The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 36919, Silas, Alabama is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 89.60 percent of the residents in 36919 has some form of health insurance. 50.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.62 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 36919 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 347 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36919. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 461 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 13 health care providers accessible to residents in 36919, Silas, Alabama.
Health Scores in 36919, Silas, Alabama
Alzheimers Score | 1 |
---|---|
People Score | 26 |
Provider Score | 5 |
Hospital Score | 21 |
Travel Score | 16 |
36919 | Silas | Alabama | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
The task is to provide an analysis of healthcare accessibility and quality related to Alzheimer's care in Silas, Alabama, focusing on primary care availability and the resources available to address the disease. This analysis will be framed as an "Alzheimer's Score" for the area, though the score itself won't be a numerical value, but rather a qualitative assessment based on the available data and resources. The geographic focus is ZIP code 36919, which encompasses Silas.
The foundation of any Alzheimer's care plan rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Silas, Alabama, the primary care physician (PCP) landscape is critical. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, preventative care, and ongoing management, all vital for individuals at risk for or living with Alzheimer's. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing data from sources such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Alabama Department of Public Health. This data will reveal the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 36919 ZIP code and the estimated population they serve.
Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of these physicians matters. Are the PCPs concentrated in a single clinic, or are they spread throughout the community? A geographically dispersed network increases accessibility for residents in various parts of Silas, including those with mobility challenges. The presence of multiple practices also fosters competition, potentially leading to improved quality of care and a wider range of services.
Standout practices within the area warrant special attention. Some clinics might have a demonstrated commitment to Alzheimer's care, perhaps by employing staff with specialized training in geriatric medicine or cognitive assessment. They may offer memory screenings, early detection programs, or partnerships with local support groups. Identifying these practices, and understanding their specific offerings, is essential for residents seeking comprehensive care. Researching online reviews, contacting local advocacy groups like the Alzheimer's Association, and directly contacting clinics are ways to uncover this information.
Telemedicine adoption represents another crucial facet of the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for those living in rural areas like Silas. Telemedicine platforms can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, medication management, and remote monitoring. The availability of telemedicine options within the primary care practices in 36919 is a positive indicator. Assessing the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of access, and the patient satisfaction levels associated with these services will contribute to the overall score.
Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings with it significant emotional and psychological challenges for both the patient and their caregivers. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore critical. Assessing the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, family counseling), and their willingness to accept new patients is crucial. The presence of support groups for caregivers, and the availability of respite care services, also positively impact the score.
The integration of these various elements – physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – paints a more complete picture of the Alzheimer's care landscape in Silas. A high score would indicate a robust network of primary care physicians, a commitment to specialized Alzheimer's care within the local practices, the availability of telemedicine options, and ample access to mental health resources. A lower score would reflect areas where improvements are needed, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine capabilities, or increasing access to mental health services.
Further complicating the analysis is the role of specialists. While primary care physicians are the gatekeepers of healthcare, access to neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists is often required for diagnosis, treatment, and management of Alzheimer's. The travel distance to these specialists, and the availability of appointments, can significantly impact the quality of care. Investigating the referral patterns from local PCPs, and the ease with which patients can access specialist care, is therefore an important part of the assessment.
The Alzheimer's Score, in this context, is not a static number but rather a dynamic assessment that reflects the current state of resources and services. It is a tool to identify strengths and weaknesses, and to inform efforts to improve the quality of care for individuals living with Alzheimer's and their families in Silas, Alabama. This analysis is not a substitute for a comprehensive medical evaluation, but it provides a valuable framework for understanding the healthcare landscape and making informed decisions about care.
To fully visualize and understand the geographic distribution of these healthcare resources, including the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, mental health providers, and support groups, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas with high or low concentrations of resources and helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of Alzheimer's care in Silas, Alabama.
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