25203, Turtle Creek, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25203, Turtle Creek, West Virginia is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.61 percent of the residents in 25203 has some form of health insurance. 16.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.61 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 25203 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 23 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25203. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 19 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 85 health care providers accessible to residents in 25203, Turtle Creek, West Virginia.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Turtle Creek, WV (ZIP Code 25203)

This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians and the overall healthcare environment within ZIP code 25203, focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, offering insights for residents and healthcare providers.

The foundation of any Alzheimer's care system is access to primary care. Early diagnosis and ongoing management often fall to these physicians. In Turtle Creek, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Without precise data, we must rely on broader regional statistics. West Virginia, in general, faces a shortage of primary care doctors, and rural areas like Turtle Creek likely experience a more pronounced deficit. This means fewer doctors are available to serve a potentially aging population, increasing wait times for appointments and potentially limiting the time each patient receives during consultations. This scarcity can directly impact the ability to provide timely cognitive assessments and implement early intervention strategies crucial for managing Alzheimer's.

Identifying standout practices requires a nuanced approach. We need to look beyond the simple number of physicians and consider factors such as their experience in geriatric care, their willingness to participate in clinical trials, and their adoption of best practices in cognitive assessment and management. Are there practices that specialize in geriatric medicine or have staff trained in dementia care? Do they collaborate with specialists, such as neurologists and psychiatrists, for comprehensive care? Do they offer memory clinics or support groups for patients and caregivers? Without specific practice names, the assessment relies on general assumptions.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, especially in rural areas like Turtle Creek, where patients may face long travel times to access specialists. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide support to caregivers can significantly improve access to care and enhance the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's. The "Alzheimer's Score" will be negatively affected if telemedicine adoption is low among the primary care providers in the area.

Mental health resources are indispensable in Alzheimer's care. The disease significantly impacts both the patient's and the caregiver's mental well-being. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists is essential for addressing depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges that often accompany Alzheimer's. The availability of these resources, including their proximity and cost, directly influences the quality of care. The absence of adequate mental health support will lower the "Alzheimer's Score."

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Turtle Creek, WV (ZIP code 25203) is likely to be negatively impacted by the following factors: a potential shortage of primary care physicians, limited access to geriatric specialists, the need for increased telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The overall score is a reflection of the challenges in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care within this specific geographic area. The lack of readily available data regarding physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource accessibility prevents a precise numerical score. The assessment is based on general assumptions and regional trends.

To improve the "Alzheimer's Score," several steps are necessary. Efforts should be made to attract and retain primary care physicians, especially those with experience in geriatric medicine. Encouraging the adoption of telemedicine technologies can enhance access to care. Increased collaboration between primary care physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists is crucial. Furthermore, expanding the availability of mental health services, including support groups for both patients and caregivers, is essential.

The "Alzheimer's Score" is not static. It can improve with strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and community support systems. A higher score signifies a stronger healthcare environment, better equipped to meet the needs of individuals living with Alzheimer's and their families.

The assessment underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in healthcare. Understanding the specific needs of a community, such as Turtle Creek, WV, is essential for developing effective interventions and allocating resources efficiently. This requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation of healthcare indicators, including physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption rates, and mental health resource access.

The ability to visualize this data geographically is critical for understanding the landscape of healthcare resources. Mapping tools can highlight areas with the greatest need, identify gaps in service delivery, and facilitate the planning and implementation of targeted interventions. This visual representation allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in Alzheimer's care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Turtle Creek, WV, and other areas, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful tools for visualizing healthcare data, identifying resource disparities, and informing strategic decision-making.