26807, Franklin, West Virginia Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 26807, Franklin, West Virginia is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.38 percent of the residents in 26807 has some form of health insurance. 48.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.33 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 26807 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 455 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26807. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 570 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20 health care providers accessible to residents in 26807, Franklin, West Virginia.

The analysis below assesses the quality of Alzheimer's care within ZIP code 26807, specifically focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources in Franklin, West Virginia. This assessment considers several factors crucial for providing comprehensive care to individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care begins with accessible primary care. In Franklin, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or inadequate management of the disease. Data on the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Franklin is crucial. Publicly available data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources or the US Census Bureau, combined with physician directories, would provide the basis for this calculation. This data should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the community is also important. Are physicians concentrated in one area, or are they spread throughout the town, providing easier access for all residents, including those with mobility challenges often associated with Alzheimer's? The presence of multiple primary care practices, including both solo practitioners and group practices, can also influence access. Group practices often offer a wider range of services and may have more flexible appointment schedules.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality Alzheimer's care. This might involve physicians with specialized training in geriatrics or cognitive disorders. Practices should have established protocols for cognitive assessments, early detection, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease. They should also demonstrate a commitment to patient education and support for caregivers. This can include providing educational materials, support groups, and referrals to community resources.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, especially for rural communities like Franklin. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. For individuals with Alzheimer's, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial, allowing them to receive care in the comfort of their homes. This can be especially important for those who have difficulty traveling or who live in remote areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. The extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in Franklin is a key indicator of the accessibility and quality of care.

Mental health resources are essential for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. 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 crucial for managing these symptoms and improving the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. The availability of these resources in Franklin, including the presence of mental health clinics, therapists, and support groups, is a critical component of a comprehensive Alzheimer's care system.

The presence of support groups specifically for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers is another important factor. These groups provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive emotional support. They can also provide valuable information about community resources and services. The existence of these support groups in Franklin, and their accessibility, is a significant indicator of the community's commitment to supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The coordination of care is also a crucial aspect of Alzheimer's management. This involves effective communication and collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists, mental health professionals, and other healthcare providers. Care coordination ensures that patients receive comprehensive and integrated care, reducing the risk of medical errors and improving overall outcomes. The presence of care coordination programs or initiatives in Franklin would be a positive indicator of the quality of care.

The availability of specialized memory care units or facilities in Franklin is also an important consideration. These facilities provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer's who require a higher level of care. They offer specialized programs and services designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with dementia. The presence of these facilities, and their accessibility, is a significant factor in assessing the quality of Alzheimer's care in the community.

The assessment of Alzheimer's care in Franklin, West Virginia, requires a comprehensive approach. It's not just about the number of physicians; it's about the quality of care, the availability of resources, and the coordination of services. A thorough evaluation would involve gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, support groups, and specialized care facilities. It would also involve assessing the practices of individual physicians and practices to identify those that excel in providing Alzheimer's care.

This analysis provides a general overview of the factors to consider when assessing Alzheimer's care in Franklin, West Virginia. A more in-depth analysis would require access to specific data and information about the healthcare providers and resources available in the community.

To gain a visual understanding of physician locations, resource distribution, and access points, consider using interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to see the landscape of care in Franklin and identify potential gaps or areas of strength.