17247, Quincy, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17247, Quincy, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 66.83 percent of the residents in 17247 has some form of health insurance. 66.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.89 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 17247 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17247. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 280 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,627 health care providers accessible to residents in 17247, Quincy, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's Disease, a progressive neurological disorder, poses a significant healthcare challenge. Effective management requires accessible and comprehensive care. This analysis assesses the availability and quality of Alzheimer's-related resources for residents of ZIP code 17247 (Quincy, Pennsylvania) and explores primary care accessibility within the same area. The goal is to provide an “Alzheimer's Score” analysis, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Quincy, assessing the PCP-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can be used to estimate this ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment, critical for managing Alzheimer's. A comprehensive analysis would involve determining the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the total population.

Standout practices within 17247 would ideally demonstrate a proactive approach to Alzheimer's care. This involves several key elements. Practices should have established protocols for cognitive screening during routine checkups. This early detection is paramount. Furthermore, they should offer comprehensive patient education resources about the disease. This includes information on disease progression, available treatments, and lifestyle modifications that can improve quality of life. Practices that collaborate with specialists, such as neurologists and geriatricians, would be highly valued. These collaborations facilitate timely referrals and ensure patients receive specialized care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. It reduces the need for travel, which can be challenging for individuals with cognitive impairment. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of symptoms, medication management, and virtual consultations with specialists. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their Alzheimer's care programs deserve recognition. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the training provided to both physicians and patients on utilizing these technologies.

Mental health resources are essential for Alzheimer's patients and their families. Alzheimer's often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is critical. Assessing this involves determining the number of mental health providers within the ZIP code, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the availability of support groups for caregivers. Practices that integrate mental health services into their overall care plans demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient well-being.

Specific examples of practices in 17247 that excel in Alzheimer's care would significantly enhance the analysis. This requires identifying practices that actively promote early detection through cognitive screening, provide comprehensive patient education materials, and have established referral pathways to specialists. Practices that have embraced telemedicine to improve access to care and those that prioritize mental health services for both patients and caregivers would be considered standout examples. The analysis should include details about the specific services offered, the qualifications of the staff, and any patient testimonials or reviews that highlight the quality of care.

Primary care availability in Quincy is directly linked to the overall quality of Alzheimer's care. A shortage of PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. This can be particularly detrimental for Alzheimer's patients, as early intervention is crucial for managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. The analysis should identify any barriers to accessing primary care, such as long wait times for appointments, limited insurance acceptance, and geographical limitations. The analysis should also assess the availability of transportation assistance for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

The analysis should also consider the role of community resources. Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association and local senior centers often provide valuable support services for patients and caregivers. This includes educational programs, support groups, and respite care services. The analysis should assess the availability and accessibility of these resources within 17247. Practices that actively collaborate with these organizations to connect patients and families with support services would be considered more patient-centered.

The “Alzheimer's Score” for 17247 would be a composite metric reflecting the availability of PCPs, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the integration of community support services. A higher score would indicate a more robust and accessible system of care for Alzheimer's patients. This score should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the methodology used to calculate it and the specific data points that were considered.

The analysis should also include recommendations for improvement. This might include suggestions for increasing the number of PCPs in the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, expanding mental health services, and fostering greater collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations. These recommendations should be specific, actionable, and tailored to the unique needs of the Quincy community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics within 17247, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can visualize the data discussed in this analysis. You can use CartoChrome maps to identify areas with limited access to primary care, pinpoint the locations of standout practices, and visualize the distribution of mental health resources. This visual representation can provide valuable insights into the healthcare landscape and inform strategic planning for improving Alzheimer's care in Quincy.