26337, Cairo, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26337, Cairo, West Virginia is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.72 percent of the residents in 26337 has some form of health insurance. 45.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.65 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 26337 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 244 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26337. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 132 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 71 health care providers accessible to residents in 26337, Cairo, West Virginia.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Cairo, WV (26337)

Analyzing the Alzheimer's care landscape in Cairo, West Virginia (ZIP code 26337) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, structured around an "Alzheimer's Score," will assess the availability and quality of care for individuals and families impacted by this devastating disease. The score will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for supporting those navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's.

Cairo, a small town, likely faces significant challenges regarding healthcare access, particularly for specialized services. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Data from the US Census Bureau and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources will be essential to ascertain the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists (neurologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists) serving the population within and around 26337. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of providers, would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, signifying better access, would improve the score. This ratio needs to be further refined by considering the age distribution of the population, as Alzheimer's disproportionately affects older adults.

Identifying "standout practices" is crucial. This involves researching clinics and medical groups in the area. We must look for practices that explicitly mention Alzheimer's care on their websites, in their promotional materials, or in patient reviews. Key indicators of a strong practice include: a dedicated memory care program, staff training in dementia care, partnerships with local support groups, and participation in clinical trials. The presence of board-certified neurologists or geriatricians within a practice would significantly boost its score. Furthermore, the availability of diagnostic tools, such as cognitive assessments and imaging capabilities (MRI, PET scans), would be considered.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In a rural area like Cairo, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialists who may not be locally available. The Alzheimer's Score will assess the extent to which local practices offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual support groups. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies to connect patients with specialists, provide medication management, and offer caregiver support will receive higher scores. The availability of reliable internet access in the area will also be a factor, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Both patients and caregivers experience significant emotional distress. The Alzheimer's Score must evaluate the availability of mental health services in the area, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors. The presence of support groups, both in-person and online, is vital. Partnerships between healthcare providers and mental health professionals would be highly valued. The ability to access counseling services for both patients and caregivers, whether through individual therapy, group therapy, or family therapy, will be a significant factor in determining the overall score.

Specific examples of practices and their offerings are essential. While a comprehensive list is impossible without direct research, we can hypothesize based on the characteristics of rural healthcare. A practice that has a geriatrician on staff, offers cognitive assessments, and partners with the local Alzheimer's Association chapter would score highly. Conversely, a practice that primarily focuses on general primary care, with limited resources for cognitive impairment, would score lower. The existence of a local hospital with a dedicated memory care unit would be a major positive.

The analysis must consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. The availability of home healthcare services, respite care, and assisted living facilities specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's is crucial. The presence of these resources would significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score, as they provide essential support for patients and their families. The cost of these services and the availability of financial assistance programs will also be considered, as affordability is a major barrier to care.

Beyond individual practices, the analysis should consider the presence of community resources. The local Alzheimer's Association chapter, if present, would be a significant asset, offering support groups, educational programs, and caregiver training. The involvement of local churches or community centers in providing support services would also be beneficial. The score will reflect the degree to which the community is actively engaged in supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's.

The Alzheimer's Score for Cairo, WV (26337) would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The weighting would reflect the relative importance of each factor. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialists might carry a higher weight than the availability of online support groups. The final score would provide a snapshot of the current state of Alzheimer's care in the area.

The assessment of primary care availability in Cairo, WV (26337) is intertwined with the Alzheimer's Score. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. Their ability to recognize early symptoms, provide initial assessments, and refer patients to specialists is critical. The Alzheimer's Score will reflect the training and expertise of PCPs in the area regarding dementia care. Practices that offer cognitive screenings as part of routine checkups and have established referral pathways to specialists would receive higher scores.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score for Cairo, WV (26337) would reflect a complex interplay of factors. The score would serve as a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, highlighting areas of strength and weakness in the local care landscape. This analysis, however, is a starting point.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cairo, WV (26337), including physician locations, practice specializations, and resource availability, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. Explore the power of visual data to uncover valuable insights and make informed decisions.