25086, Glasgow, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25086, Glasgow, West Virginia is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.05 percent of the residents in 25086 has some form of health insurance. 45.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.88 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 25086 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 160 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25086. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 217 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 375 health care providers accessible to residents in 25086, Glasgow, West Virginia.

Alzheimer's Disease Score Analysis: Doctors and Primary Care in Glasgow, WV (ZIP Code 25086)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Glasgow, West Virginia (ZIP code 25086), with a focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The aim is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This score will highlight strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's.

The initial step involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric is crucial because a higher ratio (fewer patients per doctor) generally indicates better access to care and more time for each patient. Data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with population estimates for the 25086 ZIP code, will provide a baseline. The national average PCP-to-patient ratio will serve as a benchmark. Any significant deviation from this national standard, either positive or negative, will influence the Alzheimer's Score. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, will negatively impact the score, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment for Alzheimer's.

Next, the analysis delves into the characteristics of existing primary care practices in Glasgow. Are there any standout practices? This involves evaluating factors such as the presence of board-certified physicians, the availability of specialized geriatric care, and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices with a higher concentration of board-certified physicians, particularly in internal medicine or family medicine, will receive a higher score. The presence of geriatric specialists within a practice is particularly important, as these physicians possess specialized knowledge in the diagnosis and management of age-related cognitive decline, including Alzheimer's. The adoption of EHRs is another crucial factor. EHRs facilitate better care coordination, allow for easy access to patient medical history, and can improve communication between physicians, specialists, and patients. Practices with robust EHR systems will score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is a key component of the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine offers significant advantages in rural areas like Glasgow, where geographical barriers can limit access to care. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialized care, including neurology and geriatric psychiatry. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for patient consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments will receive a higher score. The types of telemedicine services offered, such as video conferencing, remote monitoring, and secure messaging, will also be considered. Practices with well-established telemedicine programs will contribute positively to the Alzheimer's Score.

Access to mental health resources is a critical factor in managing Alzheimer's disease. Patients with Alzheimer's often experience behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore essential. The analysis will examine the proximity of mental health clinics and the availability of mental health professionals within the Glasgow area. Practices that actively collaborate with mental health providers, offering integrated care, will receive a higher score. The presence of support groups for patients and caregivers is another important consideration. Access to these groups can provide emotional support, education, and practical advice for managing the challenges of Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer's Score for Glasgow, WV (25086) will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will carry a significant weight, reflecting the importance of access to care. The characteristics of primary care practices, including board certification, geriatric expertise, and EHR adoption, will also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption and access to mental health resources will contribute to the overall score. Each factor will be assigned a numerical value, and the final score will be presented on a scale, allowing for comparison with other areas.

The final Alzheimer's Score for Glasgow, WV (25086) will reflect the overall quality and availability of primary care and related services for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. A high score will indicate a favorable healthcare environment, with adequate access to PCPs, specialized geriatric care, telemedicine options, and mental health support. A low score will highlight areas for improvement, such as the need for more PCPs, greater telemedicine adoption, and increased access to mental health resources.

This analysis acknowledges the challenges faced by rural communities in accessing healthcare. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment that can be used by patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to improve the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease in Glasgow, WV (25086). The Alzheimer's Score serves as a starting point for further investigation and action.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Glasgow, WV (25086), including the location of physicians, clinics, and mental health resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your area.