Health Scores Near 24868, Northfork, West Virginia
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24868, Northfork, West Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.97 percent of the residents in 24868 has some form of health insurance. 82.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.26 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 24868 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 195 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24868. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 370 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 101 health care providers accessible to residents in 24868, Northfork, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 24868, Northfork, West Virginia
| Alzheimers Score | 46 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 57 |
| Provider Score | 73 |
| Hospital Score | 28 |
| Travel Score | 29 |
| 24868 | Northfork | 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: ZIP Code 24868 and Northfork Primary Care
This analysis assesses the availability of resources and the quality of care relevant to Alzheimer's disease within ZIP code 24868, focusing on primary care physicians and their practices. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" based on various factors, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in this specific area, with particular attention to the town of Northfork.
The overall "Alzheimer's Score" will be a composite, reflecting the availability of primary care physicians, their capacity to manage patients with cognitive decline, and the accessibility of supporting services like mental health care and telemedicine. This score is not a definitive judgment, but rather a comparative assessment based on available data and reasonable assumptions.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability**
The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests on the shoulders of primary care physicians. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. In ZIP code 24868, which encompasses Northfork, the ratio is likely a critical factor. Rural areas frequently face shortages of medical professionals. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide the most accurate physician-to-population ratio. If the ratio is low, indicating fewer doctors per resident, the "Alzheimer's Score" will be negatively impacted. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and increased pressure on existing physicians.
The availability of primary care in Northfork itself requires a more granular analysis. Are there practices located directly within Northfork? Or do residents need to travel to neighboring towns or cities for appointments? Travel distance and accessibility are crucial for elderly patients, especially those experiencing cognitive difficulties. Practices located in Northfork would positively influence the score, while requiring travel would negatively impact it.
**Standout Practices and Their Capabilities**
Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their capacity to manage patients with Alzheimer's disease. This includes assessing whether practices have physicians with specific training or experience in geriatrics or neurology. Do they utilize standardized cognitive assessment tools, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)? These tools are essential for early detection and ongoing monitoring of cognitive decline. Practices that actively incorporate these tools into their routine care would receive higher marks.
Furthermore, the "Alzheimer's Score" considers the practice's approach to care coordination. Do they have established referral pathways to specialists like neurologists or geriatricians? Do they collaborate effectively with other healthcare providers, such as home health agencies or physical therapists? A well-coordinated care approach is vital for managing the complex needs of Alzheimer's patients and their families. Practices demonstrating strong care coordination would be viewed favorably.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**
Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving access to care, particularly in rural areas like Northfork. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 24868 is a significant factor. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or online patient portals would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, provide more frequent check-ins, and facilitate communication between patients, caregivers, and physicians.
However, the effective use of telemedicine also depends on the availability of reliable internet access in the area. A lack of connectivity would hinder the benefits of telemedicine. The analysis must consider the local internet infrastructure and its impact on the feasibility of telemedicine adoption.
**Mental Health Resources and Support Systems**
Alzheimer's disease profoundly impacts mental health, both for the patient and their caregivers. The availability of mental health resources in 24868 is a crucial component of the "Alzheimer's Score." Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists in the area? Are there support groups for patients and caregivers? Access to these resources is essential for managing the emotional and psychological challenges associated with the disease.
The analysis should also consider the availability of social services, such as adult day care centers, respite care programs, and home health aides. These services provide crucial support for caregivers, enabling them to continue caring for their loved ones. The presence of these resources would significantly enhance the "Alzheimer's Score."
**Specifics for Northfork and 24868**
To provide a truly specific analysis, the following steps are necessary:
* **Data Collection:** Gathering information from publicly available sources, including state medical board directories, HRSA data, and local healthcare provider websites.
* **Practice Surveys:** Contacting primary care practices in 24868 (or a representative sample) to inquire about their services, training, and use of assessment tools.
* **Community Outreach:** Contacting local community organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association or senior centers, to understand the needs of the community and identify available resources.
**Conclusion: A Call to Action**
Based on the data collected and analyzed, an "Alzheimer's Score" can be assigned to the primary care landscape in ZIP code 24868. This score will provide a valuable snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families.
To further explore the healthcare landscape in 24868 and visualize the distribution of resources, we invite you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can help you identify the locations of primary care practices, specialists, mental health resources, and support services. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in Northfork and the surrounding area.
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