16146, Sharon, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16146, Sharon, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.56 percent of the residents in 16146 has some form of health insurance. 57.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.10 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 16146 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,800 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16146. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,100 health care providers accessible to residents in 16146, Sharon, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care for individuals residing in Sharon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16146), particularly concerning factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease management. This involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying notable practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score assessment based on these parameters, offering insights into the support available for patients and their families navigating the challenges of this disease.

The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care rests on accessible and responsive primary care. Within ZIP Code 16146, the physician-to-patient ratio serves as a crucial indicator. A higher ratio, reflecting fewer physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially diminished continuity of care. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio in this specific ZIP code is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards can provide this information. Ideally, a lower ratio would indicate better access to care, a critical element for early diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and management of Alzheimer's symptoms.

Identifying standout primary care practices in Sharon requires a deeper dive. This involves investigating the reputation of local practices, evaluating their patient reviews, and determining whether they have physicians with specialized training or experience in geriatric care and cognitive disorders. Practices that proactively screen for cognitive decline, offer comprehensive assessments, and coordinate care with specialists (neurologists, geriatric psychiatrists) would score higher in an Alzheimer's Score assessment. Furthermore, practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing and care coordination are highly desirable. Investigating the specific practices and their capabilities is vital.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to access care remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and support group participation, can significantly improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Practices that offer telemedicine services, including video consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth can reduce the burden of travel, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Assessing the prevalence and quality of telemedicine services offered by local primary care providers is crucial.

Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. The disease profoundly impacts both the patient and their caregivers, leading to increased rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that have strong connections with mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, are essential. The availability of on-site mental health services or readily accessible referrals to specialists can significantly improve patient outcomes. Investigating the referral pathways and the availability of mental health support within the community is a key component of the Alzheimer's Score.

The Alzheimer's Score, in this context, is a composite measure reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of primary care within ZIP Code 16146, with a specific focus on Alzheimer's-related needs. The score would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized geriatric care, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance in providing effective Alzheimer's care. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more specialized services, and a more supportive environment for patients and their families.

The analysis must also consider the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients. This includes the availability of memory care specialists, support groups, and educational resources for caregivers. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as memory screenings or caregiver support groups, would receive a higher score. Furthermore, the availability of social workers who can assist with navigating the complexities of healthcare, insurance, and legal issues is highly beneficial.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Sharon, Pennsylvania, also necessitates a review of the local hospital systems and their geriatric care programs. The presence of a dedicated geriatric unit, specialized memory clinics, and access to neurologists and other specialists are critical for providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Investigating the hospital's commitment to geriatric care and its collaboration with primary care practices is essential.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the demographics of the population in ZIP Code 16146. The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease increases with age, so understanding the age distribution of the population is crucial. If the area has a higher proportion of older adults, the need for specialized geriatric care and resources will be even greater.

The research and analysis should also consider the availability of transportation services for patients who may have difficulty driving or using public transportation. The availability of transportation options can significantly impact access to care, especially for patients living alone or with limited support.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score for doctors in ZIP Code 16146 and primary care availability in Sharon would be a nuanced assessment, considering all the factors mentioned above. The score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the provision of Alzheimer's care. It would inform patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers about the resources available and identify areas where improvements are needed.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sharon, Pennsylvania, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the data, allowing you to visualize the distribution of healthcare providers and identify potential gaps in care.