16621, Broad Top, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16621, Broad Top, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.93 percent of the residents in 16621 has some form of health insurance. 43.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.75 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 16621 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 164 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16621. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 124 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 200 health care providers accessible to residents in 16621, Broad Top, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in rural communities where access to specialized care and support services can be limited. This analysis examines the availability of primary care physicians and related resources in the context of Alzheimer's care within ZIP Code 16621 (encompassing Broad Top, Pennsylvania) and its surrounding areas. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score assessment, considering various factors crucial for patients and their families navigating this complex disease.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. In Broad Top and the broader 16621 ZIP code, the physician density likely reflects the rural nature of the region. A lower density, meaning fewer physicians per capita, presents a significant hurdle. Patients may face longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances to access care, and potentially reduced opportunities for regular monitoring and early intervention, all critical components of managing Alzheimer's. The availability of primary care physicians is especially vital, as they often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline and can facilitate referrals to specialists like neurologists and geriatricians.

Standout practices, if any exist within or near the 16621 ZIP code, would be those demonstrating a commitment to Alzheimer's care. This includes practices that: employ staff trained in dementia care; offer comprehensive cognitive assessments; participate in clinical trials; and actively collaborate with support organizations. Identifying these practices requires a detailed investigation of local healthcare providers, including their services, patient reviews, and affiliations. The presence of a practice dedicated to geriatric care or memory disorders would significantly elevate the Alzheimer's Score for the region.

Telemedicine adoption represents a potential solution to the challenges of geographical isolation. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can facilitate medication management, cognitive assessments, and support for caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score would be positively influenced by practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms, particularly for consultations with neurologists, psychiatrists, and therapists specializing in dementia care. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a crucial factor in the effectiveness of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Patients with Alzheimer's often experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological strain. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, is therefore essential. The Alzheimer's Score considers the presence of these resources, including the accessibility of mental health services within the community, the availability of support groups for patients and caregivers, and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices.

The Alzheimer's Score is not merely a numerical ranking but a holistic assessment of the healthcare ecosystem's capacity to support individuals affected by Alzheimer's. This includes evaluating the availability of diagnostic services, such as neuropsychological testing and brain imaging, as well as access to medication management and other therapies. The presence of community resources, such as adult day care centers, respite care services, and home healthcare agencies, is also critical. These services provide vital support for both patients and caregivers, improving their quality of life and delaying the need for institutionalization.

In the context of Broad Top and ZIP Code 16621, the Alzheimer's Score is likely to be negatively impacted by the rural nature of the area, leading to a limited physician-to-patient ratio and potentially restricted access to specialized care. The absence of readily available data on specific practices and resource utilization makes a precise score difficult to determine without further investigation. The adoption of telemedicine could mitigate some of these challenges, but its effectiveness depends on the availability of reliable internet connectivity. The presence of mental health resources and community support services is also crucial for improving the Alzheimer's Score.

To enhance the Alzheimer's Score, the community should prioritize several key areas. First, efforts should be made to recruit and retain primary care physicians and specialists with expertise in geriatric care and dementia. Second, healthcare providers should be encouraged to adopt telemedicine platforms to expand access to care. Third, the development of robust mental health services and support groups for patients and caregivers is essential. Finally, community awareness campaigns can play a vital role in reducing stigma, promoting early detection, and connecting individuals with available resources.

The challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and their families in rural communities underscore the importance of data-driven decision-making. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 16621 ZIP code and surrounding areas, a detailed mapping of healthcare resources, physician locations, and service availability is critical. CartoChrome maps can provide this valuable information, offering a visual representation of healthcare access and identifying areas where resources are most needed.

If you are interested in visualizing the healthcare landscape in your area and gaining a deeper understanding of the resources available to support individuals with Alzheimer's, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps.