26372, Horner, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26372, Horner, West Virginia is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.38 percent of the residents in 26372 has some form of health insurance. 28.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.65 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 26372 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 218 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26372. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 121 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 356 health care providers accessible to residents in 26372, Horner, West Virginia.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26372 & Horner, WV

This analysis provides an Alzheimer's Score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP Code 26372, focusing on primary care availability in the Horner, WV area. The evaluation considers factors pertinent to Alzheimer's care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and its preparedness to address the needs of individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's disease.

The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care rests on accessible and responsive primary care. In Horner, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability to receive early diagnoses, ongoing management, and coordinated care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less comprehensive care. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing up-to-date data, but publicly available sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates. A low ratio raises concerns about access.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within 26372 requires investigation. Look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, offer specialized memory clinics, or actively participate in Alzheimer's research or clinical trials. These practices often have physicians with advanced training in geriatrics or neurology, and staff trained to recognize and manage the complexities of Alzheimer's. Reviews from patients and family members, if available, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including the empathy and communication skills of the medical staff.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in rural areas like Horner. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive consultations without traveling long distances. The availability of telehealth services for primary care, neurology, and mental health providers within 26372 is a key indicator of access to care. Practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are better positioned to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The ease of use of these platforms and the technical support offered to patients are critical factors in determining their effectiveness.

Mental health resources are an integral part of Alzheimer's care. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience behavioral and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and agitation. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological challenges. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups in the Horner area is crucial. Assessing the accessibility of these resources involves evaluating the number of providers, wait times for appointments, insurance acceptance, and the availability of specialized services, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or support groups specifically for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

The integration of mental health services with primary care is ideal. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are co-located with primary care physicians, can provide more coordinated and comprehensive care. This integration facilitates communication between providers, ensures that mental health needs are addressed proactively, and reduces the stigma associated with seeking mental health care.

Further, the presence of local support groups, such as those offered by the Alzheimer's Association or other community organizations, is a positive sign. These groups provide a valuable forum for caregivers to share experiences, receive emotional support, and learn about available resources. The frequency of meetings, the expertise of the facilitators, and the accessibility of the groups are all important considerations.

The analysis also considers the availability of resources for caregivers. Alzheimer's is a disease that affects not only the individual but also their family and caregivers. Resources such as respite care, adult day care, and home health services can provide much-needed support to caregivers, allowing them to take breaks and maintain their own well-being. The availability, affordability, and quality of these services are essential.

Evaluating the overall Alzheimer's Score requires compiling data from multiple sources, including public health agencies, healthcare provider directories, patient reviews, and community organizations. The score would be a composite measure, reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of care. The score would be a relative assessment, comparing the healthcare landscape in 26372 to benchmarks for Alzheimer's care.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score analysis for ZIP Code 26372 and Horner, WV, provides a snapshot of the local healthcare system's capacity to address the needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's. It highlights strengths, identifies areas for improvement, and informs efforts to enhance access to high-quality care. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to ensure that the information remains relevant and accurate.

For a visual representation of the healthcare resources in the 26372 area, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, mental health providers, and support services, we recommend exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows you to visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Horner and the surrounding areas.