24954, Marlinton, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 24954, Marlinton, West Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.41 percent of the residents in 24954 has some form of health insurance. 60.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.37 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 24954 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 824 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24954. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 696 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 96 health care providers accessible to residents in 24954, Marlinton, West Virginia.

The following analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 24954 (Marlinton, West Virginia), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's care and overall patient well-being. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial elements in supporting individuals and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

Marlinton, a rural community, faces unique healthcare challenges. Population density is low, potentially impacting physician-to-patient ratios. A limited physician pool could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to specialized care. Accurate data on physician-to-patient ratios is essential. Publicly available sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates, but these should be supplemented with local information. Contacting the Pocahontas County Health Department would be a crucial step.

Standout practices in Marlinton would be those demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care, particularly for geriatric populations. Practices with experience in managing chronic conditions and cognitive decline are especially valuable. This includes those that offer comprehensive assessments, care coordination, and support services for caregivers. Identifying these practices requires detailed research. Reviewing online patient reviews, contacting the West Virginia Board of Medicine for disciplinary records, and speaking with local community organizations can provide valuable insights.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving healthcare access in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or limited transportation options. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local practices involves contacting them directly to inquire about their services. Examining their websites and social media presence for information about telehealth offerings is also essential.

Mental health resources are critical for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The disease profoundly impacts cognitive function and emotional well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is vital for managing these challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources in Marlinton involves contacting local mental health providers, exploring community resource centers, and reviewing information from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.

Specific practices to investigate include those associated with Pocahontas Memorial Hospital. The hospital's website should be examined to see if they list primary care physicians and their specialties. The hospital's website and social media presence would also be important sources for telemedicine adoption. This would include assessing the availability of geriatric specialists, neurologists, and mental health professionals, as well as their willingness to collaborate with primary care physicians in managing Alzheimer's patients.

The quality of Alzheimer's care extends beyond the availability of physicians. It encompasses the availability of diagnostic tools, such as cognitive assessments and imaging services, and the availability of support services, such as memory care units and respite care programs. Evaluating these aspects requires a broader assessment of the healthcare infrastructure in Marlinton.

The Alzheimer's Score, therefore, is not a single number but a composite of several factors. It reflects the overall healthcare environment's ability to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The score considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score should be updated regularly as healthcare providers and resources evolve.

The analysis also needs to consider the availability of specialized services. This includes the presence of geriatric specialists, neurologists, and neuropsychologists. These specialists are crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease. Contacting local medical societies, such as the West Virginia Medical Association, can help identify specialists in the area.

Additionally, the analysis must consider the availability of non-medical support services. This includes adult day care centers, home health agencies, and support groups for caregivers. These services provide essential assistance to individuals with Alzheimer's and their families, reducing the burden of caregiving and improving quality of life. Reaching out to local senior centers, Alzheimer's Association chapters, and community service organizations can provide information about these resources.

Care coordination is also a critical factor. This involves the ability of healthcare providers to work together to provide seamless and coordinated care. It includes sharing patient information, coordinating appointments, and developing comprehensive care plans. Assessing the level of care coordination requires examining the communication practices of local healthcare providers and their willingness to collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the affordability of healthcare services. The cost of medical care, medications, and support services can be a significant burden for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. Assessing the affordability of healthcare involves researching the cost of services, exploring financial assistance programs, and evaluating the availability of insurance coverage.

The analysis should also consider the cultural competency of healthcare providers. This involves their ability to provide culturally sensitive care to individuals from diverse backgrounds. Cultural competency is essential for building trust and ensuring that healthcare services meet the unique needs of all patients.

Finally, the analysis must consider the role of community education and awareness. Raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and educating the community about the disease can help reduce stigma, promote early detection, and increase access to support services. Evaluating the community education and awareness efforts involves examining the activities of local healthcare providers, community organizations, and the Alzheimer's Association.

In summary, the "Alzheimer's Score" for Marlinton, WV (ZIP code 24954) is complex. It's not a single metric, but a comprehensive evaluation of healthcare access, quality, and support systems. A thorough assessment requires gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialized services, non-medical support services, care coordination, affordability, cultural competency, and community education. This is a dynamic process requiring ongoing research and updates.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in Marlinton and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. Their mapping capabilities can provide a valuable spatial perspective on healthcare access and availability.