26184, Waverly, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26184, Waverly, West Virginia is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.04 percent of the residents in 26184 has some form of health insurance. 32.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.84 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 26184 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 861 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26184. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 281 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 481 health care providers accessible to residents in 26184, Waverly, West Virginia.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas where access to specialized care and resources can be limited. This analysis focuses on assessing the availability and quality of care for Alzheimer's patients in the ZIP code 26184 (Waverly, West Virginia) and the surrounding area, with a specific emphasis on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score analysis that offers insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape, ultimately informing residents about the resources available to them.

The initial assessment begins with evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code and the broader region. This metric is crucial because it directly impacts access to care. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialists, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, alongside national databases like the American Medical Association (AMA), are consulted to determine the number of primary care physicians, neurologists, and geriatricians serving the population within and around 26184. The analysis accounts for the age demographics of the area, as the prevalence of Alzheimer's increases with age.

Primary care availability is a critical element of the Alzheimer's Score. Primary care physicians (PCPs) often serve as the first point of contact for patients exhibiting cognitive decline. They can provide initial assessments, make referrals to specialists, and manage the patient's overall health. The analysis scrutinizes the number of PCPs accepting new patients, their proximity to residents, and the ease with which appointments can be scheduled. This includes assessing the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments, which can be crucial for addressing sudden changes in a patient's condition. Information regarding the availability of PCPs is gathered from local hospitals, clinics, and online physician directories.

Identifying standout practices is a key component of the Alzheimer's Score. Practices demonstrating a commitment to Alzheimer's care are highlighted. This includes those with physicians specializing in geriatrics or neurology, those offering memory clinics, and those that have implemented patient-centered care models. Practices are evaluated based on their use of best practices in diagnosis and treatment, their involvement in clinical trials, and their commitment to patient education and support. Reviews from patients and their families are considered to gauge the quality of care and the overall patient experience.

Telemedicine adoption is a rapidly growing aspect of healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. The analysis evaluates the extent to which telemedicine is utilized by local healthcare providers. Telemedicine can offer significant benefits for Alzheimer's patients, including reducing the need for travel, facilitating remote monitoring, and providing access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The assessment considers the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), the availability of telehealth platforms, and the reimbursement policies of local insurance providers.

Mental health resources are essential for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The analysis examines the availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. This includes assessing the proximity of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the availability of support groups for both patients and caregivers. The analysis also explores the coordination between primary care providers and mental health professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care.

The Alzheimer's Score also considers the availability of community resources. This includes adult day care centers, respite care services, and home healthcare agencies. These resources provide essential support for both patients and caregivers, allowing patients to remain in their homes for as long as possible. The analysis evaluates the availability of these services, their cost, and their accessibility to residents of 26184. The score also considers the availability of educational programs and support groups for caregivers.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios reveals potential challenges in access to care. The rural nature of Waverly and the surrounding area may result in a lower density of specialists, such as neurologists and geriatricians, compared to more urban areas. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased travel distances for patients and their families. The analysis will identify the closest specialists and assess the ease of access.

The assessment of primary care availability indicates the number of PCPs accepting new patients. It also considers the availability of same-day or urgent care appointments, which can be crucial for addressing sudden changes in a patient's condition. The analysis also assesses the use of electronic health records (EHRs) by PCPs, which can improve care coordination and information sharing.

The analysis will identify standout practices, such as those with physicians specializing in geriatrics or neurology. These practices are evaluated based on their use of best practices in diagnosis and treatment, their involvement in clinical trials, and their commitment to patient education and support. The analysis will also identify any practices that have implemented patient-centered care models.

Telemedicine adoption is evaluated by assessing the extent to which local healthcare providers are utilizing telemedicine services. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and telehealth platforms. The analysis will also consider the reimbursement policies of local insurance providers for telemedicine services.

Mental health resources are assessed by evaluating the availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. The analysis will also explore the coordination between primary care providers and mental health professionals to ensure a holistic approach to care. The analysis will also identify any support groups for both patients and caregivers.

The analysis will also consider the availability of community resources, such as adult day care centers, respite care services, and home healthcare agencies. These resources provide essential support for both patients and caregivers, allowing patients to remain in their homes for as long as possible. The analysis will also identify any educational programs and support groups for caregivers.

The final Alzheimer's Score will be a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in 26184, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This score provides a valuable resource for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, informing decisions related to healthcare access and quality. The information gathered and analyzed provides a snapshot of the resources available to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Waverly, West Virginia, and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the locations of healthcare providers, community resources, and other relevant information. These maps offer a powerful tool for understanding the accessibility of care and making informed decisions about your healthcare needs. Visit CartoChrome to explore the healthcare landscape in your area.