18419, Factoryville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18419, Factoryville, Pennsylvania is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.85 percent of the residents in 18419 has some form of health insurance. 42.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.92 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 18419 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 887 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18419. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,048 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,239 health care providers accessible to residents in 18419, Factoryville, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in 18419 & Primary Care in Factoryville

This analysis aims to provide an “Alzheimer’s Score” assessment for healthcare accessibility and quality of care related to Alzheimer's disease within the 18419 ZIP code, encompassing Factoryville, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. This score is not a definitive clinical rating but rather a composite evaluation of factors influencing the ability of residents, particularly those at risk or diagnosed with Alzheimer's, to access appropriate medical care and support services. The score considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of any Alzheimer's care strategy is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Factoryville, a small community, presents a potential challenge in this regard. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and difficulty in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship. The Alzheimer's Score will be negatively impacted if the PCP-to-population ratio in 18419 is significantly below the national or state average. Specific data on the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, along with their patient loads, is crucial for a reliable assessment. This data, however, is often difficult to obtain without extensive research.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices are also important. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they have experience in managing patients with cognitive decline? Practices that are well-equipped to handle the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients will receive a higher score. This includes factors like the availability of memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and the ability to coordinate care with specialists. The presence of dedicated nurses or care coordinators who can assist with medication management, symptom monitoring, and family support will be a significant positive factor.

Specialist care is also essential. Neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists are crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease. The geographic proximity of these specialists to Factoryville is a key consideration. If residents must travel long distances to see a neurologist or geriatrician, the Alzheimer's Score will suffer. The availability of specialists within a reasonable driving distance is vital for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. The analysis will consider the number of specialists practicing within a defined radius of Factoryville and assess the ease of access to their services.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, especially for residents in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in the 18419 area can significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their doctors remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. Practices that offer telehealth appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals will be viewed favorably.

Mental health resources are another crucial component. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are common among Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups in the Factoryville area is therefore critical. The analysis will evaluate the number of mental health professionals practicing in the area, the availability of counseling services, and the presence of support groups specifically for Alzheimer's patients and their families. The availability of respite care services, which provide temporary relief for caregivers, is also a positive factor.

The overall quality of care is also influenced by the availability of educational resources. Practices that provide educational materials for patients and families, such as information on disease progression, medication management, and coping strategies, will receive a higher score. The presence of caregiver support programs, such as educational workshops and support groups, is also highly beneficial. The analysis will consider the availability of these resources within the community.

The Alzheimer's Score will also consider the practice’s use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between different healthcare providers, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. Practices that use EHRs effectively and share patient data with other providers will be viewed more favorably.

The analysis will also consider any affiliations the primary care practices have with larger healthcare systems or hospitals. Affiliations can provide access to a wider range of resources, including specialists, diagnostic testing, and support services. Practices affiliated with hospitals or healthcare systems with specialized Alzheimer's care programs will receive a higher score.

Finally, the analysis will consider the overall patient experience. This includes factors such as the friendliness and responsiveness of the staff, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the availability of clear and concise communication. Practices that prioritize patient satisfaction will receive a higher score.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score for the 18419 ZIP code will be a composite assessment based on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall patient experience. The score will reflect the community’s ability to provide accessible and high-quality care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. This assessment underscores the importance of comprehensive healthcare planning and resource allocation within the Factoryville area.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 18419, including the location of doctors, specialists, and support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive visualization of the healthcare resources available in your area, helping you to better understand and navigate the healthcare system.