Health Scores Near 26377, Jacksonburg, West Virginia
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26377, Jacksonburg, West Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 98.09 percent of the residents in 26377 has some form of health insurance. 51.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.67 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 26377 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 134 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26377. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 239 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 83 health care providers accessible to residents in 26377, Jacksonburg, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26377, Jacksonburg, West Virginia
| Alzheimers Score | 40 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 38 |
| Provider Score | 69 |
| Hospital Score | 51 |
| Travel Score | 20 |
| 26377 | Jacksonburg | 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: Jacksonburg, WV (ZIP Code 26377)
This analysis assesses the landscape of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within Jacksonburg, West Virginia (ZIP code 26377), focusing on primary care availability and the broader support system for patients and their families. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, a qualitative evaluation reflecting the accessibility and quality of care. This analysis does not provide an actual numerical score but instead offers a comprehensive understanding of the current situation.
Jacksonburg, a small community in Wetzel County, presents unique challenges in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area often translates to limited access to specialized medical services, including those crucial for Alzheimer's diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. This analysis will examine the existing resources, identify potential gaps, and highlight areas for improvement.
**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests on the shoulders of primary care physicians (PCPs). They are typically the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline and play a vital role in initial assessment, referral to specialists, and ongoing care coordination. Evaluating PCP availability is therefore paramount.
The physician-to-patient ratio in Jacksonburg and the surrounding Wetzel County is likely a significant factor. Rural areas often struggle with a shortage of physicians, leading to longer wait times for appointments and increased patient loads for existing providers. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the 26377 ZIP code is essential. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would provide valuable insights. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**
Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care and dementia management is crucial. These practices may have specialized training, offer memory screenings, or have established referral pathways to neurologists, geriatricians, and other relevant specialists.
Research should focus on identifying practices within or near the 26377 ZIP code that actively address the needs of patients with cognitive impairments. This includes investigating whether practices:
* Employ physicians with specialized training in geriatrics or neurology.
* Offer memory screenings as part of routine checkups.
* Have established protocols for diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease.
* Provide patient education and support resources.
* Actively participate in local Alzheimer's support groups or community outreach programs.
Practices demonstrating these characteristics would positively influence the Alzheimer's Score. Their presence would indicate a more supportive and informed healthcare environment for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Significance:**
Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care in rural areas like Jacksonburg. For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can facilitate:
* Consultations with specialists who may not be locally available.
* Remote monitoring of symptoms and medication adherence.
* Virtual support groups and educational sessions for patients and caregivers.
Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among local healthcare providers is therefore critical. This involves determining:
* Whether PCPs and specialists offer telemedicine appointments.
* The types of telemedicine services available (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring).
* The availability of necessary technology and internet access for patients.
* Insurance coverage for telemedicine services.
Widespread telemedicine adoption would positively impact the Alzheimer's Score, indicating a greater capacity to overcome geographical barriers and provide timely access to care.
**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Component:**
Alzheimer's disease is often accompanied by behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health services is therefore essential for both patients and their caregivers.
Evaluating the availability of mental health resources in and around Jacksonburg involves:
* Identifying local psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors.
* Assessing the availability of mental health services specifically tailored to older adults and individuals with dementia.
* Determining the availability of support groups for caregivers.
* Investigating the presence of programs that address the emotional and psychological needs of patients and their families.
A robust mental health infrastructure would significantly enhance the Alzheimer's Score, reflecting a comprehensive approach to care that addresses the multifaceted challenges of the disease.
**The Overall Alzheimer's Score for Jacksonburg (26377): A Qualitative Assessment**
Based on the factors discussed above, the Alzheimer's Score for Jacksonburg, West Virginia (26377) is likely to be negatively impacted by the challenges of rural healthcare. The potential for a low physician-to-patient ratio, the limited availability of specialized geriatric care, and the potential for limited telemedicine adoption are significant concerns. The strength of the score will depend on the availability of mental health resources, the presence of standout practices, and the community's overall commitment to supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
**Conclusion and Call to Action:**
Understanding the healthcare landscape for Alzheimer's patients in Jacksonburg is crucial for improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease. The analysis highlights the importance of addressing physician shortages, promoting telemedicine adoption, and ensuring access to mental health services. Further investigation is needed to gather specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, and the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources.
To visualize the healthcare resources available in Jacksonburg and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the location of healthcare providers, the availability of services, and the geographical distribution of resources.
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