17021, East Waterford, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17021, East Waterford, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.52 percent of the residents in 17021 has some form of health insurance. 44.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.21 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 17021 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 141 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17021. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 299 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 884 health care providers accessible to residents in 17021, East Waterford, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's disease, a devastating neurodegenerative condition, disproportionately impacts older populations, making access to quality healthcare, particularly primary care, crucial. This analysis examines the availability and quality of healthcare resources within ZIP code 17021, encompassing East Waterford, Pennsylvania, with a specific focus on Alzheimer's care and primary care access. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In East Waterford and the surrounding areas within ZIP code 17021, the ratio of primary care physicians to the elderly population (those aged 65 and older, the demographic most vulnerable to Alzheimer's) is a critical factor. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health can be used to estimate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per elderly patient, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely and consistent primary care, which is essential for early diagnosis, management, and ongoing support for individuals with Alzheimer's.

Standout practices within the area are those that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care and Alzheimer's management. These practices often have physicians with specialized training or certifications in geriatrics or related fields. They may offer comprehensive geriatric assessments, cognitive screenings, and care coordination services. Identifying these practices requires researching physician profiles, practice websites, and patient reviews. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in clinical trials related to Alzheimer's research or offer support groups for patients and caregivers are considered highly valuable.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly for rural communities like East Waterford. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for primary care, cognitive assessments, or medication management are highly rated. The availability of telehealth can be a significant advantage for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining practice websites, contacting practices directly, and reviewing insurance coverage policies for telehealth services.

Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for managing these symptoms. The availability of these resources within the 17021 ZIP code is assessed by examining local directories, contacting healthcare providers, and researching mental health clinics and support groups. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists receive a higher score.

Evaluating the overall Alzheimer's Score requires synthesizing all the factors. The score is not a single number but a holistic assessment based on the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of geriatric specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The higher the availability of these factors, the better the score. A high score indicates a more favorable environment for Alzheimer's care, while a low score highlights potential challenges and areas for improvement.

Specific practices within the 17021 ZIP code will be assessed based on the criteria. For instance, a practice that has a geriatrician on staff, offers telehealth appointments, and has strong referral pathways to mental health services would receive a higher score than a practice that lacks these features. The assessment will also consider the availability of support groups, memory care facilities, and other community resources that support individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on healthcare access. East Waterford and the surrounding areas may have varying levels of socioeconomic disparity, which can influence access to care. Factors such as insurance coverage, transportation availability, and the cost of healthcare services will be considered. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, offer financial assistance programs, and are located in easily accessible areas will be viewed more favorably.

The assessment will consider the degree of coordination between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers. Practices that have established care coordination programs, electronic health record systems, and communication protocols are more likely to provide comprehensive and integrated care. This coordination is essential for managing the complex needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.

The Alzheimer's Score for East Waterford will be a dynamic assessment, subject to change as healthcare resources evolve. The availability of physicians, the adoption of new technologies, and the development of new treatments can all impact the score. The analysis will also consider the impact of policy changes and funding initiatives on healthcare access and quality.

The conclusion will summarize the findings and provide an overall assessment of the healthcare landscape in East Waterford regarding Alzheimer's care. It will identify areas of strength and weakness and suggest potential strategies for improvement. The assessment will highlight the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive care, and ongoing support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

For a detailed, interactive map of healthcare resources in the 17021 ZIP code, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of healthcare access and help you identify the best resources for your needs.