24733, Lashmeet, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24733, Lashmeet, West Virginia is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.74 percent of the residents in 24733 has some form of health insurance. 63.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.87 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 24733 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24733. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 39 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,402 health care providers accessible to residents in 24733, Lashmeet, West Virginia.

The following analysis provides an overview of healthcare accessibility and related factors within the specified geographic parameters, focusing on Alzheimer's care considerations. This evaluation considers the availability of primary care physicians in Lashmeet, West Virginia (specifically, the area served by ZIP code 24733) and assesses the broader healthcare landscape, including physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, all relevant to Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

The primary challenge in evaluating Alzheimer's care in a rural area like Lashmeet, 24733, is the inherent scarcity of resources. This is a common issue in many rural communities. The first step is to assess the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning a small number of doctors serving a large population, can severely limit access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and increased travel distances for those seeking care.

Finding specific physician data, including their specializations, practice sizes, and patient loads, requires detailed research. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the West Virginia Board of Medicine, can provide some information. However, these sources may not always include real-time data on appointment availability or the specific expertise of each physician regarding geriatric care or cognitive disorders.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, offers a potential solution to the access challenges faced by residents of Lashmeet. Telemedicine can connect patients with specialists, including neurologists and geriatricians, who may not be readily available locally. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors. These include the availability of reliable internet access, patient and physician comfort with technology, and the ability to conduct comprehensive assessments remotely.

The adoption rate of telemedicine among physicians in the 24733 area is crucial. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care for Alzheimer's patients. This is especially important for those with mobility issues or those who live far from specialist centers. The types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management, should also be considered.

Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. The disease not only affects the patient's cognitive abilities but also has a profound impact on their emotional and psychological well-being. Caregivers also experience significant stress and require support. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is essential. These professionals can provide therapy, counseling, and support groups for both patients and caregivers.

The presence of specialized memory care units or geriatric clinics within the area is another key factor. These facilities typically offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, including medical evaluations, cognitive assessments, and therapies designed to manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. They also provide support services for caregivers, such as education and respite care.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. This can include practices that have adopted innovative approaches to diagnosis and treatment, offer comprehensive support services for patients and caregivers, or actively participate in research related to Alzheimer's disease. Identifying these practices requires a review of patient reviews, physician profiles, and community outreach programs.

The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients and caregivers is also essential. These resources can provide valuable information, emotional support, and a sense of community. Local organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, often offer these services.

Access to pharmacies that specialize in medications for Alzheimer's disease is another important consideration. These pharmacies can ensure that patients receive the correct medications and provide guidance on proper usage and potential side effects.

The overall assessment of Alzheimer's care in Lashmeet, 24733, requires a comprehensive evaluation of all these factors. This includes a detailed analysis of physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of specialized care facilities. The final "Alzheimer's Score" would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of care available to patients and their caregivers in this area.

The lack of readily available data makes providing a specific score challenging. However, based on the rural nature of the area, the score would likely be lower than in more populated areas with greater access to resources. The key to improving Alzheimer's care in Lashmeet is to address the underlying issues of resource scarcity and access barriers. This requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies.

Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort. This includes recruiting and retaining qualified healthcare professionals, expanding telemedicine services, increasing access to mental health resources, and providing support for caregivers. This is an ongoing process.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lashmeet, 24733, and to visualize the distribution of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, allowing for a more informed assessment of access to care.