and assessing the types of services they offer. The availability of specialized mental health services for geriatric patients is particularly important. The presence of robust mental health support would improve the Alzheimer's Score, while a scarcity of these resources would negatively impact the score.

**Primary Care Availability in Samson:**

The availability of primary care physicians is the cornerstone of Alzheimer's care. This analysis needs to assess the number of PCPs practicing within Samson and the surrounding areas. Publicly available data from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and other sources can provide this information. The proximity of PCPs to the population is also a factor. A concentration of PCPs within Samson itself would be ideal. A lack of PCPs or a need to travel long distances to access care would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score.

**Overall Alzheimer's Score for Samson (36477):**

Based on the available information, the Alzheimer's Score for Samson, Alabama (36477) is likely to be negatively impacted by the rural setting. The physician-to-patient ratio may be less favorable than in more populated areas, and access to specialized geriatric care may be limited. The adoption of telemedicine may be in its early stages. The availability of mental health resources may also be limited. However, the specific score would depend on the availability of detailed data.

**Conclusion:**

The effective management of Alzheimer's disease requires a comprehensive approach, including readily accessible primary care, specialized geriatric services, mental health support, and the utilization of technologies like telemedicine. While this analysis offers an overview of the situation in Samson, Alabama (36477), a more detailed assessment is necessary to develop a truly accurate Alzheimer's Score.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more granular understanding of healthcare access and resources within Samson, Alabama (36477), explore the power of spatial data visualization. Utilize CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and other relevant demographic data. This will allow you to create a more informed assessment of healthcare accessibility and identify areas where resources are most needed.