Health Scores Near 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 91.47 percent of the residents in 18628 has some form of health insurance. 45.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.82 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 18628 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18628. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 54 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 360 health care providers accessible to residents in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 27 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 65 |
| Provider Score | 30 |
| Hospital Score | 48 |
| Travel Score | 16 |
| 18628 | Lopez | 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: Doctors in ZIP Code 18628 & Primary Care in Lopez, PA**
The evaluation of healthcare accessibility and resources for Alzheimer's patients in the Lopez, Pennsylvania region, specifically focusing on ZIP code 18628, presents a multifaceted challenge. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in an Alzheimer's Score assessment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, identifying strengths and weaknesses in the current healthcare infrastructure.
The primary concern is the overall population density of Lopez and the surrounding areas, which inherently impacts the availability of healthcare providers. ZIP code 18628 encompasses a geographically large area, likely with a relatively sparse population. This demographic reality sets the stage for potential difficulties in accessing timely and convenient medical care, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions like Alzheimer's disease, which requires ongoing monitoring and management.
**Primary Care Availability in Lopez**
Assessing primary care availability is paramount. Primary care physicians (PCPs) serve as the crucial entry point into the healthcare system, often the first point of contact for diagnosis, treatment, and referral. The number of PCPs practicing within Lopez itself is likely limited. This suggests that residents of Lopez may need to travel to neighboring towns or cities to access primary care. This travel burden can be particularly challenging for Alzheimer's patients, who may experience cognitive impairments and mobility issues.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio**
The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, meaning a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, indicates potential challenges in securing appointments, receiving prompt care, and building strong patient-physician relationships. In a rural area like Lopez, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely higher than the national average, exacerbating the challenges for individuals with complex medical needs. This scarcity of providers necessitates a careful examination of existing resources and the potential for expansion.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact**
Identifying standout practices in the region requires a more granular analysis. This involves researching the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the specific services offered by local medical facilities. Are there any practices that specialize in geriatric care or have a demonstrated commitment to Alzheimer's patients? Do these practices offer comprehensive services, including diagnostic testing, medication management, and support for caregivers? Identifying these practices and their strengths is essential for understanding the healthcare landscape.
**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Tool**
Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address the geographical challenges of rural healthcare. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by local practices is a critical factor in the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. This is particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients, who may find it difficult to attend in-person appointments. The presence of telemedicine infrastructure, including video conferencing capabilities and secure online portals, is a significant positive factor.
**Mental Health Resources: An Essential Component**
Alzheimer's disease is often accompanied by mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances. The availability of mental health resources, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore crucial. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices or the presence of dedicated mental health clinics in the region significantly improves the Alzheimer's Score. The ability to access mental health support is essential for managing the emotional and psychological impact of Alzheimer's on both patients and their families.
**Alzheimer's Score Assessment**
Based on the preliminary analysis, the Alzheimer's Score for doctors in ZIP code 18628 and primary care availability in Lopez is likely to be moderate. The challenges of rural healthcare, including limited physician availability and potential travel burdens, are significant. The score would be improved by increased telemedicine adoption, the presence of practices specializing in geriatric care, and the availability of robust mental health resources. The score would be lowered by a high physician-to-patient ratio and a lack of specialized Alzheimer's care.
**Recommendations for Improvement**
Several strategies could be implemented to improve the Alzheimer's Score. These include:
* **Recruiting and retaining physicians:** Incentivizing physicians to practice in the Lopez area is a primary concern.
* **Expanding telemedicine capabilities:** Providing training and resources to local practices to adopt and effectively utilize telemedicine technologies.
* **Integrating mental health services:** Encouraging collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals.
* **Supporting caregiver resources:** Providing educational programs, support groups, and respite care for caregivers.
* **Increasing public awareness:** Educating the community about Alzheimer's disease and available resources.
**Conclusion**
The healthcare landscape in Lopez and the surrounding areas presents both challenges and opportunities for Alzheimer's patients. While the rural nature of the area presents difficulties, the adoption of innovative technologies and the integration of comprehensive care models can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by this debilitating disease. The Alzheimer's Score is a dynamic measure that can be improved through strategic initiatives and a commitment to providing accessible and compassionate care.
**Call to Action**
To gain a more detailed and geographically-specific understanding of healthcare resources in the Lopez area, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of other essential services. This will provide a clearer picture of the healthcare landscape and help you make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.
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