25901, Oak Hill, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 25901, Oak Hill, West Virginia is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.47 percent of the residents in 25901 has some form of health insurance. 61.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.43 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 25901 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,591 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25901. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,068 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 386 health care providers accessible to residents in 25901, Oak Hill, West Virginia.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Oak Hill, WV (ZIP Code 25901)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services in Oak Hill, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25901), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" reflecting the community's preparedness to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. This score considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in managing this complex disease.

Oak Hill, a town in Fayette County, presents a unique demographic profile. The community's age distribution, with a significant percentage of residents over 65, increases the potential prevalence of Alzheimer's disease. Access to quality healthcare, particularly primary care, is therefore paramount. The analysis considers the resources available within the 25901 ZIP code and the surrounding areas, acknowledging that residents may seek care outside the immediate vicinity.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**

A critical factor in assessing Alzheimer's care readiness is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs), can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and increased caregiver burden. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) provides insights into the physician supply in Fayette County. The analysis considers the number of PCPs (family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatricians) actively practicing within the 25901 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This data is compared to the population aged 65 and older to calculate a physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicative of a better physician supply, positively impacts the Alzheimer's Score.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the accessibility of primary care. This includes factors such as appointment wait times, the acceptance of new patients, and the availability of evening and weekend hours. Practices with shorter wait times and flexible scheduling options contribute positively to the score, as they facilitate timely access to care, crucial for early diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

The analysis identifies and evaluates standout primary care practices in the Oak Hill area. This involves examining their services, patient reviews, and commitment to geriatric care. Practices that demonstrate a strong focus on geriatric medicine, including specialized training for staff in dementia care, are highly valued. Practices that offer memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and care coordination services also contribute positively to the Alzheimer's Score.

The analysis also considers the integration of these practices with local hospitals and specialists. Strong referral networks to neurologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists are essential for comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Practices that actively collaborate with these specialists and facilitate smooth transitions of care receive higher scores. The presence of dedicated care coordinators or social workers within the practice, assisting patients and their families with navigating the healthcare system, further enhances the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Oak Hill. The analysis assesses the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in the 25901 ZIP code. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are considered more prepared to support Alzheimer's patients. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate regular follow-up appointments, all crucial for managing the disease.

The analysis considers the types of telemedicine services offered, including virtual visits for medication management, remote cognitive assessments, and support groups. Practices that provide training and support for patients and caregivers to utilize telemedicine effectively receive higher scores. The availability of reliable internet access in the community is also considered, as it is essential for successful telemedicine implementation.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Availability:**

Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, making access to mental health resources essential. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health services in the Oak Hill area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. The proximity and accessibility of these resources are evaluated, considering factors such as wait times, insurance acceptance, and the availability of specialized services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

The analysis considers the presence of local support groups, such as those offered by the Alzheimer's Association, which provide valuable emotional support and education for caregivers. Practices that actively refer patients to mental health services and support groups receive higher scores. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as co-located behavioral health specialists, is also considered a positive factor.

**Alzheimer's Score Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed above, an Alzheimer's Score is calculated for Oak Hill, WV (ZIP Code 25901). The score reflects the community's preparedness to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. A higher score indicates better access to primary care, specialized geriatric services, telemedicine, and mental health resources. The score is a dynamic measure, and it is expected to change over time as healthcare services evolve and improve.

The analysis highlights areas where improvements are needed to enhance Alzheimer's care in Oak Hill. These might include increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine adoption, and strengthening mental health services. The findings can inform local healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations in their efforts to improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the landscape of primary care in Oak Hill and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of key services, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment of Alzheimer's care readiness in the community.