36544, Irvington, Alabama Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36544, Irvington, Alabama is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.49 percent of the residents in 36544 has some form of health insurance. 37.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.07 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 36544 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,881 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36544. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,151 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,906 health care providers accessible to residents in 36544, Irvington, Alabama.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Irvington, AL (ZIP Code 36544)

Evaluating healthcare accessibility and quality, especially concerning Alzheimer's care, requires a nuanced approach. This analysis focuses on the specific needs of Irvington, Alabama (ZIP Code 36544), examining primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources. The aim is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, reflecting the community's capacity to support individuals and families affected by this debilitating disease.

Irvington, a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. The rural setting often translates to limited resources compared to urban areas. Understanding the existing infrastructure is paramount to assessing its ability to address the complex needs of Alzheimer's patients.

**Primary Care Availability:** The cornerstone of Alzheimer's care often lies within the primary care physician's (PCP) practice. PCPs are typically the first point of contact, responsible for initial screening, diagnosis, and ongoing management. In Irvington, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. The analysis must consider the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Data from sources like the American Medical Association (AMA) and local healthcare directories can provide insights into the physician count. Furthermore, examining the patient panel sizes of these PCPs is essential. A high patient-to-physician ratio can indicate potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. The presence of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in primary care practices can also influence access, as they can often provide a significant portion of the care.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:** The ratio of physicians to the population is a crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility. A lower ratio suggests a greater likelihood of difficulty in securing appointments and receiving consistent care. This is particularly relevant for Alzheimer's patients, who require frequent monitoring and management. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and state health departments can be combined with physician data to calculate this ratio for Irvington. Comparing this ratio to state and national averages provides a valuable benchmark. A significantly lower ratio in Irvington would raise concerns about the adequacy of healthcare resources.

**Standout Practices:** Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care and Alzheimer's management is vital. This involves looking for practices that have physicians with specialized training in geriatrics or neurology. These specialists often possess a deeper understanding of the disease and its complexities. Further, practices that offer comprehensive services, such as memory clinics, cognitive assessments, and support groups, are highly valuable. These practices may be found in the surrounding larger cities of Mobile or Fairhope. This analysis must assess the distance and accessibility of these specialized services for Irvington residents.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address the challenges of healthcare access in rural areas. The ability to consult with specialists remotely can significantly improve the care of Alzheimer's patients. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices and specialists is crucial. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of digital tools for communication and information sharing. Practices actively embracing telemedicine can improve access to specialized care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance the overall quality of care.

**Mental Health Resources:** Alzheimer's disease often presents with significant behavioral and psychological symptoms, necessitating access to mental health services. Assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists in the Irvington area is essential. The presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups specifically for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers is another important factor. Collaboration between primary care physicians, neurologists, and mental health professionals is critical for providing holistic care.

**Alzheimer's Score Assessment:** Based on the analysis of these factors, an "Alzheimer's Score" can be assigned. This score would reflect the overall capacity of the Irvington healthcare system to meet the needs of Alzheimer's patients. The score could be represented using a numerical scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 being the highest level of support) or a descriptive rating (e.g., Poor, Fair, Good, Excellent). The score would be based on the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized geriatric care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

**Specific Considerations for Irvington:** Given the rural nature of Irvington, transportation is a significant barrier. The availability of transportation services, such as ride-sharing programs or community transportation options, can significantly impact access to care. Also, the presence of support groups and caregiver resources is particularly critical in a rural setting, where social isolation can be a challenge.

**Conclusion:** Assessing the Alzheimer's care landscape in Irvington, AL (36544) reveals a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities. While the rural setting may present limitations, the commitment of local healthcare providers and the potential of telemedicine can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by this disease. The "Alzheimer's Score" provides a framework for evaluating and improving healthcare access and quality in this community.

**Call to Action:** To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Irvington, including the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, and support services, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide valuable insights into healthcare accessibility and can empower you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.