15340, Hickory, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15340, Hickory, Pennsylvania is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.41 percent of the residents in 15340 has some form of health insurance. 53.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.07 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 15340 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 246 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15340. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 381 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,896 health care providers accessible to residents in 15340, Hickory, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant public health challenge, demanding accessible and comprehensive healthcare resources. This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians and related services in the Hickory, PA (ZIP code 15340) area, focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's care. We will assess the “Alzheimer's Score” based on several key metrics.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time physicians can dedicate to individual patient needs, including those with complex conditions like Alzheimer's. Publicly available data sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates of physician density. In 15340, a preliminary assessment reveals a potential shortage of primary care physicians relative to the general population. This is a negative factor in our "Alzheimer's Score."

Standout practices in the area are crucial. We need to identify primary care clinics and practices that specifically demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care and Alzheimer's management. This includes practices that offer specialized memory clinics, cognitive assessments, and care coordination services. A practice that has a dedicated geriatrician or a team with specialized training in dementia care would be a positive factor. Conversely, practices lacking these specialized resources will negatively impact the score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key consideration. Telemedicine offers potential benefits for patients, especially those with mobility issues or living in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patients remotely, and provide medication management via telehealth can improve access to care. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies for geriatric and cognitive care will contribute positively to the "Alzheimer's Score." Conversely, limited or no telemedicine adoption will lower the score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Patients with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors who specialize in geriatric mental health is essential. The presence of support groups for patients and caregivers is another important factor. A robust network of mental health services will significantly enhance the "Alzheimer's Score." Insufficient mental health support will negatively impact the score.

Care coordination is another crucial element. Effective Alzheimer's care requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving primary care physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and other specialists. Practices that actively facilitate care coordination, such as using electronic health records to share information, offering case management services, and establishing referral networks, will improve the "Alzheimer's Score." Lack of care coordination will negatively affect the score.

The availability of specialized diagnostic services is also relevant. Access to cognitive testing, neuroimaging (such as MRI or PET scans), and other diagnostic tools is essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease. Practices with access to these services, either on-site or through established referral relationships, will contribute positively to the "Alzheimer's Score." Limited access to diagnostic services will negatively affect the score.

The "Alzheimer's Score" is a composite measure, weighing each of these factors. A high score indicates a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to meet the needs of Alzheimer's patients. A low score indicates areas for improvement.

In the case of Hickory, PA (15340), a preliminary assessment suggests a moderate "Alzheimer's Score." The potential physician shortage, combined with the need to identify and promote standout practices with specialized geriatric and dementia care, suggests areas for improvement. The level of telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources will be key determinants. The presence or absence of robust care coordination and access to diagnostic services will also be critical.

Further research is needed to refine the "Alzheimer's Score" for 15340. This would involve a more detailed analysis of physician data, practice profiles, telemedicine capabilities, mental health service availability, and care coordination practices. This would involve contacting local healthcare providers and reviewing publicly available information.

The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in Hickory, PA, and to identify areas where improvements can be made to better serve the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families.

For a detailed visual analysis of healthcare resources in the 15340 area, including physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of support services, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive, data-driven maps that can help you visualize and understand the healthcare landscape in your community.