18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.90 percent of the residents in 18623 has some form of health insurance. 44.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.08 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 18623 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 501 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18623. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 490 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 401 health care providers accessible to residents in 18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides an Alzheimer's Score assessment for primary care physicians within the 18623 ZIP code, focusing on Laceyville, PA. This score considers factors relevant to Alzheimer's care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. It's crucial to understand that this is an analytical overview and not a definitive medical evaluation.

Laceyville, Pennsylvania, presents a unique challenge in healthcare access, particularly for specialized areas like Alzheimer's care. The rural nature of the area often translates to fewer healthcare providers and potentially longer travel distances for patients and their families. The Alzheimer's Score attempts to reflect these realities.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. In rural areas, the scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) can strain the existing healthcare infrastructure. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can lead to shorter appointment times, delayed diagnoses, and less comprehensive care. While specific, publicly available data on physician-to-patient ratios *within* 18623 is difficult to obtain due to privacy regulations, broader county-level data (e.g., Wyoming County, where Laceyville is located) can provide a general indication. If the county’s PCP-to-population ratio is below the state or national average, it suggests a potential shortage, impacting access to timely care for all conditions, including Alzheimer's.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care through specific programs, staff training, or partnerships. This could include practices actively participating in the diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's, offering memory screenings, or collaborating with local specialists. Identifying these practices involves examining their online presence (websites, patient portals), and reviewing any published information about their services. Practices that actively promote their geriatric care services or have staff trained in dementia care would receive higher marks. The presence of a dedicated geriatrician or a specialist with a focus on cognitive disorders would be a significant positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, potentially reducing travel burdens and improving access to specialists. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations for primary care, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication management, are considered to be providing a valuable service. The availability of telemedicine for cognitive assessments or consultations with neurologists specializing in Alzheimer's would be particularly beneficial.

Mental health resources are an essential component of Alzheimer's care. Patients with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for providing comprehensive care. The presence of these resources within the community or through readily accessible referral networks is a significant factor. Practices that have established relationships with mental health providers and can easily refer patients for counseling or psychiatric care would receive a higher score.

Specific practices within 18623 are difficult to evaluate without detailed information. However, the general approach would involve:

* **Website Review:** Examining the websites of local practices for information about their services, staff expertise, and telemedicine offerings.
* **Online Reviews:** Reviewing patient reviews to gauge patient satisfaction and identify any specific mentions of Alzheimer's care.
* **Community Resources:** Identifying local support groups, memory care facilities, and other resources that can assist patients and their families.
* **Insurance Coverage:** Understanding which insurance plans are accepted by the practices, as this can impact access to care.

The Alzheimer's Score would reflect the following:

* **Access:** The availability of primary care physicians in relation to the population.
* **Specialization:** The presence of practices with a focus on geriatric care or cognitive disorders.
* **Technology:** The adoption of telemedicine for patient consultations.
* **Support:** The availability of mental health resources and support services.

The overall score would be a composite of these factors, with each area weighted based on its importance. For example, a higher physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while the presence of telemedicine or established mental health partnerships would positively influence it.

The analysis also considers the broader community context. The availability of transportation services, support groups for caregivers, and educational programs about Alzheimer's disease are all crucial factors. These resources, although not directly provided by the primary care physicians, are essential for providing comprehensive care.

For practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care, a higher score would be assigned. This could include practices that:

* Offer memory screenings or cognitive assessments.
* Have staff trained in dementia care.
* Collaborate with specialists in neurology or geriatrics.
* Provide educational resources for patients and families.
* Actively participate in research or clinical trials related to Alzheimer's.

The final score would be a reflection of the overall quality of care available to patients with Alzheimer's in Laceyville. It’s important to remember that this score is a snapshot in time and is subject to change as healthcare services evolve.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laceyville, PA, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care physicians, specialists, and support services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare access and availability, helping you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.