18507, Moosic, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18507, Moosic, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.03 percent of the residents in 18507 has some form of health insurance. 38.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.83 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 18507 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,165 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18507. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 989 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,994 health care providers accessible to residents in 18507, Moosic, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical “Alzheimer's Score” assessment for primary care physicians in the 18507 ZIP code area, focusing on factors crucial for Alzheimer's care and support, and then evaluates primary care availability in the nearby town of Moosic. This score is not a real, standardized metric but a conceptual framework for understanding the quality and accessibility of Alzheimer's-related care.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Physicians in 18507**

The 18507 ZIP code, encompassing parts of Scranton, Pennsylvania, presents a unique demographic profile that influences the need for accessible and comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation are critical determinants of the quality of care available to residents. Our hypothetical "Alzheimer's Score" considers these elements to provide a comprehensive picture.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:** A crucial element in our score is the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically concerning primary care physicians (PCPs) and geriatricians. A higher ratio of patients per physician, particularly for geriatricians, often indicates potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. A high ratio can lead to longer wait times, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment, which are critical in managing Alzheimer's disease. The analysis would involve researching the number of PCPs and geriatricians actively practicing within the 18507 area, cross-referencing this data with the estimated population aged 65 and older.

**Standout Practices:** The "Alzheimer's Score" would identify practices demonstrating excellence in Alzheimer's care. This would involve researching practices that have implemented specific programs, such as memory clinics, cognitive assessments, and care coordination services. We would seek evidence of practices that actively participate in clinical trials, offer support groups for patients and caregivers, and have staff trained in dementia care. Practices with established relationships with local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare agencies would receive higher marks.

**Telemedicine Adoption:** Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in areas with limited access to specialists or for patients with mobility challenges. The score would assess the extent to which practices in 18507 offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for initial assessments, follow-up appointments, and medication management. Practices utilizing secure video conferencing platforms, remote patient monitoring, and digital health tools would be viewed favorably. Telemedicine expands access, reduces travel burdens, and can improve the overall quality of care.

**Mental Health Resources:** Alzheimer's disease is intrinsically linked to mental health. The "Alzheimer's Score" would evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the practices and the broader community. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) specializing in geriatric mental health. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health providers would be rated higher. The score would also consider the availability of resources for managing behavioral symptoms associated with Alzheimer's, such as agitation, anxiety, and depression.

**Primary Care Availability in Moosic**

The analysis expands to evaluate primary care availability in Moosic, a neighboring town, as residents may seek care outside of their immediate ZIP code.

**Accessibility and Coverage:** The analysis would assess the geographical distribution of primary care practices in Moosic, evaluating how easily residents of various parts of the town can access these practices. This involves considering factors like public transportation, road networks, and the presence of practices in areas with a higher concentration of elderly residents. The availability of evening and weekend appointments, which can be crucial for working caregivers, would also be a factor.

**Care Coordination:** The "Alzheimer's Score" would evaluate the level of care coordination between primary care practices in Moosic and other healthcare providers, such as neurologists, specialists, and home healthcare agencies. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate information sharing and have established care coordination programs would be viewed favorably. Effective care coordination is essential for managing the complex needs of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.

**Support Services:** The availability of support services for Alzheimer's patients and their families in Moosic is a crucial factor. This includes assessing the presence of support groups, caregiver training programs, respite care services, and financial assistance programs. Practices that actively connect patients and caregivers with these resources would receive higher marks.

**Community Partnerships:** The analysis would consider the partnerships between primary care practices in Moosic and local community organizations, such as the Alzheimer's Association, senior centers, and faith-based organizations. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, provide educational materials, and host awareness events would be viewed favorably.

**Overall Assessment:** The "Alzheimer's Score" for 18507 and the evaluation of primary care in Moosic would culminate in a holistic assessment of the availability, accessibility, and quality of Alzheimer's-related care. The score would be a composite measure, reflecting the interplay of various factors. It would highlight areas of strength and identify areas where improvements are needed to better serve the needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.

For a visual representation of physician locations, patient demographics, and community resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of healthcare services and can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.