Health Scores Near 26276, Kerens, West Virginia
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26276, Kerens, West Virginia is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 81.43 percent of the residents in 26276 has some form of health insurance. 33.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.14 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 26276 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 169 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26276. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 195 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 472 health care providers accessible to residents in 26276, Kerens, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26276, Kerens, West Virginia
| Alzheimers Score | 61 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 98 |
| Provider Score | 40 |
| Hospital Score | 42 |
| Travel Score | 28 |
| 26276 | Kerens | 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 disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in rural communities where access to specialized care and support services can be limited. This analysis focuses on the availability of resources for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers in Kerens, West Virginia, specifically examining the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 26276. We will assess the quality of primary care, the availability of specialists, and the integration of technology to determine an Alzheimer's Score, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.
The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests with primary care physicians (PCPs). In Kerens, the accessibility of PCPs is crucial. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized attention. We need to investigate the exact ratio for 26276. We must determine the number of active PCPs serving the community and compare it to the total population. This data will reveal the initial level of access.
Beyond the numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Do local PCPs have experience in diagnosing and managing cognitive decline? Are they equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, such as cognitive assessments and access to advanced imaging? Do they have established referral pathways to neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists? Investigating the practices’ commitment to continuing medical education in the field of dementia care would be beneficial. This includes participation in programs related to diagnosis, treatment, and care management of patients with Alzheimer's.
Another critical aspect of the healthcare landscape is the availability of specialists. Neurologists and geriatricians are vital for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's. The presence of these specialists in or near 26276 is a significant factor in our Alzheimer's Score. Travel distance to specialists is a critical factor. A long distance can create significant hardship for patients and their caregivers, especially when mobility is impaired.
Furthermore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. Alzheimer's often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in dementia care can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. The availability of these professionals, and the ease of access to their services, will influence our score.
Telemedicine has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to healthcare in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers is a positive sign. Does the local medical community offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups? The use of technology can help to overcome the challenges of distance and limited access to specialists.
Standout practices within the community deserve recognition. Are there any primary care practices or specialist clinics that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in Alzheimer's care? This could include innovative programs, specialized training for staff, or a patient-centered approach to care. Identifying these standout practices and highlighting their best practices can help to improve the overall quality of care in the region.
The Alzheimer's Score for doctors in ZIP code 26276 and primary care availability in Kerens will be a composite of the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate excellent access to primary care, a strong presence of specialists, robust mental health resources, the adoption of telemedicine, and the existence of standout practices. A low score would suggest significant challenges in accessing care and support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
To calculate the score, we will assign weights to each factor based on its relative importance. Physician-to-patient ratios will be weighted heavily, as access to primary care is the foundation of the system. The availability of specialists and mental health resources will also receive significant weight. Telemedicine adoption and the presence of standout practices will be considered as positive factors, contributing to a higher overall score.
The final score will be presented as a numerical value, along with a narrative summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Kerens. The analysis will identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of PCPs, recruiting specialists, expanding mental health services, and promoting the adoption of telemedicine.
The Alzheimer's Score is not just a number; it is a call to action. It is a tool that can be used to advocate for improved healthcare services for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. It can inform policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations about the specific needs of the population and guide efforts to improve the quality of care.
The assessment of the healthcare landscape in 26276 is a complex undertaking. Data collection will involve contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing publicly available information, and potentially conducting interviews with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The analysis will be based on the best available data, and the results will be presented in a clear and concise manner.
The findings of this analysis will be valuable to several stakeholders. Individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers can use the information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers can use the analysis to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies to enhance the quality of care. Policymakers can use the information to allocate resources effectively and to support initiatives that improve access to care.
The final Alzheimer's Score will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Kerens, West Virginia. It will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and provide a roadmap for improvement. It will be a valuable resource for individuals with Alzheimer's, their caregivers, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape in Kerens and beyond? Explore the power of data and mapping with CartoChrome maps. Discover how spatial analysis can reveal critical insights into healthcare access and resource allocation.
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