26804, Circleville, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26804, Circleville, West Virginia is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.50 percent of the residents in 26804 has some form of health insurance. 73.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 36.77 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 26804 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 129 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26804. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 109 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 28 health care providers accessible to residents in 26804, Circleville, West Virginia.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Circleville, WV (ZIP Code 26804)

Analyzing the availability of resources and healthcare professionals capable of addressing Alzheimer's disease within Circleville, West Virginia (ZIP code 26804) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into several key areas, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in an Alzheimer's Score assessment. Given the rural nature of the area, the challenges and opportunities presented are unique.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare access. In a rural setting like Circleville, the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, particularly neurologists and geriatricians, directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely diagnoses and ongoing care for Alzheimer's. Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio in this specific ZIP code is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide insights into the number of licensed physicians practicing within the area. This data needs to be cross-referenced with the population of Circleville to determine the ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care. This includes clinics or individual physicians who have specialized training in dementia diagnosis and management, offer comprehensive cognitive assessments, and participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's. Identifying these practices involves exploring online resources, contacting local hospitals or healthcare networks, and reviewing patient testimonials. The presence of a dedicated memory care clinic or a neurologist with a strong focus on Alzheimer's would significantly boost the Alzheimer's Score. Conversely, a lack of specialized practices would be a significant detriment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool for healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Its adoption allows patients to access specialists and receive consultations remotely, mitigating the challenges of geographical isolation. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local healthcare providers is essential. This involves determining whether PCPs and specialists offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring services, or access to online educational resources for patients and caregivers. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a critical factor. Widespread telemedicine adoption would positively influence the Alzheimer's Score, while limited adoption would be a negative factor.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore crucial. Assessing the presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and counseling services in the area is essential. The ability of these resources to address the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers is also important. A robust network of mental health support would significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score, while a lack of such resources would be detrimental.

Beyond the core areas, other factors can influence the Alzheimer's Score. These include the availability of home healthcare services, respite care options for caregivers, and access to transportation for medical appointments. The presence of community-based programs, such as adult day care centers and memory cafes, also plays a significant role. These resources provide support for both individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers, improving their quality of life and reducing the burden of care.

The assessment of the Alzheimer's Score would involve assigning weights to each of the aforementioned factors. Physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources would be weighted based on their relative importance. The final score would be a composite value reflecting the overall level of support and resources available for Alzheimer's care in Circleville.

The specific Alzheimer's Score for Circleville, WV (ZIP code 26804) cannot be determined without conducting the necessary research and data analysis. However, based on the general understanding of rural healthcare challenges, the score is likely to be moderate, with areas for improvement. The limited physician-to-patient ratio and the potential lack of specialized practices could be significant drawbacks. However, the potential for telemedicine adoption and the presence of community-based support programs could offer opportunities for improvement.

To accurately determine the Alzheimer's Score, a detailed investigation of the local healthcare landscape is required. This includes identifying the number of physicians, assessing the telemedicine capabilities of local providers, and determining the availability of mental health resources. This information would then be used to assign weights to each factor and calculate the final score.

This analysis has highlighted the key factors that influence the availability of Alzheimer's care in Circleville, WV (ZIP code 26804). The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all critical components of a comprehensive Alzheimer's care system.

The challenges of providing adequate healthcare in rural areas are well-documented. However, by focusing on these key areas and leveraging technology, communities like Circleville can work to improve access to care and support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. Further research and data analysis are needed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the Alzheimer's Score for this specific ZIP code.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Circleville and surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, healthcare facilities, and support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides detailed mapping tools that can help you visualize the availability of healthcare resources and identify potential gaps in care.