Health Scores Near 18518, Old Forge, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18518, Old Forge, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 94.82 percent of the residents in 18518 has some form of health insurance. 39.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.53 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 18518 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,765 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18518. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,806 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,982 health care providers accessible to residents in 18518, Old Forge, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18518, Old Forge, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 58 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 36 |
| Provider Score | 73 |
| Hospital Score | 28 |
| Travel Score | 67 |
| 18518 | Old Forge | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Old Forge, PA (ZIP Code 18518)
Analyzing the availability of care for Alzheimer's disease within Old Forge, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18518) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Alzheimer's Score," considers factors crucial to patients and their families, including physician availability, access to primary care, the presence of specialized services, and the integration of modern healthcare technologies. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local landscape and identify areas of strength and weakness.
The cornerstone of Alzheimer's care is access to qualified medical professionals. In Old Forge, the physician-to-patient ratio, specifically concerning primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists, is a critical indicator. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available databases must be examined to determine the number of physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code, compared to the local population. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for specialists like neurologists, can significantly hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Delays in accessing care can worsen the progression of Alzheimer's and increase the burden on caregivers.
Primary care availability is another vital element. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. They can conduct preliminary assessments, refer patients to specialists, and coordinate ongoing care. The presence of a robust primary care network in Old Forge is therefore essential. Factors such as the number of PCPs accepting new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the accessibility of practices (e.g., proximity to public transportation, wheelchair accessibility) all contribute to the overall score. Furthermore, the integration of PCPs into a coordinated care system, where information is readily shared with specialists, is highly desirable.
Beyond general physician availability, the presence of specialized services directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. This includes the availability of neurologists with expertise in cognitive disorders, geriatricians, neuropsychologists, and psychiatrists. These specialists play crucial roles in diagnosis, treatment planning, medication management, and providing support to patients and their families. The lack of these specialists within the local area necessitates travel to other locations, which can be a significant barrier for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care in Old Forge. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, particularly beneficial for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The availability of telemedicine appointments for both primary care and specialist consultations can significantly enhance the Alzheimer's Score. The ease of use of these platforms, the availability of technical support, and the integration of telemedicine into the broader healthcare system are all critical considerations.
Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings about emotional and psychological challenges for both patients and caregivers. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, is crucial for managing these challenges. The availability of support groups, respite care services, and educational programs for caregivers also significantly contributes to the overall quality of care. The presence of these resources within Old Forge, or in close proximity, directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score.
Identifying standout practices within Old Forge is also important. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care, including early detection programs, memory clinics, and caregiver support services, deserve recognition. These practices often serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area. Researching the practices' patient satisfaction scores, their use of evidence-based treatments, and their collaboration with community organizations can highlight their strengths and contributions.
Evaluating the local healthcare system's ability to handle the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients requires examining the availability of diagnostic tools, such as cognitive assessments and brain imaging services. The accessibility of these services within Old Forge can significantly impact the speed and accuracy of diagnosis. Furthermore, the availability of medication management services, including pharmacy services that specialize in medications used to treat Alzheimer's, is another important consideration.
The Alzheimer's Score for Old Forge, PA, is not static; it evolves with changes in the healthcare landscape. Regular updates are essential to reflect changes in physician availability, the introduction of new technologies, and the expansion of support services. This continuous monitoring ensures that the score remains a relevant and valuable tool for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. The score should also take into account the socio-economic factors of the community.
The analysis also needs to consider the quality of care. This includes the adherence to evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, the patient-centeredness of care, and the effectiveness of communication between healthcare providers and patients and their families. This involves the availability of language assistance for non-English speakers, as well as cultural sensitivity training for healthcare providers.
Finally, the Alzheimer's Score should be used to identify areas for improvement. By highlighting gaps in care and areas where resources are lacking, the score can inform efforts to improve the quality of Alzheimer's care in Old Forge. This could involve advocating for increased funding for healthcare services, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, or supporting the development of new programs and services for patients and their families.
To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Old Forge and access interactive maps highlighting physician locations, facility locations, and other crucial data points, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps.
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