Health Scores Near 15431, Dunbar, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15431, Dunbar, Pennsylvania is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.44 percent of the residents in 15431 has some form of health insurance. 49.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.56 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 15431 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 995 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15431. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 757 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,097 health care providers accessible to residents in 15431, Dunbar, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 15431, Dunbar, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 17 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 20 |
| Provider Score | 37 |
| Hospital Score | 22 |
| Travel Score | 59 |
| 15431 | Dunbar | 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 |
The analysis that follows provides a hypothetical “Alzheimer’s Score” assessment for physicians and primary care resources within the context of ZIP Code 15431 (Dunbar, PA) and its surrounding areas. This score is designed to offer a general overview of the available resources and their potential impact on individuals and families facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease. The score is not based on a real-world, comprehensive audit, but rather a simulated evaluation based on publicly available information and assumptions about healthcare delivery in a rural setting.
**Alzheimer's Score Framework:**
The “Alzheimer’s Score” will consider several factors:
* **Physician Availability & Ratios:** This assesses the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists per capita within the target area and surrounding regions. Higher ratios generally indicate better access to initial diagnosis and ongoing management.
* **Specialized Care:** The presence of geriatricians, memory care specialists, and other relevant healthcare professionals is evaluated. Their availability significantly impacts the quality of care.
* **Mental Health Resources:** The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups for both patients and caregivers is crucial.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-ups, and remote monitoring is considered.
* **Community Support:** The presence of support groups, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives aimed at Alzheimer's patients and their families.
* **Accessibility:** This includes factors like transportation options to medical facilities, the availability of home healthcare services, and the physical accessibility of medical offices.
**Analysis: ZIP Code 15431 and Dunbar, PA**
ZIP Code 15431, encompassing Dunbar, PA, is located in a primarily rural area. This geographical context immediately suggests potential challenges in healthcare access, particularly for specialized care like neurology and geriatric medicine. The “Alzheimer’s Score” for this area is likely to be negatively impacted by these factors.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
Based on general assumptions, the physician-to-patient ratio in Dunbar is likely to be less favorable compared to more urban areas. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is critical for initial screening and referrals. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Neurologists, who are essential for diagnosing and managing Alzheimer’s, are likely to be scarce, requiring patients to travel to larger cities like Pittsburgh or Morgantown for specialized care. This travel burden can be a significant obstacle for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers.
**Standout Practices:**
Identifying “standout” practices in a rural area like Dunbar requires a nuanced approach. It is unlikely that there are specialized memory care clinics. However, practices that emphasize patient-centered care, offer extended appointment times, and demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care are likely to be highly valued. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as offering educational seminars on Alzheimer's, are also likely to receive higher scores. The presence of nurses or medical assistants with specialized training in geriatric care would also be a significant advantage.
**Telemedicine Adoption:**
Telemedicine holds significant potential for improving Alzheimer's care in rural areas. Practices that have adopted telemedicine for consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments can significantly reduce the burden of travel for patients and caregivers. The ability to remotely monitor patients' cognitive function and provide support can also improve the quality of care. The “Alzheimer’s Score” will be positively influenced by the degree of telemedicine adoption.
**Mental Health Resources:**
Mental health resources are vital for both Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups can significantly impact the quality of life for those affected by the disease. In a rural setting, these resources may be limited. The presence of local support groups, even if facilitated by volunteers, is a positive indicator. The availability of mental health services that accept Medicare and Medicaid is also crucial, as many Alzheimer's patients rely on these programs.
**Community Support:**
Community support is a crucial element of Alzheimer's care. This includes the availability of adult day care centers, respite care services, and home healthcare agencies. These resources provide much-needed support for caregivers and can help delay the need for institutionalization. The presence of educational programs for the community, such as seminars on recognizing the early signs of Alzheimer's, can also improve awareness and early detection.
**Accessibility:**
Accessibility encompasses several factors, including transportation, physical accessibility of medical facilities, and the availability of home healthcare services. The lack of public transportation in rural areas can be a significant barrier to accessing care. Medical offices should be physically accessible to individuals with mobility impairments. The availability of home healthcare services, including skilled nursing and personal care assistance, is crucial for allowing patients to remain in their homes for as long as possible.
**Overall "Alzheimer's Score" for Dunbar (15431):**
Based on the assumptions outlined above, the “Alzheimer’s Score” for Dunbar (15431) is likely to be moderate to low. The challenges of rural healthcare, including limited physician availability, the scarcity of specialized care, and potential barriers to access, will likely negatively impact the score. However, practices that prioritize patient-centered care, embrace telemedicine, and actively engage with the community can significantly improve the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The presence of strong community support networks and accessible resources will also be crucial for mitigating the challenges of living with Alzheimer's in a rural environment.
**Conclusion:**
Understanding the healthcare landscape, particularly in areas like Dunbar, is essential for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. While this analysis provides a general overview, a more detailed assessment would require a comprehensive investigation of local resources and practices.
**Call to Action:**
For a more detailed and visually informative understanding of healthcare access, physician locations, and other relevant data points within ZIP Code 15431 and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful tools for mapping and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to gain valuable insights into the healthcare resources available in your community.
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