Health Scores Near 26253, Beverly, West Virginia
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26253, Beverly, West Virginia is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 91.35 percent of the residents in 26253 has some form of health insurance. 46.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.57 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 26253 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 946 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26253. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 608 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 389 health care providers accessible to residents in 26253, Beverly, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26253, Beverly, West Virginia
| Alzheimers Score | 28 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 39 |
| Provider Score | 49 |
| Hospital Score | 30 |
| Travel Score | 42 |
| 26253 | Beverly | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Beverly, WV (ZIP Code 26253)**
The assessment of healthcare resources for Alzheimer's disease within Beverly, West Virginia (ZIP code 26253) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians, their capacity to address the needs of patients with cognitive decline, and the presence of supporting resources. The 'Alzheimer's Score' is not a formal, standardized metric but rather a qualitative evaluation based on the factors described below.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability**
Determining the physician-to-patient ratio in Beverly is the first step. This involves assessing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, presents a significant challenge. Patients, especially those with complex conditions like Alzheimer's, may experience difficulties accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management of symptoms, and increased caregiver burden.
The overall availability of primary care is critical. Are there enough PCPs accepting new patients? Are appointment wait times reasonable? Long wait times can be particularly detrimental for individuals experiencing cognitive decline, as they may struggle to remember appointments or manage the logistics of healthcare visits. Access to primary care is the cornerstone of Alzheimer's care, as PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients and their families.
**Standout Practices: Identifying Exemplary Care**
Within the limited healthcare landscape of a rural area, identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves evaluating the practices' approach to Alzheimer's care. Do they offer specialized memory clinics or cognitive assessments? Do they have staff trained in dementia care, including nurses, social workers, and care coordinators? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care may have developed specific protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
These practices may also prioritize patient and caregiver education. They might offer support groups, educational materials, and resources to help families navigate the challenges of Alzheimer's. Furthermore, practices that collaborate with specialists, such as neurologists and geriatricians, can provide a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to care. This collaborative model is especially important in areas where access to specialists is limited.
**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Distance**
Telemedicine holds significant potential for improving Alzheimer's care in rural settings. It allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and mitigating the challenges of limited access. The adoption of telemedicine among PCPs in Beverly should be assessed. Are they offering virtual consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and follow-up appointments?
Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. Through virtual consultations, patients can receive expert opinions and guidance without having to travel long distances. Furthermore, telemedicine can be used to provide remote monitoring of patients' health, allowing PCPs to track their progress and intervene early if necessary.
**Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component**
Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of Alzheimer's care. Does Beverly have access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists who specialize in geriatric mental health?
The availability of mental health support groups for both patients and caregivers is also important. These groups provide a safe space for individuals to share their experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive emotional support. Access to these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and their families.
**Specific Considerations for Beverly, WV**
Given the rural nature of Beverly, the availability of transportation is a major consideration. Limited public transportation options can create significant barriers to accessing healthcare services. Practices that offer transportation assistance or partner with local organizations to provide transportation services can significantly improve access to care.
The socioeconomic status of the population also plays a role. Individuals with lower incomes may face additional challenges in accessing healthcare, including the cost of medications, transportation, and caregiving services. Practices that offer financial assistance programs or work with community organizations to provide financial support can help address these challenges.
**Overall 'Alzheimer's Score' for Beverly, WV**
Based on the factors discussed above, the 'Alzheimer's Score' for Beverly, WV, is likely to be relatively low. The rural setting and potential limitations in physician availability, specialized services, and mental health resources suggest a challenging environment for Alzheimer's patients and their families. The score would be impacted by the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of transportation and financial assistance.
**Conclusion**
Improving the 'Alzheimer's Score' for Beverly, WV, requires a multi-pronged approach. Increasing the number of PCPs, supporting the development of specialized memory clinics, expanding telemedicine services, and strengthening mental health resources are all crucial steps. Addressing transportation and financial barriers is equally important. By focusing on these areas, the community can create a more supportive and accessible healthcare system for individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers.
**Call to Action**
To gain a more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Beverly, WV, and to identify potential areas for improvement, explore the power of data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data points. Use CartoChrome maps to identify areas with limited access to care, pinpoint potential opportunities for telemedicine implementation, and visualize the distribution of mental health resources.
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