24910, Alderson, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24910, Alderson, West Virginia is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.09 percent of the residents in 24910 has some form of health insurance. 51.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.58 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 24910 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 744 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24910. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,035 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 714 health care providers accessible to residents in 24910, Alderson, West Virginia.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized care and support services can be limited. This analysis focuses on the availability of resources for Alzheimer's patients in Alderson, West Virginia (ZIP code 24910), assessing the landscape of primary care physicians, mental health services, and technological integration to determine an "Alzheimer's Score." This score aims to provide a snapshot of the community's preparedness to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.

Alderson, a small town nestled in the Greenbrier Valley, faces the typical rural healthcare challenges. One of the most critical factors influencing the "Alzheimer's Score" is the physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for primary care physicians. These doctors are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline and play a crucial role in initial diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and a greater burden on the existing healthcare providers. This scarcity of resources negatively impacts the "Alzheimer's Score."

The availability of primary care physicians in Alderson directly affects the early detection and management of Alzheimer's. The ability to receive timely and accurate diagnoses is essential for patients and their families. Early diagnosis allows for the implementation of interventions that can slow the progression of the disease, provide symptom management, and offer support to caregivers. Limited access to primary care physicians, therefore, significantly lowers the "Alzheimer's Score."

While pinpointing specific "standout practices" in Alderson is challenging due to the limited number of healthcare providers, the presence of any practice demonstrating a proactive approach to Alzheimer's care would positively impact the score. This might include practices that actively screen for cognitive impairment during routine checkups, offer educational resources for patients and families, or have established referral pathways to specialists like neurologists or geriatricians. The absence of such practices would, conversely, weigh down the score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element in evaluating the "Alzheimer's Score." Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and provide access to specialists who might not be readily available in Alderson. This includes neurologists, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals specializing in Alzheimer's care. Telemedicine consultations can facilitate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring, improving the quality of care for patients. The extent of telemedicine integration in Alderson's healthcare system, therefore, is a significant factor in determining the "Alzheimer's Score."

Mental health resources are essential for both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Alzheimer's often brings with it significant emotional and psychological challenges, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Caregivers, too, experience immense stress and emotional strain. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, can help patients and caregivers cope with these challenges. The presence of these resources positively influences the "Alzheimer's Score." The absence of these resources would have a negative impact.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Alderson (ZIP code 24910) is likely to be relatively low, reflecting the challenges inherent in rural healthcare settings. The limited number of primary care physicians, the potential lack of specialized geriatric care, and the challenges in accessing mental health services all contribute to this assessment. Furthermore, the degree of telemedicine adoption, while potentially offering some solutions, likely faces limitations in a rural setting.

The overall "Alzheimer's Score" would be heavily influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of any practices actively addressing Alzheimer's care, the availability of mental health resources, and the extent of telemedicine integration. The lack of these resources would significantly lower the score, highlighting the need for improvements in healthcare infrastructure and support services for Alzheimer's patients and their families in Alderson.

For a comprehensive visual representation of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data within the Alderson area and surrounding regions, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. They can provide a detailed and accessible overview of the healthcare landscape, aiding in understanding the challenges and opportunities for improving Alzheimer's care in this community.