26719, Fort Ashby, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26719, Fort Ashby, West Virginia is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.56 percent of the residents in 26719 has some form of health insurance. 29.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.94 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 26719 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 308 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26719. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 572 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 447 health care providers accessible to residents in 26719, Fort Ashby, West Virginia.

Alzheimer's Disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, presents a significant challenge for individuals and communities. Access to quality healthcare, including primary care physicians (PCPs) who can screen for and manage the early stages of the disease, is crucial. This analysis examines the availability of primary care and related resources in Fort Ashby, West Virginia, specifically focusing on the 26719 ZIP code, to assess its preparedness for addressing the needs of individuals affected by Alzheimer's.

The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care lies in accessible primary care. In Fort Ashby, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for regular check-ups, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data on the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 26719 ZIP code requires a specific data pull from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine or the US Census Bureau in conjunction with physician directories. Without this granular data, a precise score is impossible. However, we can infer based on general rural healthcare trends. Rural areas often struggle with physician shortages, suggesting the ratio in 26719 may be less favorable than in more urban centers.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the distribution and specialization of those physicians are essential. Are there enough PCPs accepting new patients? Are there geriatric specialists or neurologists within a reasonable driving distance? The presence of these specialists is vital for comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Geriatricians possess specialized knowledge of age-related health issues, including cognitive decline, while neurologists are experts in diagnosing and managing neurological conditions like Alzheimer's. The absence of these specialists necessitates travel to larger cities, creating barriers to care for elderly residents with limited mobility or transportation options.

Identifying standout practices within the 26719 ZIP code is crucial. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offer comprehensive geriatric assessments, and demonstrate a commitment to early detection and management of cognitive decline would be highly valuable. These practices might implement cognitive screening tools during routine check-ups, educate patients and families about Alzheimer's, and provide referrals to support services. Determining which practices excel requires a review of patient reviews, provider ratings, and information gathered from local healthcare organizations.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with PCPs, neurologists, and other specialists, reducing the need for travel. It can also be used for remote monitoring of patients' health, medication management, and providing support to caregivers. The extent of telemedicine adoption within the 26719 ZIP code, including the availability of telehealth appointments and the use of remote monitoring technologies, would directly impact the Alzheimer's Score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience mood changes, anxiety, and depression. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological challenges. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups, is therefore essential. The presence of these resources within the 26719 ZIP code, or within a reasonable driving distance, would be a key factor in determining the overall Alzheimer's Score. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health professionals, would be highly beneficial.

The Alzheimer's Score for the 26719 ZIP code is a complex assessment. It depends on numerous factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources. Without access to specific data on these factors, it is impossible to assign a numerical score. However, based on general rural healthcare trends, it is likely that the 26719 ZIP code faces challenges in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. The lack of specialists, potential physician shortages, and limited access to mental health services could create significant barriers to timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and support for individuals and families affected by the disease.

To improve the Alzheimer's Score, the community needs to address these challenges. This could involve recruiting more physicians, particularly geriatricians and neurologists; expanding telemedicine capabilities; increasing access to mental health services; and educating the public about Alzheimer's disease. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential.

The Alzheimer's Score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the community's ability to care for its most vulnerable members. Improving access to care, promoting early detection, and providing comprehensive support are crucial steps toward building a community that is prepared to address the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. A detailed map of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and mental health services, is a valuable tool for assessing and improving Alzheimer's care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 26719 ZIP code and beyond, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant data, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of healthcare access. Discover the power of data visualization and gain a clearer picture of the healthcare resources available in your community.