18831, Milan, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18831, Milan, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.92 percent of the residents in 18831 has some form of health insurance. 51.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.19 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 18831 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 175 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18831. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 289 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,883 health care providers accessible to residents in 18831, Milan, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Milan, PA (18831) and Primary Care

This analysis assesses the availability of primary care physicians and related resources in Milan, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18831), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a comparative "Alzheimer's Score" for the area. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and its capacity to support individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's.

Milan, PA, a rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The limited population density often translates to fewer healthcare providers, impacting the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, where there are fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialized care, and increased stress for patients and caregivers. Conversely, a strong primary care infrastructure is crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's disease.

To ascertain the physician-to-patient ratio, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau would be necessary. This data would be cross-referenced with lists of practicing physicians within the 18831 ZIP code. The resulting ratio provides a foundational metric for evaluating the accessibility of primary care. A low ratio would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are critical. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have experience in geriatric care? Practices with a demonstrated commitment to geriatric medicine, including specialized training for physicians and staff, would receive a higher score. This includes experience with cognitive assessments and familiarity with the challenges faced by Alzheimer's patients and their families.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Practices offering telehealth consultations for routine check-ups, medication management, and even some cognitive assessments would receive a higher score. This is particularly important for Alzheimer's patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. Telemedicine can also facilitate communication between patients, caregivers, and physicians, improving the overall quality of care.

The availability of mental health resources is inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in geriatric mental health is essential for managing these symptoms and supporting both patients and caregivers. The presence of local mental health clinics, support groups, and counseling services would significantly boost the Alzheimer's Score. A lack of these resources would severely detract from the overall score.

Standout practices within the 18831 ZIP code would be those demonstrating a comprehensive approach to Alzheimer's care. This includes practices with dedicated staff trained in geriatric care, offering cognitive assessments, participating in clinical trials, and actively connecting patients and families with community resources. These practices would serve as models for best practices and contribute significantly to a positive Alzheimer's Score for the area.

The Alzheimer's Score itself would be a composite measure, weighting the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant component, followed by practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more favorable healthcare environment for Alzheimer's patients and their families. A lower score would signal areas needing improvement.

For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, the score would be negatively impacted. If the practices are not accepting new patients, the score would be further reduced. Conversely, practices with geriatric specialists, telehealth capabilities, and strong connections to mental health services would contribute positively to the score.

The assessment also needs to consider the availability of support services for caregivers. Caregivers often bear a significant burden, and access to respite care, support groups, and educational resources is vital. Practices actively involved in connecting caregivers with these resources would be highly valued.

Furthermore, the analysis should explore the presence of local pharmacies and their ability to provide medication management services. Medication adherence is critical for Alzheimer's patients, and pharmacies that offer medication synchronization, pill packaging, and home delivery can significantly improve patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the Alzheimer's Score for Milan, PA (18831) is likely to be influenced by the rural nature of the community. The score would be determined by a complex interplay of factors, including the physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health and caregiver support resources. While challenges exist, the presence of standout practices and the adoption of telehealth technologies can mitigate some of the limitations.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Milan, PA (18831), and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that visualize geographical data, including healthcare providers, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis of healthcare accessibility and resource allocation.