25573, Yawkey, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25573, Yawkey, West Virginia is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25573 has some form of health insurance. 54.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.16 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 25573 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 103 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25573. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 142 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 25573, Yawkey, West Virginia.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Yawkey, WV (ZIP Code 25573)

This analysis examines the availability of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within the ZIP code 25573, focusing on the town of Yawkey, West Virginia. The assessment considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout primary care practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" reflecting the community's preparedness to address the needs of individuals and families impacted by this devastating disease.

The foundation of any effective Alzheimer's care system rests on robust primary care. In Yawkey, and the surrounding areas encompassed by ZIP code 25573, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Researching publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and the US Census Bureau is essential to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the defined geographic area. This data must be compared to the estimated population of Yawkey and the surrounding areas to calculate the ratio of patients per PCP. A higher ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, comprehensive care, and ongoing monitoring – all crucial for managing Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Score will be negatively impacted by a high patient-to-physician ratio.

Identifying standout primary care practices is another vital component. This involves evaluating practices based on several factors. First, the practices’ acceptance of Medicare and Medicaid, as these are crucial for many Alzheimer's patients and their families. Second, the availability of extended appointment times, which can be critical for patients with cognitive impairments and their caregivers. Third, the presence of staff trained in geriatric care, including specialized nurses and social workers. These professionals can provide support, education, and resources tailored to the unique challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. Practices demonstrating these qualities will contribute positively to the Alzheimer's Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas like Yawkey. Assessing the availability of telehealth services offered by local practices is crucial. This includes the ability to conduct virtual consultations, provide remote monitoring, and offer online support groups. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, reducing travel time and the burden on patients and caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score will be positively influenced by the prevalence and accessibility of telemedicine options.

The availability of mental health resources is intrinsically linked to the well-being of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Alzheimer's often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Furthermore, caregivers often experience significant stress and emotional strain. Assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists within the area, as well as the availability of mental health support groups, is paramount. The Alzheimer's Score will be significantly enhanced by the availability of these crucial resources.

Specifically, the analysis must delve into the presence of any local hospitals or clinics that offer specialized memory care programs or cognitive assessments. These programs often involve multidisciplinary teams, including neurologists, geriatricians, and neuropsychologists, who can provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations and treatment plans. The presence of such specialized services would significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score.

Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the availability of community resources such as adult day care centers, respite care services, and support groups for caregivers. These resources provide crucial support for families and help to alleviate the burden of caregiving. The Alzheimer's Score will be positively impacted by the availability and accessibility of these community-based services.

The overall Alzheimer's Score will be a composite metric, reflecting the combined impact of the factors discussed above. It will reflect the relative preparedness of the Yawkey community (ZIP code 25573) to address the needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. The score will be based on a weighted average of these factors, with each factor contributing to the overall assessment. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for Alzheimer's care, while a lower score suggests areas for improvement.

The final Alzheimer's Score will be presented in a clear and concise format, providing a snapshot of the current state of Alzheimer's care resources in Yawkey and the surrounding areas. The score will be accompanied by a brief narrative summarizing the key findings and highlighting areas of strength and weakness. The analysis will emphasize the need for continued efforts to improve access to care, enhance support services, and raise awareness of Alzheimer's disease within the community.

For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is high, the score will be negatively impacted. Conversely, the presence of a well-regarded primary care practice with geriatric specialists and telemedicine capabilities would positively influence the score. The availability of mental health services and community support groups would also contribute to a higher score.

The analysis will conclude with recommendations for improvement, based on the identified gaps in care. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, promoting mental health resources, and increasing access to community-based support services. The ultimate goal is to provide a valuable resource for individuals, families, healthcare providers, and community leaders, helping them to better understand the challenges of Alzheimer's disease and to work together to create a more supportive and compassionate environment for those affected.

The Alzheimer's Score is a dynamic tool. It is not a static assessment. The situation in Yawkey and the surrounding areas is constantly evolving. Regular updates and re-evaluations are crucial to track progress, identify emerging needs, and ensure that the community remains prepared to meet the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. This ongoing monitoring will help to ensure that individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's receive the care and support they deserve.

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