42273, Rochester, Kentucky Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 42273, Rochester, Kentucky is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.58 percent of the residents in 42273 has some form of health insurance. 58.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.46 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 42273 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 68 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42273. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 231 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 735 health care providers accessible to residents in 42273, Rochester, Kentucky.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Rochester, KY (ZIP Code 42273)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease management in Rochester, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42273), focusing on primary care physicians and the broader healthcare ecosystem. The evaluation considers factors impacting early diagnosis, ongoing care, and support for patients and their families. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, a qualitative assessment reflecting the community's preparedness to address the challenges of this debilitating disease.

The Alzheimer's Score for Rochester, KY, is a complex evaluation. It is not a simple numerical grade but a nuanced understanding based on available data and reasonable assumptions. The analysis acknowledges that precise, real-time data on every aspect of healthcare delivery is often limited, particularly in rural settings.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A critical component of Alzheimer's care is the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). Early detection often hinges on regular check-ups and a physician's ability to recognize subtle cognitive changes. The physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP Code 42273 is a fundamental metric. National averages can be misleading; rural areas frequently face shortages. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards should be consulted to determine the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the surrounding counties.

If a shortage exists, the Alzheimer's Score will be negatively impacted. A low physician-to-patient ratio means longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, a scarcity of PCPs can strain the existing healthcare infrastructure, affecting the quality of care.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided by local PCPs. Key indicators include:

* **Early Detection Protocols:** Do practices routinely administer cognitive assessments as part of their standard check-ups, particularly for patients over 65?
* **Referral Networks:** Are practices well-connected with neurologists, geriatricians, and other specialists experienced in Alzheimer's care?
* **Patient Education:** Do practices provide patients and families with educational materials about Alzheimer's, including information about support groups, clinical trials, and available resources?
* **Care Coordination:** Do practices have systems in place to coordinate care with specialists, pharmacies, and home healthcare providers?

Practices demonstrating a commitment to these areas will positively influence the Alzheimer's Score. Conversely, practices lacking these elements will negatively impact the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Implications:**

Telemedicine offers a crucial pathway to expand healthcare access, especially in rural areas. Its impact on Alzheimer's care is significant. Telemedicine can facilitate:

* **Remote Consultations:** Patients can consult with specialists, such as neurologists, without traveling long distances.
* **Monitoring and Management:** Telemedicine can enable remote monitoring of patients' cognitive function and medication adherence.
* **Support for Caregivers:** Telemedicine can provide access to support groups and educational resources for caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Score will be positively influenced by the availability and utilization of telemedicine services by local PCPs and specialists. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is a crucial factor.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Role:**

Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and agitation. Access to mental health resources is therefore vital. The analysis needs to consider:

* **Availability of Psychiatrists and Therapists:** The number of mental health professionals available in the area.
* **Geriatric Psychiatry Expertise:** The presence of psychiatrists or therapists specializing in geriatric mental health.
* **Support Groups and Counseling Services:** The availability of support groups and counseling services for both patients and caregivers.

The Alzheimer's Score will be positively affected by the presence of robust mental health resources. The lack of such resources will negatively impact the score, as it can lead to untreated mental health conditions, exacerbating the challenges faced by Alzheimer's patients and their families.

**Overall Assessment and the Alzheimer's Score:**

Based on the factors outlined above, the Alzheimer's Score for Rochester, KY (ZIP Code 42273) is likely to be moderate, with potential areas for improvement. The rural nature of the area poses challenges in terms of physician availability and access to specialized care.

The presence of a strong primary care network, particularly those with practices focused on early detection and care coordination, can significantly improve the score. Increased adoption of telemedicine, along with improved access to mental health resources, would also contribute to a higher score.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more granular and visually informative understanding of healthcare resources in Rochester, KY, and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of location intelligence. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the distribution of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, and to analyze the geographic accessibility of these crucial resources. This will provide a deeper and more insightful understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.