02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.70 percent of the residents in 02719 has some form of health insurance. 38.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.80 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 02719 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,974 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02719. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,211 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,396 health care providers accessible to residents in 02719, Fairhaven, Massachusetts.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Fairhaven, MA (ZIP Code 02719)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within Fairhaven, Massachusetts (ZIP code 02719). We will evaluate the landscape of primary care physicians, their practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, culminating in an Alzheimer's Score that reflects the overall preparedness of the community to address the needs of individuals affected by this debilitating illness.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests on the shoulders of primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, less time for comprehensive patient assessments, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as that from the US Census Bureau and the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, can be cross-referenced to estimate this ratio within Fairhaven. This ratio will be a key component of our score.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the characteristics of their practices are important. Do practices prioritize geriatric care? Are physicians board-certified in geriatrics or family medicine with a focus on older adults? The presence of specialized training and experience in managing the complexities of aging and cognitive decline significantly impacts the quality of care. Furthermore, the availability of on-site services, such as memory clinics, neuropsychological testing, and social work support, contributes positively to a practice's Alzheimer's readiness. These elements will be factored into the overall score.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has become increasingly vital, especially for patients with mobility issues or those residing in areas with limited access to specialists. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Fairhaven can improve access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and remote monitoring. Practices utilizing secure video conferencing platforms and patient portals to facilitate virtual consultations will score higher in our analysis.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease profoundly impacts not only the individual but also their caregivers, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and stress. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within Fairhaven is crucial. The presence of support groups, counseling services specifically tailored to Alzheimer's patients and their families, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers will be considered favorably in our scoring. The ease of access to these resources is also critical.

Analyzing standout practices within Fairhaven is crucial. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care can provide valuable insights into best practices. This involves reviewing online patient reviews, assessing the practice's website for information on geriatric care, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their approach to Alzheimer's diagnosis, treatment, and support. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's will receive additional recognition.

The Alzheimer's Score will be a composite metric, incorporating the physician-to-patient ratio, the specialization and experience of physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor will be weighted based on its perceived impact on the quality and accessibility of Alzheimer's care. The score will range from 1 to 10, with 1 representing a significantly underserved community and 10 representing a community with exceptional resources and a strong commitment to Alzheimer's care.

Let's delve deeper into the specifics of Fairhaven. The town's demographics, including the percentage of residents aged 65 and older, are important. A higher percentage of older adults necessitates a greater focus on geriatric care and resources. This demographic data, combined with the physician-to-patient ratio, will inform our understanding of the potential burden on the healthcare system.

Specific examples of practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to Alzheimer's care could include those that have geriatric specialists on staff, offer memory screenings, and actively collaborate with local support groups. Conversely, practices that have limited geriatric expertise, do not offer memory screenings, and have no apparent connection to mental health resources would likely receive a lower score.

The presence of local hospitals or clinics with specialized memory care units or geriatric assessment programs will significantly impact the score. These facilities often provide comprehensive diagnostic services, treatment plans, and support services for patients and their families. The availability of these resources within a reasonable distance of Fairhaven is crucial.

Telemedicine adoption is another area to examine. Are physicians offering virtual consultations? Do they use patient portals for communication and medication management? The ease with which patients can access their doctors remotely can significantly impact their ability to receive timely care. Practices that embrace telehealth technologies will be better positioned to serve the needs of their patients, particularly those with mobility issues or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources will be assessed based on their availability and accessibility. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists practicing within Fairhaven or nearby communities? Do these professionals have experience working with individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers? The presence of support groups, counseling services, and educational programs will also be considered.

The Alzheimer's Score for Fairhaven will be a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare resources evolve. Regular updates and reassessments are necessary to reflect the changing landscape of care. The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the community's readiness to address the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

Finally, to visualize and understand the distribution of these resources within Fairhaven and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data.

**Visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the Fairhaven healthcare landscape with CartoChrome maps. Explore physician locations, practice specializations, and the proximity of mental health resources. Visit CartoChrome to unlock the power of location intelligence and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.**