24924, Buckeye, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24924, Buckeye, West Virginia is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24924 has some form of health insurance. 83.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.44 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 24924 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 17 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24924. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 164 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 85 health care providers accessible to residents in 24924, Buckeye, West Virginia.

The analysis below assesses the state of Alzheimer's care within the geographical confines of ZIP Code 24924, focusing on physician resources and primary care accessibility in Buckeye, West Virginia. This evaluation considers factors crucial to providing adequate support for individuals and families grappling with this debilitating disease.

The initial step involves understanding the physician landscape. The primary challenge in rural areas like Buckeye is often a scarcity of medical professionals, especially specialists. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise data for Alzheimer's specialists within 24924 might be difficult to obtain due to the small population and rural nature, an analysis of the overall physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists provides a valuable proxy. Publicly available data from sources such as the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the American Medical Association can be used to estimate these ratios. A low ratio (a higher number of patients per physician) suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care.

The availability of PCPs is particularly important. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact for patients exhibiting symptoms of cognitive decline. They can conduct preliminary assessments, refer patients to specialists when needed, and provide ongoing management of other health conditions that may exacerbate Alzheimer's symptoms. The analysis should evaluate the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP Code and the surrounding areas. Geographic proximity is key; a longer travel time to a PCP can be a significant barrier to care, particularly for elderly individuals or those with mobility issues.

Identifying standout practices is another key component of the analysis. This requires an assessment of the quality of care provided by existing medical facilities. This can be determined by looking at patient reviews, accreditations (e.g., from the Accreditation Council for Healthcare Organizations), and participation in programs focused on dementia care. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, caregiver support, and comprehensive diagnostic services should be highlighted. Furthermore, examining the availability of memory clinics or specialized geriatric care units within the area would be a significant factor.

Telemedicine adoption is a vital consideration in a rural setting. Telemedicine can help bridge the geographical gap, providing access to specialists who might not be readily available locally. The analysis should determine which practices in the area offer telemedicine consultations for Alzheimer's patients, including the types of services offered (e.g., initial consultations, follow-up appointments, medication management) and the ease of use of the technology. Telemedicine can also be crucial for providing support to caregivers, offering them access to counseling and educational resources.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings about significant emotional distress for both patients and their families. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is essential. The analysis should assess the availability of these resources within 24924 and the surrounding areas. This includes evaluating the number of mental health professionals, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the acceptance of insurance plans. The presence of support groups for patients and caregivers is also a critical factor.

Assessing the availability of resources for cognitive testing and diagnosis is also critical. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management of Alzheimer's disease. The analysis should determine the availability of neuropsychological testing, brain imaging (e.g., MRI, PET scans), and other diagnostic tools within the area. This information can be used to determine the diagnostic capabilities of the medical community.

The analysis should also consider the availability of social services and community support. Alzheimer's disease often requires a multifaceted approach to care, including assistance with activities of daily living, respite care for caregivers, and financial planning. The presence of organizations like the Alzheimer's Association or local agencies on aging can be a significant asset. These organizations often provide educational programs, support groups, and referrals to other resources.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on Alzheimer's care. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited access to healthy food can all exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The analysis should consider these factors and assess the availability of resources to address them.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for 24924 would be a composite measure, incorporating all of the factors discussed above. The score should reflect the availability, accessibility, and quality of care for Alzheimer's patients and their families. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for Alzheimer's care, while a lower score would indicate a need for improvement.

In conclusion, assessing the state of Alzheimer's care in a rural area like Buckeye requires a comprehensive approach. It is crucial to consider physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, diagnostic capabilities, social services, and socioeconomic factors. This information can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system and to inform efforts to improve the quality of care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

To gain a more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 24924 and surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, healthcare facilities, and support services, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify areas with limited access to care and to visualize the distribution of resources.