17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.80 percent of the residents in 17921 has some form of health insurance. 32.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.29 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 17921 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 916 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17921. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,779 health care providers accessible to residents in 17921, Ashland, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Ashland, PA (ZIP Code 17921)

This analysis assesses the availability of resources and the potential quality of care for individuals in Ashland, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17921), specifically focusing on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The evaluation considers primary care physician (PCP) availability, the presence of specialized geriatric care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape for individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's.

Ashland, a small borough nestled in Schuylkill County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The community's demographics, including an aging population, necessitate a robust and accessible healthcare system capable of addressing the specific needs of individuals with cognitive decline. The analysis will examine the current state of affairs, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the existing infrastructure.

One crucial aspect of Alzheimer's care is the availability of primary care physicians. These physicians often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing memory loss or cognitive changes. In Ashland, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as those from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), should be consulted to obtain the most accurate physician-to-patient ratio data for the 17921 ZIP code. This data would be used to assess the accessibility of primary care services.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is also vital. The analysis will consider the practices and their approach to geriatric care. Do the practices have physicians with specific training or certifications in geriatrics? Do they offer comprehensive geriatric assessments, including cognitive screenings? Are they equipped to manage the complex medical needs often associated with Alzheimer's, such as comorbidities and medication management? The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability is also a factor. Practices with robust EHR systems can facilitate better communication between healthcare providers and improve care coordination, which is essential for individuals with Alzheimer's.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor in assessing the quality of Alzheimer's care in Ashland. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. This is particularly relevant in rural areas like Ashland, where transportation options may be limited. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients' health, and support for caregivers. The analysis will investigate which primary care practices and specialists in the area offer telemedicine services and the types of services available.

Mental health resources are also essential for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for managing these symptoms and improving the quality of life for both the individual with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health services in Ashland, including the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is also a factor.

Standout practices within the 17921 ZIP code deserve special recognition. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care for individuals with Alzheimer's. This might include practices that have a dedicated geriatric care team, offer comprehensive cognitive assessments, actively participate in clinical trials, or have implemented innovative approaches to care, such as caregiver support groups or memory cafes. Identifying these standout practices can provide valuable insights for other healthcare providers in the area and serve as a resource for individuals and families seeking the best possible care.

The presence of specialized geriatric care is another critical element. This includes geriatricians, neurologists, and other specialists with expertise in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's disease. The analysis will assess the availability of these specialists in the Ashland area and the ease with which patients can access their services. This includes considering wait times for appointments, the acceptance of insurance, and the availability of specialized diagnostic tools, such as neuropsychological testing.

Caregiver support is another essential component of Alzheimer's care. Caring for someone with Alzheimer's can be emotionally and physically demanding. Access to support groups, educational resources, and respite care services can significantly improve the well-being of caregivers and help them provide better care for their loved ones. The analysis will examine the availability of caregiver support services in the Ashland area, including the types of services offered, the accessibility of these services, and the cost of these services.

The overall assessment of Alzheimer's care in Ashland, Pennsylvania, involves a holistic evaluation of the factors discussed above. The analysis should provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, identify areas where improvements are needed, and offer recommendations for enhancing the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. This includes assessing the community's awareness of Alzheimer's disease and the resources available to support those affected.

By analyzing these factors, it is possible to create an "Alzheimer's Score" for Ashland (ZIP Code 17921). This score would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of Alzheimer's care in the area. It would be based on a weighted assessment of the factors discussed above, with each factor assigned a score based on its importance. This would provide a quantifiable measure of the local healthcare landscape.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ashland, Pennsylvania, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the location of support services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare resources in your area, helping you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.