25846, Glen Jean, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25846, Glen Jean, West Virginia is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.62 percent of the residents in 25846 has some form of health insurance. 76.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 12.99 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 25846 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25846. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,774 health care providers accessible to residents in 25846, Glen Jean, West Virginia.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems, demanding comprehensive and accessible care. This analysis examines the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 25846 (Glen Jean, West Virginia) concerning Alzheimer's care, focusing on primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

Glen Jean, West Virginia, a small community, faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access. Rural areas often experience shortages of primary care physicians, which can directly impact Alzheimer's care. Early diagnosis and ongoing management of Alzheimer's frequently rely on the primary care physician as the initial point of contact. Therefore, the availability of these physicians is crucial.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. The national average for primary care physicians per capita provides a benchmark. A significantly lower ratio in 25846 would indicate a potential shortage, making it harder for residents to secure timely appointments and ongoing care. This shortage could lead to delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialists, and a heavier burden on existing healthcare providers.

Identifying standout practices is essential. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care often have specialized training for their staff, offer memory screenings, and collaborate with specialists. These practices may participate in clinical trials or offer support groups for patients and their families. The presence of such practices in 25846 would be a positive indicator of the community's ability to address the disease.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive consultations remotely. This can be particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients who may have mobility issues or difficulty traveling. The availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, would contribute to a higher Alzheimer's Score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for providing comprehensive care. Access to these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.

To assess the Alzheimer's Score, we must consider these factors holistically. The availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all contribute to the overall score. A higher score would indicate a more robust healthcare infrastructure, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

Specifically, in ZIP code 25846, the score would likely be influenced by the rural nature of the area. The physician-to-patient ratio might be lower than the national average, potentially impacting access to primary care. The presence of practices with specialized Alzheimer's care programs would be a significant positive factor. Telemedicine adoption could be a crucial element, mitigating the challenges of geographical isolation. The availability of mental health resources would also be a key consideration.

The analysis of primary care availability in Glen Jean, specifically, requires examining the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This includes family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and geriatricians. The number of physicians must be compared to the population of Glen Jean to determine the physician-to-patient ratio.

Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the types of services offered by local primary care practices. Do they offer memory screenings? Do they have staff trained in Alzheimer's care? Do they have established referral pathways to neurologists or other specialists? The availability of these services would positively influence the Alzheimer's Score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Are local practices utilizing telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, or remote monitoring? The ability to access specialists remotely can significantly improve access to care for Alzheimer's patients.

Mental health resources are equally important. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists available in Glen Jean or the surrounding areas? The availability of these resources is crucial for addressing the behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Score for 25846, therefore, would be a composite of these factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialized services, and a lack of telemedicine and mental health resources would result in a lower score. Conversely, a higher physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized practices, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources would lead to a higher score.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score for Glen Jean, West Virginia, is likely to be impacted by the challenges inherent in rural healthcare settings. While the specific score requires detailed data collection and analysis, the factors discussed provide a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure. Addressing the identified shortcomings, such as increasing physician availability, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health resources, is critical to improving Alzheimer's care in the community.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 25846 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specialties, and resource availability, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and identifying areas for improvement.