18077, Riegelsville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18077, Riegelsville, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.56 percent of the residents in 18077 has some form of health insurance. 35.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.88 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 18077 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 335 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 39 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18077. An estimate of 55 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 558 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 37,007 health care providers accessible to residents in 18077, Riegelsville, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimers Score Analysis: Riegelsville, PA (ZIP Code 18077)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources for individuals potentially facing Alzheimer's disease within the Riegelsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18077) area. The assessment focuses on primary care physician (PCP) availability, telemedicine integration, mental health support, and overall physician-to-patient ratios, culminating in an "Alzheimers Score" reflecting the community's preparedness for this complex disease. This score is not a definitive metric but rather a composite of factors influencing access to care and support.

Riegelsville, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare. Its rural setting can lead to limited access to specialists and specialized care, a crucial consideration for Alzheimer's patients. The analysis will consider factors influencing this access and the overall ability of the local healthcare system to manage the disease.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The cornerstone of Alzheimer's care often begins with a PCP. They are the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline and are responsible for initial assessments, referrals, and ongoing management. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio in Riegelsville is critical. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available physician directories will be examined to estimate the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and surrounding areas that serve Riegelsville residents. This analysis will incorporate information on the number of PCPs, their specialties (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine), and their patient load.

A high physician-to-patient ratio can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, thorough examinations, and consistent follow-up care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a more accessible healthcare system. The analysis will also consider the geographic distribution of PCPs, assessing whether practices are clustered in specific areas, potentially creating disparities in access for residents in more remote locations within the ZIP code.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within the region is essential. These practices may have implemented innovative approaches to Alzheimer's care, such as specialized memory clinics, cognitive assessments, or programs focusing on caregiver support. Information will be gathered from online reviews, practice websites, and potentially through direct contact with practices to ascertain their specific services related to Alzheimer's and dementia care. This includes evaluating the availability of diagnostic tools, the expertise of the medical staff, and the practice's commitment to ongoing education and training in Alzheimer's care.

Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication, empathy, and a holistic approach to treatment, will be viewed favorably. The presence of dedicated staff, such as nurses and social workers, who specialize in geriatric care and dementia management, will also be considered a positive indicator.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role:**

Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to the challenges of healthcare access in rural areas. The analysis will assess the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs and specialists serving Riegelsville residents. This includes examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals. Telemedicine can provide convenient access to medical professionals, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate ongoing monitoring of patients' conditions.

The analysis will consider the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual appointments for follow-up care, medication management, and mental health counseling. It will also assess the practice's technological infrastructure and its ability to support telemedicine services, including the availability of secure video conferencing platforms and electronic health records. The ease of use and accessibility of telemedicine services for elderly patients and their caregivers will be a crucial factor in the evaluation.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Alzheimer's disease often presents significant mental health challenges for both patients and their caregivers. Assessing the availability of mental health resources within the Riegelsville area is critical. This includes evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups specializing in dementia care.

The analysis will investigate the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. This may involve the availability of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to external mental health providers, and collaboration between PCPs and mental health specialists. The presence of support groups, educational programs, and caregiver resources will be a key factor in the overall assessment. The analysis will also consider the accessibility of these resources, including their location, cost, and availability of transportation.

**Alzheimers Score and Overall Assessment:**

Based on the above factors, an "Alzheimers Score" will be assigned, reflecting the overall preparedness of the Riegelsville healthcare system to address the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease. The score will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be presented as a qualitative assessment, rather than a numerical value, providing a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The overall assessment will highlight areas where the community excels in providing Alzheimer's care and identify areas where improvements are needed. This may include recommendations for increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing the availability of mental health resources.

**Conclusion:**

The healthcare landscape of Riegelsville, PA, presents a complex picture regarding Alzheimer's care. While the small community may face challenges related to access and specialized services, it also has the potential for personalized care and community-based support. Understanding the availability of resources, the adoption of technology, and the integration of mental health services is crucial for ensuring that individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers receive the support they need.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Riegelsville and the surrounding areas, including the location of PCPs, specialists, and support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare resources and identifying potential gaps in care.