36480, Uriah, Alabama Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36480, Uriah, Alabama is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.11 percent of the residents in 36480 has some form of health insurance. 36.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.28 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 36480 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 315 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36480. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 399 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 101 health care providers accessible to residents in 36480, Uriah, Alabama.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Uriah, Alabama (ZIP Code 36480)**

The purpose of this analysis is to assess the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within the Uriah, Alabama area, specifically focusing on ZIP code 36480. This evaluation considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, offering a general assessment of the local healthcare landscape's capacity to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this challenging disease.

Uriah, Alabama, is a small, rural community. Its limited population suggests that the healthcare infrastructure may be less developed compared to larger metropolitan areas. This analysis acknowledges the inherent challenges associated with providing specialized care in such a setting. The focus will be on identifying the existing resources and evaluating their potential to support Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Accurately determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within a small, rural area like Uriah requires accessing specific data from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, given the limited population and the likely absence of specialized geriatric or neurological practices directly within Uriah, it is reasonable to assume that the ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) to the overall population is a crucial indicator. A low PCP-to-patient ratio, meaning a high number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to timely care, which is particularly problematic for individuals experiencing cognitive decline.

The availability of specialists, such as neurologists and geriatricians, is another critical factor. In rural areas, these specialists are often located in larger towns or cities, requiring patients to travel significant distances for consultations and treatment. This travel burden can be particularly challenging for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. The absence of readily accessible specialists contributes to a lower Alzheimer's Score.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying "standout practices" within Uriah itself is likely to be challenging due to the community's size. The presence of a well-regarded primary care practice would be a significant asset. Such a practice would ideally demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, including regular cognitive screenings, memory assessments, and the provision of information and support to patients and their families.

Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as educational seminars on Alzheimer's disease or support groups for caregivers, would also be considered favorably. The willingness to collaborate with other healthcare providers, including home health agencies and assisted living facilities, to create a coordinated care plan is another positive indicator. The absence of these features suggests a lower score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a valuable opportunity to enhance healthcare access in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with specialists, receive remote monitoring, and participate in online support groups can significantly improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption within the Uriah area involves investigating whether local primary care practices offer telehealth services. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is another crucial factor, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies and offer virtual consultations would contribute to a higher Alzheimer's Score.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Alzheimer's disease often presents significant mental health challenges for both patients and caregivers. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances are common. The availability of mental health resources, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is therefore critical.

The analysis needs to consider the availability of mental health professionals within Uriah or in nearby communities. The presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and counseling services specifically tailored to the needs of Alzheimer's patients and their families is a positive indicator. The absence of these resources suggests a significant gap in care and contributes to a lower Alzheimer's Score.

**Overall Alzheimer's Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed, the Alzheimer's Score for Uriah, Alabama (ZIP code 36480) is likely to be relatively low. The challenges associated with rural healthcare, including limited access to specialists, the potential for high physician-to-patient ratios, and the possible absence of robust mental health resources, all contribute to this assessment. The score would be improved by the presence of a well-regarded primary care practice with a focus on geriatric care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support.

The specific score would depend on the degree to which these positive elements are present. Given the constraints of rural healthcare, families in Uriah may need to consider seeking specialized care in larger cities or towns.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Uriah and the surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the availability of resources, and potential travel distances, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare infrastructure, helping individuals and families make informed decisions about their care.