24834, Fanrock, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24834, Fanrock, West Virginia is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24834 has some form of health insurance. 65.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.37 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 24834 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 256 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24834. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 178 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 370 health care providers accessible to residents in 24834, Fanrock, West Virginia.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized care and support services can be limited. Evaluating the healthcare landscape within a specific ZIP code and assessing primary care availability is crucial for understanding the potential impact of Alzheimer's and ensuring adequate resources are in place. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 24834 (Fanrock, West Virginia) to assess the availability of care and support for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

The initial step involves identifying the physicians practicing within the specified ZIP code. Publicly available databases, such as the West Virginia Board of Medicine’s physician directory, can be used to compile a list of licensed doctors. Further research would determine their specializations, including primary care physicians (PCPs), neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists. The number of physicians, particularly those specializing in geriatric care or neurology, is a critical indicator of the community's capacity to address Alzheimer's.

Next, the physician-to-patient ratio needs to be calculated. This involves estimating the population of ZIP code 24834 and dividing it by the number of available physicians. This ratio provides a basic measure of access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and comprehensive care. The analysis must consider the age distribution of the population, as Alzheimer's is most prevalent in older adults. A higher proportion of older residents would necessitate a greater concentration of geriatric and neurological specialists.

Assessing primary care availability in Fanrock is another crucial aspect. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline. They can conduct preliminary assessments, refer patients to specialists, and manage the overall health of individuals with Alzheimer's. Determining the number of PCPs practicing in the area and their patient load is important. Furthermore, evaluating the acceptance of new patients by these practices is critical. A practice that is not accepting new patients will severely limit access to care.

Identifying any standout practices or healthcare facilities within the ZIP code or nearby is crucial. This involves researching the quality of care provided by different practices, including their experience in treating Alzheimer's patients, their use of evidence-based practices, and their patient satisfaction ratings. Some practices might offer specialized memory clinics or programs tailored to the needs of Alzheimer's patients and their families. These practices could serve as models for other providers in the area.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor to consider. Telemedicine can help overcome geographical barriers and provide access to specialists who may not be readily available in Fanrock. Evaluating the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources, is important. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients and caregivers who face transportation challenges or live in remote areas.

Mental health resources are also crucial for supporting Alzheimer's patients and their families. Alzheimer's can significantly impact mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Identifying the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is vital. Assessing the availability of support groups, counseling services, and other mental health resources specifically tailored to Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers is also important.

Beyond direct medical care, the availability of community resources plays a vital role in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. This includes adult day care centers, respite care services, home healthcare agencies, and support groups. These resources provide essential assistance with daily living activities, offer caregivers a much-needed break, and create a supportive community for those affected by the disease. The analysis should identify the availability, accessibility, and affordability of these resources in Fanrock and the surrounding areas.

The analysis must also consider the availability of diagnostic tools and treatment options. This includes access to brain imaging services, such as MRI and PET scans, which are used to diagnose Alzheimer's. It also involves assessing the availability of medications and other therapies used to manage the symptoms of the disease. The analysis should identify any limitations in access to these diagnostic tools and treatment options and consider how these limitations might impact patient care.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the role of local hospitals and healthcare systems in providing Alzheimer's care. This includes assessing the presence of specialized memory care units, the availability of geriatric specialists on staff, and the hospital's commitment to providing comprehensive care for Alzheimer's patients. The analysis should also consider the hospital's involvement in research and clinical trials related to Alzheimer's.

Finally, the analysis should assess the level of awareness and education about Alzheimer's in the community. This includes evaluating the availability of educational programs for healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers. It also involves assessing the level of public awareness about the disease and the resources available to support those affected by it. A well-informed community is better equipped to recognize the signs of Alzheimer's, seek early diagnosis, and access the necessary care and support.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score analysis for Fanrock (ZIP code 24834) necessitates a thorough investigation of physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, primary care access, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support systems. The findings of this analysis will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape and inform strategies to improve care and support for Alzheimer's patients and their families.

Are you interested in visualizing the healthcare landscape of Fanrock and the surrounding areas? CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of physician locations, resource availability, and population demographics, enabling a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Alzheimer's care. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps today to gain valuable insights and improve healthcare access in your community.