36524, Coffeeville, Alabama Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36524, Coffeeville, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.32 percent of the residents in 36524 has some form of health insurance. 65.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.35 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 36524 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 262 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36524. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 342 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 135 health care providers accessible to residents in 36524, Coffeeville, Alabama.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36524 and Primary Care Availability in Coffeeville

This analysis assesses the availability of resources and the quality of care for individuals, particularly those affected by Alzheimer's disease, within ZIP code 36524 (likely encompassing the area around Coffeeville, Alabama) and specifically examines the primary care landscape in Coffeeville itself. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, though a precise numerical score is impossible without proprietary data. This analysis will instead offer a qualitative assessment across several key domains.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access Challenges:**

A significant challenge in rural areas like Coffeeville is often the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures for 36524 are difficult to obtain without access to detailed demographic and provider data, it's reasonable to assume a lower density of physicians compared to more urban centers. This scarcity is particularly concerning for primary care physicians (PCPs), who are the gatekeepers to specialist referrals, including neurologists and geriatricians crucial for Alzheimer's diagnosis and management. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosing cognitive decline. This situation can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer's.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the specific clinics and medical providers within 36524 and the surrounding areas. However, certain characteristics can be indicative of a practice that is better equipped to serve patients with Alzheimer's. These include:

* **Geriatrician or Neurologist Availability:** The presence of a geriatrician or neurologist on staff, or readily accessible through referral networks, is a critical factor. These specialists have the expertise to diagnose and manage Alzheimer's.
* **Memory Care Programs:** Practices that offer memory care programs, such as cognitive assessments, support groups, and caregiver education, are highly valuable.
* **Staff Training:** Training staff in dementia care, including understanding the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and their families, is essential.
* **Patient-Centered Approach:** Practices that prioritize a patient-centered approach, focusing on the individual's needs and preferences, are more likely to provide effective care.
* **Coordination of Care:** Practices that actively coordinate care with other healthcare providers, such as specialists, therapists, and home health agencies, can improve outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Potential:**

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to improve access to care in rural areas. For individuals with Alzheimer's, telemedicine can provide several benefits, including:

* **Reduced Travel Burden:** Telemedicine eliminates the need for patients and caregivers to travel long distances for appointments, which can be particularly challenging for individuals with cognitive impairments.
* **Increased Access to Specialists:** Telemedicine can connect patients with specialists who may not be available locally.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of patients' health, allowing healthcare providers to track their progress and intervene early if necessary.
* **Support for Caregivers:** Telemedicine can provide caregivers with access to support groups, educational resources, and consultations with healthcare professionals.

The level of telemedicine adoption among physicians in 36524 is a key indicator of access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to serve a wider patient population, including those with Alzheimer's.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance:**

Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. The availability of mental health resources is therefore critical. This includes:

* **Psychiatrists and Therapists:** Access to psychiatrists and therapists who specialize in geriatric mental health is essential for diagnosing and treating mental health conditions in individuals with Alzheimer's.
* **Support Groups:** Support groups provide a valuable forum for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn coping strategies.
* **Counseling Services:** Counseling services can help individuals with Alzheimer's and their families navigate the emotional and practical challenges of the disease.
* **Medication Management:** Access to medication management services is important for ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's receive the appropriate medications for their mental health conditions.

The presence of these resources within 36524 or the surrounding areas is a crucial factor in assessing the overall quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's.

**Primary Care Availability in Coffeeville:**

Specifically focusing on Coffeeville, the primary care availability is a critical point of analysis. This involves assessing the number of PCPs serving the community, the types of services offered, and the ease of access to those services. Factors to consider include:

* **Number of PCPs:** The number of PCPs per capita is a fundamental indicator of access.
* **Clinic Hours and Availability:** Clinic hours, appointment availability, and after-hours care options are important considerations.
* **Insurance Acceptance:** The types of insurance accepted by local PCPs can affect access for different segments of the population.
* **Specialty Services:** The availability of in-house specialty services, such as laboratory testing or basic imaging, can streamline care.
* **Referral Networks:** The strength of referral networks to specialists is crucial.

A limited number of PCPs, combined with long wait times and limited access to specialty care, would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score for Coffeeville.

**Overall Alzheimer's Score Assessment (Qualitative):**

Based on the factors discussed, and without specific data, an Alzheimer's Score for 36524 and Coffeeville would likely be categorized as **"Needs Improvement."** The rural nature of the area suggests potential challenges related to:

* **Limited Physician Density:** A likely lower-than-average physician-to-patient ratio.
* **Access to Specialists:** Potentially limited access to neurologists, geriatricians, and mental health professionals.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The level of telemedicine adoption likely varies, potentially impacting access.
* **Support Services:** The availability of memory care programs, support groups, and caregiver resources may be limited.

The Alzheimer's Score could be improved by:

* **Increasing the number of PCPs and specialists.**
* **Expanding telemedicine services.**
* **Developing memory care programs and support groups.**
* **Training healthcare staff in dementia care.**
* **Improving coordination of care.**

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 36524 and Coffeeville, and to identify specific resources and providers, we encourage you to explore the power of **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize healthcare data, identify physician locations, assess access to care, and uncover valuable insights to make informed decisions.