Health Scores Near 26761, Shanks, West Virginia
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26761, Shanks, West Virginia is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26761 has some form of health insurance. 56.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.25 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 26761 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 66 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26761. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 269 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 375 health care providers accessible to residents in 26761, Shanks, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26761, Shanks, West Virginia
| Alzheimers Score | 7 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 33 |
| Provider Score | 8 |
| Hospital Score | 41 |
| Travel Score | 25 |
| 26761 | Shanks | 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 |
The analysis of Alzheimer's care within ZIP code 26761, encompassing the Shanks area, requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates an examination of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Evaluating these factors provides a snapshot of the community's preparedness to address the growing needs of individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to assess the quality of care and identify areas for improvement.
Primary care physicians are the crucial gatekeepers to Alzheimer's diagnosis and management. Their role extends beyond simply providing medical care; they often become trusted advisors, guiding patients and their families through the complexities of the disease. The availability of these physicians, therefore, is a critical indicator. In Shanks, the primary care landscape needs careful examination. The number of practicing primary care physicians must be compared to the population size. This comparison reveals the physician-to-patient ratio, a key metric in assessing access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses.
The physician-to-patient ratio is not the sole determinant of care quality. The characteristics of the practices themselves also matter. Some practices may have specific expertise in geriatric care or cognitive assessments. Others might be affiliated with larger healthcare systems that offer specialized services, such as memory clinics or neurology departments. Identifying standout practices, those with a demonstrated commitment to Alzheimer's care, is essential. These practices might offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, develop individualized care plans, and provide ongoing support to patients and their families.
Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Shanks. It can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialist consultations and ongoing monitoring without traveling long distances. The adoption of telemedicine by local physicians is a significant factor in assessing the availability of care. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve access to specialists, offer remote monitoring of patients' conditions, and provide educational resources to patients and caregivers.
Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings about emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for providing comprehensive support to patients and their families. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals is an indicator of a well-coordinated care system.
The assessment of Alzheimer's care in 26761 also requires an understanding of the community's support systems. This includes the availability of support groups, caregiver training programs, and respite care services. These resources can provide invaluable assistance to families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's, helping to alleviate caregiver burden and improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers.
Specific information about the practices in Shanks is needed. For example, are there any geriatricians or neurologists who specialize in cognitive disorders? What diagnostic tools do the primary care physicians use to assess cognitive function? Do the practices offer memory screenings? Are there any programs in place to educate patients and their families about Alzheimer's disease?
The evaluation should also consider the accessibility of care. This includes factors such as the availability of transportation, the affordability of care, and the language proficiency of healthcare providers. Addressing these barriers is essential to ensure that all residents have equal access to quality Alzheimer's care.
The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another factor. EHRs can improve care coordination by allowing physicians to share patient information seamlessly. They can also facilitate the tracking of patient outcomes and the identification of trends in care. Practices that have implemented EHRs are often better equipped to manage complex conditions like Alzheimer's disease.
The assessment of Alzheimer's care in 26761 should be an ongoing process. The needs of the community are constantly evolving, and healthcare providers must adapt to meet those needs. Regular monitoring of key indicators, such as physician-to-patient ratios and the adoption of telemedicine, is essential to ensure that the community is providing the best possible care to individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Furthermore, the analysis must consider the role of community partnerships. Collaborations between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies can improve access to resources and support. These partnerships can help to create a more comprehensive and integrated care system.
The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as income, education, and access to healthy food can influence a person's risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and their ability to access care. Addressing these social determinants is essential to promoting health equity and improving the overall health of the community.
Finally, the analysis must be dynamic, reflecting changes in the healthcare landscape. New treatments, technologies, and care models are constantly emerging. Healthcare providers must stay informed about these developments and incorporate them into their practice to provide the best possible care.
In conclusion, evaluating the quality of Alzheimer's care in ZIP code 26761, specifically in Shanks, is a complex undertaking. It requires a comprehensive assessment of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support systems. This analysis should be ongoing and adaptable to ensure that the community is providing the best possible care to individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease.
To gain a visual understanding of healthcare access and resources in your area, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their maps can help you visualize the data and make informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation.
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