02645, Harwich, Massachusetts Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 02645, Harwich, Massachusetts is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.05 percent of the residents in 02645 has some form of health insurance. 43.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.10 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 02645 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,573 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02645. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,372 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 802 health care providers accessible to residents in 02645, Harwich, Massachusetts.

The analysis of "Alzheimer's Score" for physicians in ZIP Code 02645, specifically focusing on Harwich, Massachusetts, requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates examining primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This is critical because early diagnosis and comprehensive care are paramount in managing Alzheimer's disease, a condition that disproportionately affects the elderly population common in coastal communities like Harwich.

Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is a fundamental step. The national average for primary care physicians per 100,000 people provides a baseline. A significantly lower ratio in Harwich (ZIP Code 02645) would indicate a potential shortage of readily accessible primary care, which could delay diagnosis and treatment for Alzheimer's. The specific numbers need to be obtained from reliable sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). This data would then be compared to the national average and other similar communities to establish a benchmark.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is crucial. The "Alzheimer's Score" would consider the availability of physicians who specialize in geriatric care or have a demonstrated interest and experience in treating patients with dementia. This would involve researching individual physician profiles, looking for board certifications in geriatrics, and reviewing patient testimonials or practice information that highlights their experience with Alzheimer's. The presence of specialized nurses or support staff trained in dementia care would also contribute positively to the score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for a community like Harwich, where geographical limitations and mobility challenges can impact access to care. The analysis would assess which primary care practices in ZIP Code 02645 offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and initial consultations. The score would consider the ease of access to these services, the technology platforms used, and the training provided to both physicians and patients on how to utilize telemedicine effectively. Practices actively embracing telemedicine would receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease frequently presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, and caregivers also experience significant stress. The "Alzheimer's Score" would evaluate the availability of mental health professionals in Harwich, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. It would assess the ease of access to these professionals, including wait times for appointments, the acceptance of insurance, and the availability of specialized services for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. Partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers would be considered favorably.

Standout practices would be identified based on their comprehensive approach to Alzheimer's care. This includes those that offer:

* Early detection and screening programs.
* Care coordination services.
* Educational resources for patients and families.
* Support groups.
* Collaboration with local organizations like the Alzheimer's Association.

These practices would likely have a higher "Alzheimer's Score." The analysis would need to identify specific practices within the ZIP Code 02645 that demonstrate these characteristics.

The "Alzheimer's Score" would also consider the availability of memory care clinics or specialized geriatric centers in or near Harwich. These facilities offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, treatment plans, and ongoing support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. Their presence would significantly improve the overall score.

The analysis would also consider the integration of technology beyond telemedicine. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination, medication management, and communication with patients and caregivers would receive a higher score. The ability to share information seamlessly between different healthcare providers is critical for effective Alzheimer's care.

Data collection for this analysis would involve several steps. It would begin with a review of publicly available information, such as physician directories, practice websites, and local hospital websites. This would be followed by direct contact with primary care practices in ZIP Code 02645 to gather specific information about their services, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health partnerships. The analysis would also incorporate data from government sources, such as the HRSA, to assess physician-to-patient ratios and identify areas of potential shortage.

The "Alzheimer's Score" is not a static number. It's a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. The score would be periodically updated to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and best practices in Alzheimer's care. The methodology for calculating the score should be transparent and clearly defined, allowing for consistent evaluation and comparison over time.

The final "Alzheimer's Score" would be presented in a clear and concise format, summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of Alzheimer's care in Harwich. This information could be used by residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas for improvement and advocate for better resources for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The score would also provide valuable insights for potential residents considering a move to the area.

The success of this analysis hinges on the availability of accurate and up-to-date data. The ability to gather and synthesize this information effectively is critical to producing a meaningful "Alzheimer's Score." This score would serve as a valuable tool for assessing and improving the quality of Alzheimer's care in Harwich.

To visualize the data and gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Harwich, Massachusetts, and other areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful way to analyze geographic data and identify trends related to healthcare access and Alzheimer's care. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain valuable insights and make informed decisions.