01746, Holliston, Massachusetts Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 01746, Holliston, Massachusetts is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.34 percent of the residents in 01746 has some form of health insurance. 23.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.03 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 01746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,568 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01746. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,327 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,098 health care providers accessible to residents in 01746, Holliston, Massachusetts.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Holliston, MA (ZIP Code 01746)

This analysis provides an Alzheimer's Score ranking for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 01746 (Holliston, MA), focusing on factors crucial for supporting patients and families navigating Alzheimer's disease. The score is not a definitive measure of physician quality but rather an assessment of resources, accessibility, and proactive approaches that contribute to a supportive environment for Alzheimer's care. The analysis incorporates data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration with mental health resources.

Holliston, a town in Middlesex County, presents a unique demographic profile. Understanding the age distribution, prevalence of chronic conditions, and existing healthcare infrastructure is vital to determining the availability and quality of Alzheimer's care. The analysis acknowledges the limitations of publicly available data and attempts to provide a comprehensive overview based on the available information.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of healthcare 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 compromised care quality. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio specifically for Holliston requires detailed data that is often proprietary. However, publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health can provide estimates. Examining the number of PCPs practicing within 01746, combined with the town's population, gives an initial approximation. Further refinement would involve accounting for the age distribution within Holliston, as older populations typically require more frequent medical attention.

Access also encompasses geographic considerations. The proximity of physician practices to residents, especially those with mobility limitations common in Alzheimer's patients, is paramount. Practices located in easily accessible areas, with adequate parking and public transportation options, are more favorable.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational characteristics. This involves evaluating their approach to geriatric care, their experience with cognitive assessments, and their commitment to care coordination. Practices that actively participate in programs like the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit, which includes cognitive screening, demonstrate a proactive approach to early detection.

Furthermore, practices that have established strong relationships with local specialists, such as neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists, and social workers, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The availability of in-house support staff, such as nurses and medical assistants trained in dementia care, is another positive indicator. Practices that offer extended appointment times and home visit options are also more accommodating to the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide ongoing support through telehealth platforms can significantly improve access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and even some cognitive assessments, are more likely to score higher in this analysis.

The effectiveness of telemedicine, however, is contingent on several factors. These include the availability of reliable internet access for patients, the comfort level of both patients and physicians with technology, and the integration of telemedicine platforms with electronic health records (EHRs). Practices that have invested in user-friendly telemedicine platforms and provide technical support to patients are better positioned to leverage the benefits of telehealth.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Alzheimer's disease frequently co-occurs with mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances. The availability of mental health resources and their integration with primary care are critical for comprehensive patient care. Practices that have established referral pathways to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in dementia care are better equipped to address these complex needs.

Collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals is essential for effective treatment. This includes shared care plans, regular communication, and a coordinated approach to medication management. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have strong partnerships with local mental health providers are better positioned to support the emotional and psychological well-being of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

**Alzheimer's Score Ranking Considerations:**

The Alzheimer's Score is not a single, quantifiable metric but rather a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. Practices are evaluated on a spectrum, with higher scores reflecting greater commitment to Alzheimer's care. The score considers the following:

* **Accessibility:** Physician-to-patient ratio, geographic accessibility, appointment availability.
* **Proactive Screening:** Adoption of cognitive assessment tools, participation in programs like the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit.
* **Care Coordination:** Referral pathways to specialists, collaboration with mental health providers, care management support.
* **Technology Integration:** Telemedicine adoption, EHR integration, user-friendly platforms.
* **Support Services:** Availability of dementia-trained staff, caregiver support programs, home visit options.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis provides a preliminary assessment of the Alzheimer's care landscape in Holliston, MA (01746). While a comprehensive ranking requires more detailed data, the framework highlights key factors that contribute to a supportive environment for Alzheimer's patients and their families. Understanding these factors is essential for making informed healthcare decisions and advocating for improved access to quality care.

For a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points within Holliston and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data and gaining a deeper understanding of the resources available in your community.