25267, Normantown, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25267, Normantown, West Virginia is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.19 percent of the residents in 25267 has some form of health insurance. 58.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.44 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 25267 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 25267. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 214 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 23 health care providers accessible to residents in 25267, Normantown, West Virginia.

Alzheimer's disease poses a significant challenge, particularly in areas with limited access to specialized care. This analysis focuses on the availability of resources for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers in ZIP Code 25267 (Normantown, West Virginia), examining primary care physician (PCP) availability and related services. This is not a formal medical diagnosis.

The concept of an "Alzheimer's Score" is introduced here as a framework to assess the relative preparedness of a community to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this disease. It considers factors like physician density, access to specialized care, and the availability of supportive services.

Normantown, West Virginia, is a rural community. This geographic context significantly influences healthcare access. The Alzheimer's Score for this area is inherently impacted by the limited resources typical of rural settings.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Normantown and the surrounding areas is a critical starting point. Accurate data on the precise number of PCPs practicing directly within the 25267 ZIP code can be difficult to obtain due to confidentiality and the dynamic nature of medical practices. However, publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with information from healthcare directories and local hospital systems, can offer estimates. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and ongoing care, which is vital for managing Alzheimer's.

Primary care physicians play a crucial role in the initial diagnosis and ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease. They are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline. Their ability to recognize early symptoms, provide appropriate referrals to specialists (neurologists, geriatricians), and coordinate care is essential.

The availability of specialized care within a reasonable distance from Normantown is another key element. Neurology practices and geriatric specialists are vital for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing monitoring of the disease. The absence of these specialists within the immediate vicinity necessitates travel, potentially adding significant burdens on patients and their families.

Standout practices, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to addressing the unique needs of Alzheimer's patients. This could include practices that actively participate in memory clinics, offer specialized cognitive assessments, or provide care coordination services. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into the specific services offered by each provider.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to improve access to care in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel. The availability of telehealth services for neurology and geriatric care in the 25267 ZIP code area would significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score. The presence of reliable internet access is a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are crucial for both patients and caregivers. Alzheimer's disease often leads to behavioral changes, including anxiety, depression, and agitation. Caregivers also experience significant stress and emotional burden. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is essential for providing support and managing these challenges.

The availability of support groups, respite care, and adult day care facilities also impacts the Alzheimer's Score. These services provide caregivers with much-needed breaks and social support, helping them to cope with the demands of caregiving.

The Alzheimer's Score for Normantown, 25267, is likely to be negatively impacted by the factors discussed. The rural nature of the area presents inherent challenges to healthcare access, including potentially low physician-to-patient ratios, limited access to specialists, and potentially limited adoption of telemedicine. The availability of mental health resources and support services will also influence the score.

To improve the Alzheimer's Score, the community needs to focus on several key areas. Increasing the number of PCPs and specialists is a priority. Promoting telemedicine adoption and expanding access to mental health services are also critical. Supporting caregiver programs and increasing awareness of Alzheimer's disease within the community are also essential.

The Alzheimer's Score is not a static measure. It is a reflection of the community's commitment to addressing the needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. Continuous monitoring and improvement efforts are necessary to ensure that residents of Normantown have access to the care and support they need.

This analysis is based on publicly available information and general knowledge about healthcare access in rural settings. A comprehensive assessment would require detailed data collection and analysis, including direct outreach to healthcare providers and community organizations.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources in the 25267 ZIP code area, including the locations of primary care physicians, specialists, and support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial overview of healthcare accessibility, helping to identify areas of need and potential solutions.