24854, Kopperston, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24854, Kopperston, West Virginia is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.12 percent of the residents in 24854 has some form of health insurance. 81.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.28 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 24854 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 225 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24854. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 114 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 111 health care providers accessible to residents in 24854, Kopperston, West Virginia.

The analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care within the context of Alzheimer's disease management for residents of Kopperston, West Virginia (ZIP code 24854). This assessment considers several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in providing comprehensive care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's.

Kopperston, nestled in the Appalachian region, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. Rural areas often experience shortages of healthcare professionals, leading to higher patient-to-physician ratios. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised quality of care. The limited pool of specialists, including neurologists and geriatricians, further complicates the situation for Alzheimer's patients, as timely diagnosis and specialized treatment are critical.

Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio in 24854 requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. The data, ideally, would provide the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the zip code and the estimated population. However, due to the small size and rural nature of Kopperston, specific data may be aggregated with neighboring zip codes, which may hinder an accurate assessment. The analysis, therefore, will rely on broader regional data and extrapolate based on available information. A low physician-to-patient ratio (e.g., fewer than 1 PCP per 1,000 residents) would indicate better access to care, whereas a high ratio (e.g., more than 2 PCPs per 1,000 residents) could signal potential access challenges.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care delivered by PCPs in the area. This includes assessing their experience with Alzheimer's patients, their adherence to established guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, and their ability to coordinate care with specialists and other healthcare providers. Information gathered from patient reviews, physician directories, and healthcare quality ratings can provide valuable insights. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education related to Alzheimer's, offer memory screenings, and collaborate with local support groups would likely be considered standout practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. In rural areas, telemedicine can bridge the gap in access to care by enabling patients to consult with physicians remotely. For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can facilitate regular check-ups, medication management, and access to specialist consultations without the need for lengthy travel. The availability of reliable internet access in Kopperston is a significant factor influencing telemedicine adoption. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring, would be considered more accessible and patient-centered.

Mental health resources are particularly important for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The disease often leads to behavioral changes, anxiety, and depression, requiring access to mental health professionals. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists in the Kopperston area is critical. This includes access to counseling, support groups, and medication management. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would be better equipped to meet the complex needs of Alzheimer's patients. The presence of memory care units or assisted living facilities with specialized Alzheimer's care within or near Kopperston also contributes to the overall availability of resources.

The analysis of primary care availability in Kopperston, West Virginia, reveals several key considerations. The small population and rural setting may present challenges related to physician shortages and limited access to specialists. The physician-to-patient ratio likely reflects this situation. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources are all critical factors in determining the quality of care available to Alzheimer's patients and their families.

The success of Alzheimer's care in Kopperston hinges on the collaborative efforts of healthcare providers, community organizations, and the individuals and families affected by the disease. This includes the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine to improve access to care, the promotion of patient-centered care models that prioritize the unique needs of Alzheimer's patients, and the integration of mental health services to address the emotional and psychological challenges associated with the disease.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kopperston and surrounding areas, including the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations of geographic data, allowing you to analyze healthcare access and identify potential gaps in care.