17555, Narvon, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17555, Narvon, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 57.31 percent of the residents in 17555 has some form of health insurance. 19.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.33 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 17555 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,244 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 17 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17555. An estimate of 106 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 853 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 12,270 health care providers accessible to residents in 17555, Narvon, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Narvon, PA (ZIP Code 17555)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care services in Narvon, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17555), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This score, while not a definitive medical evaluation, provides a snapshot of the local healthcare landscape for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's.

Narvon, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The limited population base often translates to fewer healthcare providers compared to larger urban centers. This necessitates a careful evaluation of resource allocation and the innovative strategies employed by existing practices to meet the needs of the community, particularly regarding a disease like Alzheimer's, which requires ongoing, specialized care.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:** Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Narvon requires accessing and analyzing data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and potentially local hospital systems. A low ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can indicate potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. The analysis should distinguish between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, as Alzheimer's care often involves collaboration between both. Furthermore, the age distribution of the population is crucial. A higher proportion of elderly residents, a demographic at increased risk for Alzheimer's, would necessitate a higher physician-to-patient ratio to accommodate the specific needs of this population.

**Standout Practices and their Characteristics:** Identifying "standout" practices requires evaluating several factors. These include the practice's size (solo practice, group practice, or part of a larger healthcare system), the experience and training of the physicians (board certification in internal medicine, family medicine, or geriatrics), and the services offered. Practices that emphasize preventative care, cognitive assessments, and care coordination for chronic conditions like Alzheimer's are particularly valuable. Furthermore, the practice's approach to patient communication and education is critical. Do they offer patient education materials about Alzheimer's, support groups, or memory clinics? Practices with strong reputations for patient satisfaction, as evidenced by online reviews and patient testimonials, should be prioritized.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** The integration of telemedicine is a significant factor in the "Alzheimer's Score." Telemedicine offers several advantages in rural areas like Narvon, including increased access to specialists, reduced travel time for patients and caregivers, and the potential for remote monitoring of patients' health. The analysis should assess the availability of telemedicine services among local primary care practices and specialists. Do they offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of vital signs, or remote cognitive assessments? The ease of use of the telemedicine platform and the availability of technical support for patients are also important considerations. Practices that proactively embrace telemedicine are likely to be more accessible and responsive to the needs of patients with Alzheimer's.

**Mental Health Resources:** Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, making access to mental health resources crucial. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, in the Narvon area. Are there readily available mental health services within the primary care practices themselves? Is there a clear referral pathway to mental health specialists? The availability of support groups for patients and caregivers is also an important factor. These groups provide emotional support, education, and practical advice for navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's. The presence of a local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association or other relevant organizations would be a significant positive indicator.

**The "Alzheimer's Score" Components:** Based on the above factors, an "Alzheimer's Score" can be constructed. This score is not a single number but a composite of several factors, each contributing to the overall assessment. The components of the score could include:

* **Physician Availability:** Reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of geriatric specialists.
* **Practice Quality:** Assessing the experience of physicians, services offered, and patient satisfaction.
* **Telemedicine Integration:** Evaluating the availability and ease of use of telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Assessing the availability of mental health professionals and support groups.
* **Care Coordination:** Analyzing the level of collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers.

Each component would be weighted based on its importance. The final score would then provide a comprehensive overview of the quality and accessibility of Alzheimer's care in Narvon.

**Specific Considerations for Narvon:** Given Narvon's rural setting, the "Alzheimer's Score" should emphasize the importance of care coordination and community-based resources. This could include partnerships with local senior centers, home health agencies, and transportation services to facilitate access to care. The analysis should also consider the cultural sensitivity of healthcare providers and their ability to communicate effectively with patients and families from diverse backgrounds.

**Conclusion:** Evaluating the quality and accessibility of healthcare services, particularly for a complex disease like Alzheimer's, requires a comprehensive analysis. This "Alzheimer's Score" assessment provides a framework for evaluating the healthcare landscape in Narvon, Pennsylvania. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, this analysis aims to assist individuals and families in making informed decisions about their healthcare needs.

**Actionable Insights with CartoChrome Maps:** To further enhance this analysis and provide actionable insights, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, the location of support groups, and the availability of telemedicine services within the 17555 ZIP code and surrounding areas. This visual representation can help identify areas with limited access to care and highlight potential opportunities for improvement. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and make informed decisions about Alzheimer's care in Narvon.