19120, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 19120, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.09 percent of the residents in 19120 has some form of health insurance. 57.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 38.87 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 19120 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 23,261 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 512 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19120. An estimate of 108 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,873 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 105,666 health care providers accessible to residents in 19120, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Primary Care in Philadelphia (19120)

This analysis assesses the state of primary care within Philadelphia's 19120 ZIP code, specifically focusing on its preparedness to address the growing challenges of Alzheimer's disease. The assessment considers factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This is framed within the broader context of primary care availability in Philadelphia.

The 19120 ZIP code encompasses areas like Olney, Feltonville, and Logan, representing a diverse population. Understanding the capacity of primary care physicians (PCPs) in this area to manage and support patients with Alzheimer's is crucial. This analysis attempts to quantify the 'Alzheimer's Score' by evaluating key factors.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator. A high ratio, meaning fewer PCPs per capita, often leads to reduced appointment availability and less time for each patient. While specific data on the exact PCP-to-patient ratio within 19120 is difficult to obtain definitively, publicly available data on Philadelphia as a whole can provide a starting point. Philadelphia, like many major cities, faces a general shortage of PCPs. This shortage can disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, including those at risk for or living with Alzheimer's. The lack of readily available appointments can delay diagnosis and treatment, hindering the effective management of the disease.

Standout practices in 19120, or those within reasonable proximity, can significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score. Identifying practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to Alzheimer's care is essential. These practices might feature specialized memory clinics, dedicated staff trained in dementia care, or partnerships with local Alzheimer's support organizations. The presence of such resources elevates the overall quality of care available to patients. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's also contribute positively to the score, as they often represent a commitment to innovation and improved patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote monitoring, offers significant advantages in Alzheimer's care. It can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in underserved areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate regular check-ins and medication management, providing ongoing support for both patients and their caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score is positively impacted by practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring options.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Patients with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of readily accessible mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is critical. Primary care practices that have strong referral networks to mental health professionals, or even integrated mental health services within their practice, contribute significantly to a higher Alzheimer's Score. This integration allows for a more holistic approach to care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease.

The availability of social workers and care coordinators is also essential. These professionals can assist patients and their families in navigating the complexities of the healthcare system, accessing support services, and managing the practical challenges of living with Alzheimer's. Practices that employ social workers or care coordinators, or that collaborate with community-based organizations that provide these services, enhance the Alzheimer's Score.

The overall primary care availability in Philadelphia, beyond the specific 19120 ZIP code, impacts the Alzheimer's Score. A city-wide shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialists, and long wait times for appointments can negatively affect the care available to Alzheimer's patients. The presence of robust city-wide initiatives to improve primary care access, such as programs to attract and retain PCPs, or efforts to expand access to healthcare in underserved areas, can positively influence the score.

The quality of communication and coordination between primary care physicians, specialists, and other healthcare providers is another important factor. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate information sharing, and that actively participate in care coordination efforts, improve the Alzheimer's Score. Effective communication ensures that all members of the patient's care team are informed and working together to provide the best possible care.

Furthermore, patient education and caregiver support are critical components of Alzheimer's care. Practices that provide educational materials, support groups, and resources for caregivers contribute significantly to a higher score. Empowering caregivers with knowledge and support can improve the quality of life for both patients and their families.

In conclusion, the 'Alzheimer's Score' for primary care in the 19120 ZIP code, and by extension in Philadelphia, is a complex metric influenced by a multitude of factors. While a precise numerical score is difficult to assign without detailed, practice-specific data, the analysis highlights the key areas where improvements are needed. These include increasing the availability of PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, strengthening mental health resources, and enhancing patient education and caregiver support. The current state of primary care in Philadelphia, including within the 19120 ZIP code, reveals both strengths and weaknesses in its capacity to address the growing challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

For a more detailed visual representation of primary care resources in the Philadelphia area, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their data visualization tools can provide valuable insights into the availability of healthcare resources and help you better understand the landscape of Alzheimer's care in your community.