17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.50 percent of the residents in 17853 has some form of health insurance. 22.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.83 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 17853 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 861 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17853. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 430 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,168 health care providers accessible to residents in 17853, Mount Pleasant Mills, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (ZIP Code 17853)

Analyzing the availability of Alzheimer's-related care within ZIP code 17853, encompassing Mount Pleasant Mills, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, an "Alzheimer's Score," assesses the landscape based on primary care access, specialist availability, telemedicine integration, mental health resources, and overall community support, providing a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to determine the level of support available for early diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care management.

The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care lies in accessible primary care. In Mount Pleasant Mills, primary care physician (PCP) availability is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A low ratio (more patients per doctor) can lead to longer wait times, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates greater access. Researching the current PCP-to-patient ratio within the 17853 ZIP code is essential, considering the rural nature of the area. This analysis must account for the potential for residents to travel to neighboring towns for care, which could impact the perceived availability.

Standout practices within the region should be identified. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care. This could include practices that have a dedicated memory care program, offer specialized cognitive assessments, or actively participate in clinical trials. Identifying such practices provides a benchmark for quality and highlights best practices within the community. Investigating the training of PCPs within these practices, particularly their experience with cognitive assessments and dementia management, is also crucial.

The integration of telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who might not be readily available locally. Assessing the adoption rate of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists within 17853 is vital. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and support. The ease of access to these technologies for the elderly population must also be assessed.

Mental health resources are a critical component of Alzheimer's care. Individuals with Alzheimer's, as well as their caregivers, often experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the 17853 ZIP code is essential. This includes assessing the presence of support groups, counseling services, and other mental health programs that cater to the specific needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

Community support systems play a significant role in the overall quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. This includes assessing the availability of adult day care centers, respite care services, and home health agencies. The presence of organizations like the Alzheimer's Association, which provide education, support, and advocacy, is also crucial. Assessing the availability of transportation services for medical appointments and other essential activities is also important.

The Alzheimer's Score for Mount Pleasant Mills, PA (17853) is not simply a numerical value; it's a composite assessment. It takes into account the availability of resources, the quality of care provided, and the overall support system available to residents. A high score indicates a robust network of resources, while a low score highlights areas where improvements are needed. This analysis needs to be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The specific Alzheimer's Score for 17853 would be determined by the data collected. A comprehensive assessment would involve gathering information on physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized memory care programs, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health and community support services. Each of these factors would be assigned a weight based on its importance in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. The final score would then be calculated based on these weighted factors.

Furthermore, the analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact access to care. This includes assessing the affordability of healthcare services, the availability of insurance coverage, and the transportation challenges faced by residents. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial to ensuring equitable access to Alzheimer's care for all residents of Mount Pleasant Mills.

The impact of this analysis extends beyond simply providing a score. It can be used to identify gaps in care, highlight areas for improvement, and inform policy decisions. It can also be used to educate residents about the resources available to them and to empower them to advocate for their own needs. The analysis should be shared with local healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers to promote collaboration and improve the quality of Alzheimer's care in Mount Pleasant Mills.

The analysis must also consider the projected growth of the aging population in the area. As the population ages, the demand for Alzheimer's care will increase. This requires proactive planning to ensure that the healthcare system is prepared to meet the needs of this growing population. This includes investing in training for healthcare professionals, expanding access to specialized services, and promoting community awareness about Alzheimer's disease.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score analysis is a tool for understanding the current state of Alzheimer's care in Mount Pleasant Mills and for identifying opportunities to improve the lives of individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. By conducting a thorough assessment of the resources available, the quality of care provided, and the overall support system in place, the community can work together to create a more supportive and compassionate environment for those living with this challenging disease.

The data and insights gathered in this analysis can be further enriched and visualized using geographic information systems (GIS) mapping tools. To gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and to identify potential disparities in access to care, consider utilizing the power of CartoChrome maps. Explore the potential of data visualization to improve your understanding of Alzheimer's care availability in Mount Pleasant Mills.