24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.33 percent of the residents in 24729 has some form of health insurance. 93.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 23.33 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 24729 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24729. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,406 health care providers accessible to residents in 24729, Hiawatha, West Virginia.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 24729 & Primary Care in Hiawatha

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning Alzheimer's care, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Hiawatha, West Virginia, and the broader context of healthcare professionals within ZIP code 24729. The goal is to assess the potential for adequate support for individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. We will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in an overall "Alzheimer's Score" assessment.

Hiawatha, being a rural community, likely faces challenges in healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. National averages are often skewed by urban centers. We must consider the specific context of Hiawatha. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can create significant hurdles. Patients may face long wait times for appointments, limited access to specialized care, and increased travel distances, all of which can negatively impact the management of Alzheimer's disease.

Within ZIP code 24729, the distribution of healthcare professionals is another critical factor. Are the PCPs concentrated in a single clinic or spread across multiple practices? The presence of geriatric specialists or neurologists is paramount. Alzheimer's care often necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. Ideally, a network of specialists, including neurologists, psychiatrists, and geriatricians, should be readily available. The absence of such specialists necessitates travel, which can be a major obstacle for patients and their families.

Identifying standout practices requires examining their focus on geriatric care and their approach to managing Alzheimer's. Do they have dedicated programs for patients with cognitive impairment? Do they offer support groups for caregivers? The availability of these resources is a strong indicator of a practice's commitment to comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Practices that proactively engage with patients and families, providing education and support, are invaluable.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to revolutionize healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel. This is particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients who may have difficulty traveling. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine within 24729 is crucial. Are PCPs utilizing telehealth platforms for routine check-ups, medication management, and consultations with specialists? The presence of a robust telemedicine infrastructure can significantly improve the quality of care.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors is vital for both patients and caregivers. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within 24729 is essential. Are there mental health clinics or therapists accepting new patients? Are there support groups for caregivers dealing with the emotional toll of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's?

To construct an "Alzheimer's Score," we need to weigh these factors. A high score would indicate excellent access to PCPs, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a strong presence of geriatric specialists and neurologists, the existence of standout practices with dedicated Alzheimer's programs, widespread adoption of telemedicine, and readily available mental health resources. A low score would suggest the opposite: limited access to care, a shortage of specialists, a lack of dedicated programs, minimal telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of mental health resources.

Without specific data on the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialists, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources in 24729, we can only offer a hypothetical assessment. Assuming Hiawatha reflects the general challenges of rural healthcare, we can reasonably predict a moderate to low Alzheimer's Score. The rural nature likely results in a lower physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, and potentially slower adoption of telemedicine.

The presence of standout practices, if any, could slightly improve the score. However, the overall score would likely be negatively impacted by the potential scarcity of mental health resources. Further investigation is required to provide a precise score. A comprehensive assessment would involve collecting data on the number of PCPs, the presence of specialists, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health services within the ZIP code.

The challenges faced by rural communities in providing adequate Alzheimer's care are significant. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including increasing the number of PCPs, attracting specialists, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding access to mental health resources. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies is essential.

The management of Alzheimer's disease is a complex and ongoing process. The availability of quality healthcare services is critical for patients and their families. The ability to navigate the healthcare system, access appropriate medical care, and receive emotional support can make a significant difference in the lives of those affected by the disease.

For a visual representation of healthcare access and resources in 24729 and surrounding areas, including the location of PCPs, specialists, and mental health facilities, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed geographical overview of healthcare infrastructure, assisting in identifying areas with limited access and highlighting potential gaps in care.