17086, Richfield, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17086, Richfield, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.98 percent of the residents in 17086 has some form of health insurance. 29.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.30 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 17086 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 453 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17086. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 413 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 793 health care providers accessible to residents in 17086, Richfield, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Richfield, PA (ZIP Code 17086)

This analysis assesses the availability of resources and the potential quality of care for individuals in Richfield, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17086) facing Alzheimer's disease or related dementias. The evaluation considers factors relevant to diagnosing, managing, and supporting patients and their families, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability and the broader healthcare ecosystem.

The cornerstone of Alzheimer's care is often the primary care physician. In Richfield, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), would be the starting point for determining this ratio. The analysis must consider the total population of 17086, factoring in the significant demographic of older adults, who are at higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for PCPs, could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments for initial screenings, diagnostic evaluations, and ongoing management of the disease.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of the available PCPs is paramount. The analysis should identify the specific practices and individual physicians within the ZIP code. Research would involve examining online physician directories, patient reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), and information from healthcare rating websites. The analysis would look for PCPs with specific training or experience in geriatric medicine, cognitive assessment, or dementia care. Board certification in these specialties would be a significant positive indicator. Furthermore, the analysis would consider the practice's affiliations with hospitals and specialists, as these connections can facilitate referrals and ensure a coordinated approach to care.

Standout practices would be those demonstrating a proactive approach to Alzheimer's care. This could include practices that offer: comprehensive cognitive assessments as part of routine checkups; staff trained in dementia-specific communication techniques; and readily available resources for patients and their families, such as educational materials, support groups, or referrals to community services. The presence of a dedicated care coordinator or a nurse specializing in geriatric care would be a strong indicator of a practice's commitment to Alzheimer's patients.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical area of evaluation. The analysis would assess the extent to which local PCPs and specialists offer telehealth services. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients, who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or who may experience increased anxiety in clinical settings. Telehealth can facilitate remote monitoring, medication management, and consultations with specialists, improving access to care and potentially reducing the burden on patients and caregivers. The analysis would investigate whether local practices offer telehealth appointments, the types of services available via telehealth, and the ease of access to these services.

Mental health resources are an integral part of Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, agitation, and paranoia. The analysis would assess the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within or easily accessible from 17086. It would consider the proximity of these professionals, their specialization in geriatric mental health, and their willingness to treat patients with dementia. The analysis would also examine the availability of support groups for both patients and caregivers, which can provide crucial emotional support, education, and practical advice. The presence of programs focused on caregiver support, such as respite care or educational workshops, would be a significant positive factor.

The broader healthcare landscape in Richfield also influences the quality of Alzheimer's care. The analysis would consider the proximity and quality of local hospitals, including their capacity to provide specialized geriatric care, neurological services, and diagnostic testing, such as brain imaging. It would also evaluate the availability of skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, and home healthcare services that cater to individuals with dementia. The analysis would assess the quality of these facilities, their staffing levels, and their commitment to providing a safe and supportive environment for residents.

The analysis would also consider the availability of community resources, such as the local Area Agency on Aging, which often provides services like transportation assistance, meal programs, and legal assistance. The presence of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their families. The analysis would investigate the accessibility of these resources and their effectiveness in meeting the needs of the local population.

The overall 'Alzheimer's Score' for Richfield, PA (17086) would be a composite of these factors. It would reflect the availability, accessibility, and quality of care and resources for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. A higher score would indicate a more supportive environment for patients and their families. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed.

This analysis, however, is only a starting point. The information gathered should be continuously updated and refined. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and new resources and services are constantly emerging. The analysis should be revisited regularly to ensure that the information remains current and relevant.

For a detailed, visually-driven understanding of the healthcare landscape in Richfield, PA (17086), including physician locations, facility locations, and resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. Their mapping tools can provide a comprehensive, data-rich view of the area, helping you identify the best resources for Alzheimer's care.