Health Scores Near 38685, Waterford, Mississippi
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 38685, Waterford, Mississippi is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 90.77 percent of the residents in 38685 has some form of health insurance. 50.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.70 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 38685 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 94 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38685. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 462 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,561 health care providers accessible to residents in 38685, Waterford, Mississippi.
Health Scores in 38685, Waterford, Mississippi
| Alzheimers Score | 30 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 78 |
| Provider Score | 22 |
| Hospital Score | 30 |
| Travel Score | 34 |
| 38685 | Waterford | Mississippi | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Waterford, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38685)
Waterford, Mississippi, nestled within the 38685 ZIP code, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when evaluating its readiness to address the growing needs of individuals living with Alzheimer's disease. This analysis, framed as an "Alzheimer's Score," will assess the area's healthcare landscape, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. While no single numerical score will be assigned, a qualitative assessment will paint a picture of the current state and highlight areas for improvement.
Primary care availability is a critical cornerstone in the early detection and ongoing management of Alzheimer's. In Waterford, the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a key factor. Analyzing the ratio of PCPs to the population, particularly the elderly demographic, is essential. A low physician-to-patient ratio, especially for the 65+ age group, can lead to delayed diagnoses, limited access to preventative care, and increased strain on existing resources. Further investigation is needed to determine the precise ratio within the 38685 ZIP code, but anecdotal evidence and broader trends in rural Mississippi suggest a potential shortage, necessitating careful consideration of healthcare access challenges.
The presence of specialized practices, such as geriatricians and neurologists, is another crucial element. These specialists possess the specific expertise required for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing care for individuals with Alzheimer's. A limited number of specialists in the immediate area would necessitate patients traveling to larger cities like Oxford or Memphis for specialized consultations and treatment. This travel burden adds another layer of complexity and potential hardship for patients and their caregivers. The availability of these specialists, or the lack thereof, significantly impacts the Alzheimer's Score.
Telemedicine adoption, particularly within primary care practices, has the potential to significantly improve access to care for individuals in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing the frequency of consultations. Assessing the extent of telemedicine implementation in Waterford is vital. Are local practices utilizing virtual appointments for routine check-ups, medication management, and cognitive assessments? The more widespread the adoption, the higher the Alzheimer's Score.
Mental health resources are inextricably linked to the well-being of both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, requiring access to mental health professionals. Furthermore, caregivers experience significant emotional and physical stress. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups within the 38685 ZIP code is a crucial indicator of the area's preparedness. The presence of these resources, along with their accessibility and affordability, directly influences the Alzheimer's Score.
Standout practices within Waterford, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive Alzheimer's care. This might include practices that: actively screen patients for cognitive decline, offer memory clinics or specialized care units, provide caregiver support programs, and utilize a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, social workers, and therapists. Identifying and highlighting these practices would be a key element of a positive Alzheimer's Score.
The assessment must also consider the community's awareness and education efforts regarding Alzheimer's. Are there public awareness campaigns? Are local organizations actively involved in providing information and support to families affected by the disease? A well-informed and supportive community can significantly improve the quality of life for those living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. This community engagement is a vital component of the Alzheimer's Score.
Physician-to-patient ratios are not just about the raw number of doctors; it’s about the distribution of those doctors. Are the existing PCPs and specialists accepting new patients? Are they adequately trained in geriatric care and cognitive assessments? Are they familiar with the latest diagnostic tools and treatment options for Alzheimer's? Answering these questions is crucial for accurately assessing the healthcare capacity within the 38685 ZIP code. The quality of care is as important as the quantity of care.
The overall Alzheimer's Score for Waterford, Mississippi, hinges on a complex interplay of factors. Primary care availability, the presence of specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community awareness all contribute to the area's preparedness to address the challenges of Alzheimer's. While a detailed, numerical score is not provided, the analysis suggests that Waterford, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including increasing the number of healthcare providers, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and fostering community awareness and support.
To gain a more visual and granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Waterford and the surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, the distribution of resources, and potential gaps in care, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of healthcare access and identifying opportunities for improvement.
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