16724, Crosby, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16724, Crosby, Pennsylvania is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16724 has some form of health insurance. 44.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.43 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 16724 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16724. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 126 health care providers accessible to residents in 16724, Crosby, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems, particularly in rural areas. This analysis examines the availability of resources and the potential for effective care for Alzheimer's patients in the context of ZIP Code 16724 (Crosby, Pennsylvania) and its surrounding areas. We will focus on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment.

ZIP Code 16724, encompassing the small town of Crosby, Pennsylvania, is situated within McKean County. Rural areas often face unique difficulties in providing specialized care, including for neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. The distance to specialists, limited access to transportation, and a potentially aging population can all contribute to challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support for individuals and their families.

Assessing primary care availability is the crucial first step. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the initial point of contact for healthcare needs, and their role is particularly vital in managing chronic conditions like Alzheimer's. A PCP can conduct initial cognitive assessments, provide referrals to specialists (neurologists, geriatricians), and coordinate overall care. In Crosby, the number of PCPs and their patient load significantly impact the accessibility of care. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates better access, while a high ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Data on the specific number of PCPs practicing within ZIP Code 16724 and the surrounding areas is essential for a precise evaluation. Publicly available resources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) data, local hospital websites, and state medical board directories can provide this information.

Standout practices within the region are those that demonstrate a proactive approach to Alzheimer's care. This could involve specialized training for staff in dementia care, participation in clinical trials, or the implementation of innovative care models. These practices might have dedicated memory clinics, offer support groups for patients and caregivers, or collaborate with community organizations to provide resources and education. Identifying these practices requires detailed research, including reviewing patient testimonials, examining practice websites, and contacting local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve Alzheimer's care accessibility in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for long travel times. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote locations. The availability of telemedicine services among physicians in and around ZIP Code 16724, including the use of video conferencing, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, is a crucial factor. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining physician websites, contacting practices directly, and reviewing information from local hospitals and healthcare systems.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's patients often experience depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological stress. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore critical. Access to counseling services, support groups, and medication management is essential for both patients and caregivers. Evaluating mental health resources requires identifying local mental health clinics, support groups, and the availability of therapists and psychiatrists.

To formulate an "Alzheimer's Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 16724 and primary care availability in Crosby, we must consider several weighted factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant factor, with a lower ratio receiving a higher score. The presence of standout practices with specialized dementia care programs will also boost the score. Telemedicine adoption will be assessed, with practices offering telemedicine services receiving a higher score. The availability of mental health resources, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and support groups, will also be factored in.

The score will be based on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of care and resource availability. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might carry a weight of 30%, while the presence of standout practices might be weighted at 25%, telemedicine adoption at 25%, and mental health resources at 20%.

Based on the available information, we can then assign scores to each factor and calculate a final overall score. A score of 7 or higher would indicate a relatively strong level of care and resource availability, while a score below 4 would suggest significant challenges in accessing Alzheimer's care. A score between 4 and 7 would indicate a moderate level of care, with room for improvement.

It is important to note that this analysis is based on the information available and may be subject to change as new data becomes available. Furthermore, the "Alzheimer's Score" is a general assessment and does not replace the need for individual medical evaluations and consultations with healthcare professionals.

For a more comprehensive and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 16724 and the surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides detailed mapping capabilities that can enhance your understanding of healthcare access and resource availability.