17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.92 percent of the residents in 17836 has some form of health insurance. 30.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.92 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 17836 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 87 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17836. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,118 health care providers accessible to residents in 17836, Leck Kill, Pennsylvania.

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services in Leck Kill, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17836), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's care. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, offering insights into the local healthcare landscape for individuals and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

The primary care physician (PCP) landscape in Leck Kill and the surrounding area is a critical component of Alzheimer's care. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per doctor, can strain resources and potentially lead to delayed diagnoses or less frequent follow-up appointments. The availability of PCPs directly impacts the accessibility of care for all patients, including those with Alzheimer's.

While specific physician-to-patient ratios for ZIP Code 17836 require detailed data analysis (which is beyond the scope of this analysis), it's essential to consider the broader context. Rural areas often face shortages of healthcare professionals, making access to primary care more difficult. Investigating the population size of Leck Kill and comparing it to the number of practicing PCPs in the area, and the surrounding towns, would provide a more accurate assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio. This data can be obtained from state medical boards and healthcare directories.

Identifying standout practices within the area is crucial. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care, including early detection and management of cognitive decline. Key indicators of a standout practice include:

* **Specialized Training:** Do the physicians and staff have specific training in geriatric care or dementia management?
* **Cognitive Assessments:** Does the practice routinely conduct cognitive assessments as part of their standard patient evaluations, especially for older adults?
* **Care Coordination:** Does the practice have established protocols for coordinating care with specialists, such as neurologists, geriatricians, and therapists?
* **Patient Education:** Does the practice provide educational resources for patients and caregivers about Alzheimer's disease and its management?
* **Support Services:** Does the practice offer or refer patients to support groups, counseling services, or other resources for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's?

Researching the practices in the area, checking their websites, and reading patient reviews can provide valuable insights into these factors.

Telemedicine adoption is another important consideration. Telemedicine, or the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, can be particularly beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's. It can reduce the need for frequent travel to appointments, which can be challenging for both patients and caregivers. It can also improve access to specialists who may not be readily available in the local area.

Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining whether local primary care practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, or other telehealth services. This information can often be found on practice websites or by contacting the practices directly. The availability of reliable internet access in the Leck Kill area is also a factor, as it is essential for successful telemedicine implementation.

Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's disease often presents with 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 and supporting the well-being of both patients and caregivers.

Evaluating the availability of mental health resources involves identifying the number of mental health professionals practicing in the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the acceptance of insurance. Local hospitals, community health centers, and mental health organizations can provide this information. Additionally, the availability of support groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers is a vital component of a comprehensive care plan.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Leck Kill, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17836) would be a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. It would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of primary care services, with a specific focus on their relevance to Alzheimer's care. The score would take into account the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.

A high score would indicate a healthcare environment that is well-equipped to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. This would mean a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, practices with specialized training and comprehensive care protocols, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources.

A low score would indicate areas for improvement. This could include a shortage of PCPs, a lack of specialized practices, limited telemedicine options, and insufficient mental health resources. This score would then provide a roadmap for improvements.

To fully assess the "Alzheimer's Score" for Leck Kill, a more detailed investigation is required. This would involve collecting data on physician-to-patient ratios, researching the practices in the area, assessing telemedicine adoption, and identifying the availability of mental health resources.

For a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Leck Kill and surrounding areas, and to visualize these factors geographically, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide detailed, interactive visualizations of healthcare resources, allowing you to explore the availability of primary care physicians, specialists, mental health professionals, and other relevant services in your area. This can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare options and find the support you need.