41135, Emerson, Kentucky Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 41135, Emerson, Kentucky is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.14 percent of the residents in 41135 has some form of health insurance. 37.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.30 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 41135 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 24 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41135. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,070 health care providers accessible to residents in 41135, Emerson, Kentucky.

The analysis below assesses the availability of primary care physicians and the potential resources for Alzheimer's patients within ZIP Code 41135, which encompasses Emerson, Kentucky, and the surrounding areas. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in providing adequate care for individuals facing Alzheimer's disease.

Emerson, Kentucky, is a small, rural community. Its healthcare landscape is shaped by its geographical location and the demographics of its population. The initial assessment begins with the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is critical, as a higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can indicate limited access to care. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 41135 requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, and potentially local health departments. This data would reveal the number of practicing primary care physicians within the specified area and the total population served. A low ratio would signal potential challenges in securing timely appointments, especially for specialized care like neurology or geriatric medicine, which are crucial for Alzheimer's patients.

Beyond the raw numbers, the analysis must investigate the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, or are there group practices? Group practices often offer a broader range of services and may have greater capacity to handle a larger patient load. The presence of practices with a specific focus on geriatric care is particularly significant. Geriatricians possess specialized training in the health needs of older adults, including the diagnosis and management of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's. If such practices exist within or near 41135, they would significantly improve the "Alzheimer's Score."

Furthermore, the analysis should identify any standout practices. This involves looking for practices that have adopted innovative approaches to patient care. Do any practices utilize electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing and care coordination? Are any practices recognized for their patient satisfaction scores or their commitment to providing comprehensive care? These factors contribute to the overall quality of care available to Alzheimer's patients.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the assessment. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can be a valuable tool for patients in rural areas with limited access to specialists. Does any primary care practice in the area offer telemedicine consultations? This could include virtual appointments for medication management, follow-up visits, or even initial consultations. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and improve patient outcomes. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely, such as neurologists or geriatric psychiatrists, can be particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients.

Mental health resources are essential for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The disease often leads to behavioral changes, mood swings, and anxiety. The analysis must identify the availability of mental health services within the area. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) practicing in or near 41135? The presence of these professionals, particularly those with experience in geriatric mental health, would significantly enhance the "Alzheimer's Score." Access to support groups for both patients and caregivers is also crucial. These groups provide a forum for sharing experiences, offering emotional support, and learning coping strategies. The availability of such resources would be a positive indicator of the community's ability to support Alzheimer's patients.

The availability of community resources is another factor to consider. Are there adult day care centers in the area? These centers provide supervised care for individuals with Alzheimer's, offering respite for caregivers. Are there home healthcare agencies that provide in-home support services? Home healthcare can help patients maintain their independence and remain in their homes for as long as possible. The presence of these resources would contribute positively to the overall "Alzheimer's Score."

The analysis should also consider the availability of specialized diagnostic services. Does the area have access to facilities that offer cognitive assessments, such as neuropsychological testing? Accurate diagnosis is crucial for managing Alzheimer's disease. The availability of imaging services, such as MRI or PET scans, which can help detect changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's, is also important.

Finally, the analysis must consider the overall accessibility of care. Are there transportation services available to help patients get to and from appointments? Are there language services available for non-English speaking patients? Are practices accessible to individuals with disabilities? These factors impact the ability of patients to access the care they need.

In conclusion, assessing the "Alzheimer's Score" for Emerson, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41135), requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the types of primary care practices available, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of community support services. The findings will determine the level of support available to individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers in this rural community. The availability of specialized geriatric care, telemedicine options, and mental health support services would positively impact the score. The presence of these resources ensures better access to care and improves the quality of life for those affected by Alzheimer's disease.

To further visualize and understand the healthcare landscape of Emerson and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. Explore physician locations, healthcare facilities, and resource availability within ZIP Code 41135 and beyond.