18837, Rome, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.76 percent of the residents in 18837 has some form of health insurance. 35.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.70 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 18837 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 644 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18837. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 454 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,664 health care providers accessible to residents in 18837, Rome, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge to communities, particularly those with aging populations and limited access to quality healthcare. This analysis focuses on the specific needs of individuals in ZIP Code 18837 and the broader primary care landscape in Rome, aiming to assess the availability of resources and the potential for improvements in Alzheimer's care. We will evaluate factors influencing the "Alzheimer's Score" for this region, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health services.

The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care lies in readily accessible primary care. ZIP Code 18837, and the surrounding Rome area, must be assessed for the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. This is especially critical for Alzheimer's, where early intervention is crucial to managing symptoms and slowing disease progression. The analysis will need to consider the age distribution of the population within 18837 and Rome, as a higher percentage of older adults will naturally increase the demand for geriatric and neurological care.

Beyond the sheer number of PCPs, the expertise and specialization within these practices are vital. Does the area have a sufficient number of geriatricians, neurologists, and neuropsychologists? These specialists are essential for accurate diagnosis, comprehensive management, and ongoing support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. A lack of these specialists would significantly lower the Alzheimer's Score, indicating a critical gap in care. The availability of specialized memory clinics or centers of excellence would be a major positive factor, boosting the score significantly.

The characteristics of local primary care practices also contribute to the Alzheimer's Score. Are practices equipped with the necessary resources to support patients with cognitive impairments? This includes staff training in dementia care, the availability of memory screening tools, and the implementation of care coordination programs. Practices that actively participate in research or clinical trials related to Alzheimer's would also receive a higher rating, reflecting a commitment to staying at the forefront of advancements in care. The presence of dedicated care coordinators or social workers within practices can be particularly beneficial in navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's, providing support to both patients and caregivers.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural or underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local practices would positively influence the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations with specialists, provide convenient follow-up appointments, and offer educational resources for patients and families. Practices that utilize telehealth platforms for medication management, cognitive assessments, and caregiver support would be considered more advanced in their approach to Alzheimer's care. The ability to connect with specialists remotely can be particularly beneficial for individuals in Rome, potentially mitigating the challenges of geographical limitations.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are common among individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore a crucial component of the Alzheimer's Score. The presence of support groups, counseling services, and respite care options can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. A community with robust mental health resources would receive a higher score, reflecting a more holistic approach to care.

Standout practices in the Rome area would be those demonstrating a comprehensive and patient-centered approach to Alzheimer's care. These practices would likely have a multidisciplinary team, including PCPs, specialists, nurses, social workers, and care coordinators. They would prioritize early detection, provide comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, and offer a range of treatment options, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions. They would actively engage patients and families in the care process, providing education, support, and resources. The use of technology, such as telemedicine and electronic health records, would further enhance their ability to deliver efficient and effective care.

The Alzheimer's Score for the Rome area, based on this analysis, would be a composite of all these factors. A high score would indicate a community with strong primary care availability, a sufficient number of specialists, well-equipped practices, the integration of telemedicine, and robust mental health resources. A low score would highlight areas for improvement, such as increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, expanding specialist availability, enhancing practice capabilities, promoting telemedicine adoption, and strengthening mental health services. The ultimate goal is to create a supportive environment that enables individuals with Alzheimer's to live with dignity and receive the best possible care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rome and 18837, including the specific locations of practices, specialist availability, and telemedicine adoption, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify areas with the greatest needs and opportunities for improvement.