17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.98 percent of the residents in 17023 has some form of health insurance. 30.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.80 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 17023 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 798 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17023. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 505 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,135 health care providers accessible to residents in 17023, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly in communities with aging populations. Assessing the resources available to address this complex illness requires a multi-faceted approach, examining not only the presence of medical professionals but also the accessibility and quality of care. This analysis focuses on the availability of Alzheimer's-related care in Elizabethville, Pennsylvania, specifically targeting physicians within the 17023 ZIP code and the broader primary care landscape. We will evaluate several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, to construct an "Alzheimer's Score" for the area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment. While obtaining precise physician-to-patient ratios for a specific ZIP code can be challenging due to data limitations, we can utilize publicly available resources such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical board databases to estimate the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), neurologists, and geriatricians within the 17023 area and its surrounding counties. The presence of specialists, particularly geriatricians and neurologists with expertise in cognitive disorders, is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease. A low ratio of these specialists would negatively impact the "Alzheimer's Score".

The identification of "standout practices" involves evaluating the quality of care provided by local medical facilities. This includes assessing factors such as the availability of specialized Alzheimer's clinics, the use of evidence-based diagnostic tools (e.g., cognitive assessments, neuroimaging), and the implementation of comprehensive care plans that address both the medical and psychosocial needs of patients and their families. Practices with established memory care programs, participation in clinical trials, and strong community outreach initiatives would receive higher scores. Researching online reviews, patient testimonials, and physician profiles can help identify practices that are actively involved in Alzheimer's care and demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality services.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by physicians in the 17023 ZIP code can significantly impact the "Alzheimer's Score." Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources for patients and caregivers would receive higher scores. Investigating the availability of telehealth services through local hospitals, clinics, and physician practices is essential.

Mental health resources are integral to the care of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The disease often leads to behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, who specialize in geriatric care and cognitive disorders is crucial. Assessing the presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and counseling services in the 17023 area and surrounding communities is vital. Practices that integrate mental health services into their Alzheimer's care programs would receive higher scores.

Based on the analysis of these factors, we can begin to construct an "Alzheimer's Score" for Elizabethville (17023). This score would be a composite metric, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of Alzheimer's-related care in the area. The score would be lower if there are a limited number of specialists, a lack of telemedicine adoption, and inadequate mental health resources. Conversely, the score would be higher if the area has a sufficient number of specialists, practices with specialized Alzheimer's programs, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health support.

The final "Alzheimer's Score" would be a valuable tool for several stakeholders. For residents of Elizabethville, it would provide a clear picture of the healthcare resources available to them. For healthcare providers, it would highlight areas where improvements are needed. For policymakers, it would inform decisions about resource allocation and healthcare initiatives.

To further enhance the understanding of healthcare landscapes, especially in relation to complex diseases like Alzheimer's, spatial analysis is essential. Mapping the distribution of healthcare resources, physician availability, and patient demographics can reveal patterns and disparities that might not be apparent through traditional data analysis.

CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data. By integrating data on physician locations, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, CartoChrome can create interactive maps that provide a comprehensive view of the Alzheimer's care landscape in Elizabethville and surrounding areas. These maps can be customized to show various data layers, allowing users to explore specific aspects of the healthcare system and identify areas of need.

To gain a deeper understanding of the Alzheimer's care landscape in Elizabethville (17023) and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. By using CartoChrome, you can gain valuable insights into the availability and accessibility of healthcare resources, ultimately contributing to a more informed and effective approach to addressing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.