16236, Mc Grann, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16236, Mc Grann, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.06 percent of the residents in 16236 has some form of health insurance. 61.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.85 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 16236 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 52 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16236. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 75 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 649 health care providers accessible to residents in 16236, Mc Grann, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of healthcare accessibility, specifically concerning Alzheimer's care and primary care availability within ZIP code 16236 (which encompasses significant portions of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, including Mc Grann) requires a nuanced approach. It necessitates examining the existing physician landscape, the availability of specialized services, and the integration of technologies like telemedicine. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, assigning an "Alzheimer's Score" based on these factors, culminating in a call to action for a powerful visualization tool.

The physician-to-patient ratio in rural areas like Armstrong County often presents a challenge. While precise, up-to-the-minute data on the exact ratio within 16236 is difficult to obtain without proprietary databases, the general trend points to a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs) and even more acutely, specialists such as neurologists and geriatricians. This scarcity directly impacts the timely diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances, and reduced access to specialists, all of which can negatively affect the quality of care. The Alzheimer's Score is immediately impacted by this.

Primary care availability in Mc Grann, a smaller community within the ZIP code, exacerbates this issue. With fewer healthcare facilities and a smaller population base, the concentration of PCPs is likely lower than in more populated areas within the county. This means residents of Mc Grann might have to travel further to access a primary care physician, which serves as the crucial first point of contact for assessing cognitive decline and initiating the diagnostic process for Alzheimer's. The geographic isolation and limited transportation options prevalent in rural settings further complicate access to care.

Standout practices, or those demonstrating a commitment to Alzheimer's care, would be a significant asset. Identifying practices that actively screen for cognitive impairment, offer memory clinics, or participate in clinical trials would contribute positively to the Alzheimer's Score. However, without specific practice names and detailed service offerings, this assessment relies on general observations. The presence of geriatric specialists or neurologists within a practice, or the availability of specialized memory care programs, would significantly elevate the score. The existence of support groups for patients and caregivers would also be a positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be physically present in the community. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies, including secure video conferencing and remote monitoring devices, would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services, particularly for cognitive assessments and consultations, would be a major boost.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for managing these symptoms and supporting both patients and their caregivers. The availability of mental health services within the community, or through referral networks, directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices would also be a positive factor.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for doctors in ZIP code 16236, and specifically regarding primary care availability in Mc Grann, is likely to be moderate, possibly leaning towards the lower end. The challenges of rural healthcare, including physician shortages, geographic isolation, and limited access to specialized services, are significant impediments. While specific practices may be doing excellent work, the overall landscape suggests room for improvement. The score would be boosted by increased physician recruitment, greater telemedicine adoption, and enhanced mental health resources.

To improve the score, several recommendations are pertinent. First, efforts to recruit and retain PCPs, neurologists, and geriatricians in the area are crucial. This might involve offering incentives, such as loan repayment programs or opportunities for professional development. Second, promoting and supporting telemedicine adoption among local practices is essential. This includes providing technical assistance, training, and financial support for implementing telemedicine technologies. Third, strengthening the integration of mental health services within primary care practices is vital. This could involve co-locating mental health professionals or establishing referral networks.

Finally, enhancing public awareness of Alzheimer's disease and available resources is paramount. This includes educating the community about the symptoms of the disease, the importance of early detection, and the available support services. This can be achieved through community outreach programs, educational workshops, and partnerships with local organizations. The availability of easily accessible information is a crucial component of the score.

To gain a more granular and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in 16236, including the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of specific services, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you identify areas with limited access to care, pinpoint potential gaps in services, and make informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize and understand the complexities of healthcare accessibility in your community.