18232, Lansford, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18232, Lansford, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.16 percent of the residents in 18232 has some form of health insurance. 62.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.66 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 18232 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18232. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 633 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,737 health care providers accessible to residents in 18232, Lansford, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimers Score Analysis: Lansford, PA (ZIP Code 18232)

Analyzing the availability of quality healthcare, particularly primary care, and associated resources for Alzheimer's patients in Lansford, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18232) is crucial. This analysis will delve into the current landscape, evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare ecosystem.

Lansford, a small borough in Carbon County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The population is aging, increasing the prevalence of age-related conditions like Alzheimer's. The geographical isolation and socioeconomic factors within the community further complicate healthcare delivery. Therefore, a comprehensive evaluation is essential.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator. Data suggests that rural areas often struggle with physician shortages. Determining the precise number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 18232 ZIP code is paramount. A low ratio, meaning fewer PCPs per capita, would significantly impact access to initial diagnoses, ongoing management, and care coordination for Alzheimer's patients. This ratio directly impacts the 'Alzheimers Score'. A low ratio would negatively impact the score.

Identifying standout practices within Lansford is crucial. This involves researching the quality of care provided by each practice. Factors to consider include the experience of PCPs in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's, the availability of specialized geriatric services, and the practice's commitment to patient education and support. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or offer innovative treatment options would receive higher marks. The presence of dedicated memory care clinics or centers would be a significant positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and receive remote monitoring. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among PCPs in Lansford is vital. Do practices offer virtual consultations? Do they utilize remote patient monitoring devices? Practices that embrace telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, would receive a higher score, improving the 'Alzheimers Score'.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's patients often experience behavioral and psychological symptoms, requiring specialized mental health support. Evaluating the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists in the area is essential. Are there sufficient mental health professionals to meet the needs of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers? The presence of support groups, respite care services, and caregiver training programs would be beneficial. The availability of these resources would significantly impact the 'Alzheimers Score'.

The assessment of these factors will inform the 'Alzheimers Score'. This score is not a single number but a holistic evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem's capacity to support Alzheimer's patients. The score will reflect the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the accessibility of services.

The analysis would begin by collecting data on the number of PCPs practicing in the 18232 ZIP code. Publicly available databases, such as those maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), would be used. Physician directories and online reviews would provide information on practice locations, specialties, and patient feedback.

Next, the research would delve into the specific services offered by each practice. This would involve reviewing practice websites, contacting practices directly, and examining patient testimonials. The goal is to determine the extent to which practices are equipped to diagnose, treat, and manage Alzheimer's disease.

The adoption of telemedicine would be assessed by reviewing practice websites, contacting practices, and examining telehealth platforms. The availability of mental health resources would be evaluated by identifying mental health professionals in the area and assessing the availability of support groups and caregiver programs.

The 'Alzheimers Score' would be a qualitative assessment, taking into account all the factors mentioned. The score would be presented as a narrative summary, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in Lansford. The score would be accompanied by recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health support.

The lack of specialist care, particularly geriatricians and neurologists, is a potential area of concern. Patients may need to travel outside of Lansford to access these specialists, which can create barriers to care. The availability of transportation services for patients with mobility limitations is also a factor to consider.

Furthermore, the socioeconomic status of the community can impact healthcare access. Patients with limited financial resources may struggle to afford medications, transportation, and other essential services. The availability of financial assistance programs and social support services is an important consideration.

The analysis will also consider the role of community organizations and non-profit groups in supporting Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. These organizations often provide valuable services, such as support groups, educational programs, and respite care.

The 'Alzheimers Score' will provide a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. It will highlight areas where improvements are needed and inform strategies for enhancing the quality of care for Alzheimer's patients in Lansford. The score will serve as a benchmark for measuring progress and tracking the impact of interventions.

This detailed analysis, once compiled, will provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Lansford, PA, specifically for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. The insights gained can be used to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and support the well-being of patients and their caregivers.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, mental health services, and support groups, and to further refine your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lansford and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can enhance your research and decision-making.