26425, Rowlesburg, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26425, Rowlesburg, West Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.83 percent of the residents in 26425 has some form of health insurance. 56.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.94 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 26425 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 185 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26425. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 279 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 28 health care providers accessible to residents in 26425, Rowlesburg, West Virginia.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Rowlesburg, WV (ZIP Code 26425)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within ZIP code 26425, encompassing the town of Rowlesburg, West Virginia. The focus is on primary care physician (PCP) availability, as PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline and are crucial for early diagnosis and management. We'll consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all factors that contribute to an "Alzheimer's Score" reflecting the overall preparedness of the community to support individuals with this challenging disease.

Rowlesburg, and the surrounding area within 26425, is a rural community. This geographic context inherently presents challenges to healthcare access. One of the most critical indicators is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio for this specific ZIP code requires detailed data, but we can infer certain realities. Rural areas often struggle with physician shortages, particularly specialists like neurologists and geriatricians. This scarcity forces patients to travel longer distances for specialized care, increasing the burden on both patients and their families. A high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with limited access to specialists, would significantly lower the Alzheimer's Score.

Assessing "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the specific healthcare providers serving the area. Are there any primary care practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care? This includes practices that: actively screen for cognitive impairment; offer comprehensive geriatric assessments; have staff trained in dementia care; and collaborate effectively with specialists. Furthermore, the presence of a practice that actively participates in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's would be a significant positive factor. Without specific practice-level data, it's difficult to identify these standout providers with certainty. However, the presence of such practices would demonstrably improve the Alzheimer's Score.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in bridging the healthcare gap in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. The extent of telemedicine adoption within primary care practices in 26425 is a crucial factor. Are PCPs utilizing telehealth platforms for consultations with neurologists, psychiatrists, or other specialists? Do they offer virtual follow-up appointments for patients with Alzheimer's? The availability and utilization of telemedicine significantly enhance the Alzheimer's Score by mitigating the impact of geographical limitations.

The availability of mental health resources is inextricably linked to the quality of Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for managing these symptoms and supporting both patients and their caregivers. The presence of local mental health clinics, support groups, and access to psychiatric medication management are all critical components. A community with robust mental health resources would receive a higher Alzheimer's Score. Conversely, a lack of these resources would significantly detract from the score.

The overall "Alzheimer's Score" for Rowlesburg, WV (26425) is likely to be negatively impacted by the inherent challenges of rural healthcare. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely to be a significant concern. The availability of specialists, particularly neurologists and geriatricians, may be limited, forcing patients to travel for specialized care. The adoption of telemedicine, while potentially present, may be limited by technological infrastructure and physician adoption rates. The availability of mental health resources, while present, may not be sufficient to meet the needs of the community.

To improve the Alzheimer's Score, several key areas require attention. Increasing the number of PCPs and specialists serving the area is paramount. Promoting telemedicine adoption and providing training for healthcare providers on its use is essential. Expanding access to mental health services, including support groups and individual therapy, is crucial. Finally, community education and awareness campaigns about Alzheimer's disease can help to reduce stigma and improve early detection.

The impact of these factors on the Alzheimer's Score can be visualized and analyzed using geographic information systems (GIS) software. By mapping the location of healthcare providers, pharmacies, support groups, and other relevant resources, it's possible to identify areas of high and low access. This spatial analysis can inform targeted interventions to improve the quality of Alzheimer's care.

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare resources in Rowlesburg, WV (26425), including the location of physicians, pharmacies, and support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a powerful tool for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas where improvements are needed.