24808, Anawalt, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24808, Anawalt, West Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.30 percent of the residents in 24808 has some form of health insurance. 58.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.04 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 24808 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 136 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24808. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 175 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 386 health care providers accessible to residents in 24808, Anawalt, West Virginia.

## Alzheimers Score Analysis: Anawalt, WV (ZIP Code 24808)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources, specifically concerning Alzheimer's disease, within the ZIP code 24808, encompassing the community of Anawalt, West Virginia. The focus is on primary care physicians and their capacity to address the needs of a population potentially facing cognitive decline. This assessment will consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support, culminating in an overall "Alzheimers Score" for the area.

Anawalt, like many rural communities, faces significant challenges in healthcare access. The geographical isolation, coupled with potential socioeconomic factors, often contributes to a shortage of medical professionals and limited resources. This reality necessitates a careful evaluation of the existing infrastructure and the strategies employed to mitigate these obstacles.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Anawalt is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) should be consulted. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, would significantly impact the "Alzheimers Score." A shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly translates to reduced access to initial screenings, diagnostic evaluations, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease.

Furthermore, the availability of PCPs who specialize in geriatric care or have experience with dementia patients is paramount. These physicians are better equipped to recognize early symptoms, provide accurate diagnoses, and coordinate appropriate treatment plans. The presence of board-certified geriatricians or neurologists within a reasonable travel distance would positively influence the score.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying any standout primary care practices in the area is essential. These practices might be distinguished by their commitment to geriatric care, their adoption of innovative technologies, or their strong community outreach programs. Features to look for include:

* **Memory clinics:** Designated clinics specializing in cognitive assessment and dementia care.
* **Dedicated geriatricians or neurologists:** Physicians with specific expertise in Alzheimer's disease.
* **Comprehensive diagnostic services:** On-site or readily accessible cognitive testing and imaging capabilities.
* **Care coordination programs:** Systems to help patients and families navigate the complexities of Alzheimer's care.
* **Support groups and educational resources:** Providing crucial information and emotional support for patients and caregivers.

The presence of such practices would significantly boost the "Alzheimers Score," signaling a commitment to providing high-quality care for individuals with cognitive impairments.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gap:**

Telemedicine offers a critical lifeline for rural communities like Anawalt. The ability to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some forms of therapy remotely can dramatically improve patient outcomes. Examining the extent of telemedicine adoption by local practices is therefore vital.

Factors to consider include:

* **Availability of virtual consultations:** Do PCPs offer telehealth appointments for routine check-ups and medication management?
* **Tele-neurology services:** Access to neurologists specializing in cognitive disorders via video conferencing.
* **Remote patient monitoring:** The use of technology to track vital signs and cognitive function remotely.
* **Patient access to technology:** Availability of reliable internet access and devices for patients to participate in telemedicine.

Widespread telemedicine adoption would positively influence the "Alzheimers Score," demonstrating a commitment to overcoming geographical barriers and providing timely care.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component:**

Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances. The availability of mental health resources is therefore crucial for comprehensive care.

The assessment should evaluate:

* **Access to psychiatrists and therapists:** The presence of mental health professionals within the community or a reasonable travel distance.
* **Availability of counseling services:** Support for patients and their caregivers to manage the emotional and psychological impacts of the disease.
* **Support groups:** Local or virtual support groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
* **Integration of mental health services:** Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals to provide coordinated care.

The presence of robust mental health resources would significantly enhance the "Alzheimers Score," reflecting a holistic approach to patient care.

**Overall "Alzheimers Score" and Conclusion:**

Based on the evaluation of these factors, an "Alzheimers Score" can be assigned to the Anawalt area. This score would reflect the overall capacity of the healthcare system to address the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. The score would be subjective, based on the availability of the data and the relative weighting of the factors discussed above.

This analysis highlights the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare in Anawalt, WV. The "Alzheimers Score" serves as a snapshot of the current situation, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Anawalt, WV, and to explore the geographic distribution of resources, we encourage you to utilize the mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. Their interactive maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, access to care, and other relevant data points, helping you to better understand and navigate the healthcare resources available in your community.