Health Scores Near 24853, Kimball, West Virginia
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24853, Kimball, West Virginia is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 88.82 percent of the residents in 24853 has some form of health insurance. 78.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 25.68 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 24853 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24853. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 106 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 458 health care providers accessible to residents in 24853, Kimball, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 24853, Kimball, West Virginia
| Alzheimers Score | 76 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 89 |
| Provider Score | 63 |
| Hospital Score | 36 |
| Travel Score | 42 |
| 24853 | Kimball | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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: Kimball, WV (ZIP Code 24853)
Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 24853, specifically concerning Alzheimer's care, presents a complex challenge. Kimball, West Virginia, is a small community, and healthcare resources, particularly those specialized in geriatric care and dementia management, are likely limited. This analysis will attempt to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering the factors influencing care accessibility and quality, while acknowledging the inherent limitations in data availability for such a localized area. The focus will be on the presence of primary care physicians, the availability of specialized services, and the potential for telemedicine adoption, all crucial elements in supporting individuals and families facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.
The initial step involves evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio. Kimball's population is relatively small, and the number of practicing physicians, especially primary care physicians (PCPs), is likely to be low. This low density immediately suggests a potential hurdle. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, even for PCPs, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment. This scarcity necessitates looking beyond the immediate geographic boundaries for care options, potentially impacting access and convenience.
The availability of specialized services directly impacts the "Alzheimer's Score." Ideally, a comprehensive care model includes neurologists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists, and support groups. The presence of these specialists in Kimball is doubtful. Instead, residents likely rely on referrals to specialists in larger towns or cities, such as Bluefield or Beckley. This reliance introduces challenges related to travel time, transportation costs, and the burden on caregivers. The absence of local specialists significantly reduces the "Alzheimer's Score," as it hinders timely diagnosis, management, and access to specialized therapies and support.
Telemedicine adoption emerges as a critical factor in mitigating the limitations of a rural setting. Telemedicine offers the potential to connect patients with specialists remotely, overcoming geographical barriers. The availability of reliable internet access and the willingness of local physicians to embrace telemedicine technologies are essential for its successful implementation. Assessing the adoption rate among PCPs in Kimball is crucial. Practices actively using telemedicine for consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring would receive a higher score. However, the lack of robust infrastructure and physician adoption in the area would negatively impact the score.
Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease profoundly impacts the mental and emotional well-being of both patients and caregivers. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is vital for managing the associated symptoms of depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. The availability of these resources in Kimball is likely limited. The absence of readily accessible mental health support significantly lowers the "Alzheimer's Score," as it can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals and families.
Examining the primary care availability in Kimball is essential. The quality of primary care services, particularly the willingness of PCPs to screen for cognitive decline and provide ongoing care, is a crucial indicator. Practices that proactively incorporate cognitive assessments into routine checkups and demonstrate a commitment to dementia care would receive a higher score. The presence of dedicated memory clinics or specialized programs within local practices would be a significant positive factor. The lack of such programs would negatively affect the overall score.
Standout practices, if any, would be those that demonstrate a proactive approach to Alzheimer's care. This includes practices that:
* Offer cognitive assessments as part of routine care.
* Provide patient and caregiver education about the disease.
* Have established referral pathways to specialists.
* Actively utilize telemedicine for consultations.
* Offer support groups or connect patients with local resources.
The existence of such practices would significantly improve the "Alzheimer's Score." However, given the likely limitations in the area, finding such practices would be a challenge.
The "Alzheimer's Score" for Kimball, WV (ZIP code 24853) would likely be low. The factors contributing to this assessment include:
* Low physician-to-patient ratio.
* Limited access to specialists (neurologists, geriatricians, neuropsychologists).
* Potential challenges with telemedicine adoption.
* Likely scarcity of mental health resources.
* Limited availability of specialized memory care programs.
The score reflects the challenges faced by residents in accessing timely diagnosis, comprehensive care, and adequate support for Alzheimer's disease. Improving the score requires concerted efforts to address these deficiencies. This might involve attracting more healthcare professionals, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and increasing access to mental health services.
The challenges in Kimball highlight the need for innovative solutions. The use of geographic information systems (GIS) can be a valuable tool in assessing healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement. CartoChrome maps can be used to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, identify gaps in service delivery, and inform strategic planning for healthcare providers and policymakers.
Ready to explore the healthcare landscape of Kimball and surrounding areas in a visually informative way? **Visit CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in the region and identify potential opportunities for improvement.**
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