26349, Galloway, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26349, Galloway, West Virginia is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.68 percent of the residents in 26349 has some form of health insurance. 73.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 24.39 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 26349 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 50 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26349. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 19 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,628 health care providers accessible to residents in 26349, Galloway, West Virginia.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26349 & Primary Care Availability in Galloway, WV**

Galloway, West Virginia, nestled within the 26349 ZIP code, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding Alzheimer's care. This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources within the community, culminating in an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment. The aim is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to residents and identify areas for potential improvement in Alzheimer's care.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests on the availability and quality of primary care physicians. In Galloway, assessing primary care availability involves considering the number of practicing physicians, their specialties, and their accessibility to patients. This includes factors like appointment wait times, insurance acceptance, and the physical proximity of practices to residents. A limited number of primary care physicians can lead to longer wait times, making it harder for individuals to receive timely diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's symptoms.

Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial indicators of healthcare access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can strain the healthcare system. This can result in overworked physicians, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. In Galloway, determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires data on the number of primary care physicians and the population of the area. Public health data and local medical directories are necessary to ascertain these figures.

Standout practices within the 26349 ZIP code are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care for patients with cognitive decline. This includes practices that offer specialized memory clinics, employ staff trained in geriatric care, and have established protocols for early detection and management of Alzheimer's disease. These practices often collaborate with specialists, such as neurologists and psychiatrists, to provide a multidisciplinary approach to care. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to Alzheimer's disease can be considered exemplary.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in rural areas like Galloway. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The availability of telemedicine for Alzheimer's care can include virtual consultations with physicians, remote monitoring of patients' symptoms, and access to educational resources. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Galloway’s primary care practices directly impacts the accessibility and quality of care for Alzheimer's patients.

Mental health resources are critical components of Alzheimer's care. Patients with Alzheimer's and their caregivers often experience emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for providing support and managing these challenges. The presence of support groups, counseling services, and access to medication management are all vital aspects of comprehensive mental health care for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Galloway, WV, 26349, is a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. It considers the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score is not a precise numerical value but rather a qualitative evaluation reflecting the overall state of Alzheimer's care in the community.

Based on the available information, the Alzheimer's Score for Galloway, WV, 26349, is likely to be moderate. The rural nature of the area presents challenges in healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio might be higher than in more urban areas, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access to care. However, the presence of dedicated primary care practices and the potential for telemedicine adoption could improve the score. The availability of mental health resources is a critical factor, and the score will be influenced by the extent of these services.

To improve the Alzheimer's Score in Galloway, several strategies can be implemented. Increasing the number of primary care physicians, particularly those with experience in geriatric care, is essential. Promoting telemedicine adoption among local practices can improve access to specialists and reduce geographical barriers. Enhancing the availability of mental health resources, including support groups and counseling services, is crucial for supporting patients and their caregivers. Furthermore, encouraging collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health professionals can create a more integrated and comprehensive approach to care.

A deeper analysis of the healthcare landscape in Galloway, WV, 26349, would benefit from a comprehensive assessment of the existing resources. This includes gathering data on the number of practicing physicians, their specialties, and their acceptance of insurance. Conducting surveys of local practices to assess their telemedicine capabilities and their involvement in Alzheimer's care. Evaluating the availability of mental health services, including the number of mental health professionals and the types of support offered.

The challenges of providing Alzheimer's care in a rural setting are significant. However, with strategic planning and a commitment to improving healthcare access, Galloway can enhance its ability to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. The focus should be on fostering a collaborative healthcare environment, embracing technological advancements, and ensuring the availability of comprehensive mental health support.

The data related to physician locations, practice specializations, and healthcare resources can be complex to analyze. For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Galloway, WV, 26349, and to gain insights into the geographic distribution of resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care and to understand the relationships between different healthcare providers and resources.