15559, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15559, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.04 percent of the residents in 15559 has some form of health insurance. 33.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.62 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 15559 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 316 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15559. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 417 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 552 health care providers accessible to residents in 15559, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of primary care available to residents of Schellsburg, Pennsylvania, within the 15559 ZIP code, particularly concerning factors relevant to Alzheimer's care. This involves evaluating physician availability, the integration of telemedicine, and access to mental health resources, all critical components in supporting individuals and families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer's disease.

The physician-to-patient ratio in the 15559 ZIP code is a fundamental metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to better access to care and potentially shorter wait times for appointments. Conversely, a higher ratio may signal a strain on existing resources, impacting the ability of primary care physicians to provide comprehensive and timely care, especially for patients with complex needs such as those associated with Alzheimer's. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) will be consulted to ascertain this ratio.

The availability of primary care physicians, including family medicine and internal medicine specialists, is paramount. These physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline or memory issues. Their ability to conduct initial assessments, refer patients to specialists (such as neurologists or geriatricians), and manage ongoing care is crucial. The analysis will identify the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 15559 ZIP code, their specialties, and their acceptance of new patients.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care, particularly for older adults and those with cognitive impairments. This includes practices that offer extended appointment times, have staff trained in dementia care, and are equipped to handle the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients. These practices may also have established relationships with local support groups or community organizations that provide services to individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Identifying these practices involves reviewing online patient reviews, consulting with local advocacy groups, and examining practice websites for information on services offered.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Schellsburg. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving convenience. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in the 15559 ZIP code offer telemedicine services, including virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. The availability of these services is a significant factor in supporting patients with Alzheimer's, who may face mobility challenges or require frequent monitoring.

Mental health resources are an integral part of Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings about significant emotional and psychological challenges for both patients and their families. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for addressing these challenges. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the 15559 ZIP code, including the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered, and the acceptance of insurance. The proximity of these resources to primary care practices will also be considered, as coordination between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is crucial for comprehensive care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized services, such as geriatric care and memory clinics. Geriatricians are physicians who specialize in the care of older adults and are often well-equipped to diagnose and manage Alzheimer's disease. Memory clinics provide comprehensive evaluations and treatment for individuals experiencing memory problems. The presence of these specialized services within or near the 15559 ZIP code is a significant indicator of the quality of Alzheimer's care available.

The evaluation will also consider the accessibility of transportation services for medical appointments. Patients with Alzheimer's may have difficulty driving or using public transportation. The availability of transportation assistance, such as ride-sharing services or community transportation programs, can significantly improve their ability to access care.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the presence of support groups and educational resources for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. These resources provide valuable support, education, and coping strategies for individuals and families affected by the disease. The analysis will identify the availability of local support groups, educational programs, and online resources.

Based on the gathered data, a comprehensive 'Alzheimer's Score' will be formulated. This score will reflect the overall quality of primary care available in the 15559 ZIP code, with specific consideration given to factors relevant to Alzheimer's care. The score will be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, physician availability, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialized services, transportation accessibility, and support group availability.

The final score will be presented as a qualitative assessment, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," along with a detailed explanation of the factors contributing to the score. This will provide a clear and concise overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in the 15559 ZIP code, specifically in relation to Alzheimer's care.

The analysis will also identify areas for improvement. This may include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, improving access to mental health resources, or establishing new support groups. The goal is to provide valuable information that can be used to improve the quality of care for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families in Schellsburg and the surrounding areas.

The complexity of Alzheimer's disease requires a multifaceted approach to care. This analysis aims to provide a snapshot of the current state of primary care in the 15559 ZIP code, highlighting the resources available and identifying areas where improvements are needed. This information can empower residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for better services for those affected by Alzheimer's.

To gain a visual understanding of healthcare resources in the 15559 ZIP code and beyond, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides detailed geographic data, enabling you to visualize physician locations, access to services, and other relevant information. Visit CartoChrome to see how they can help you navigate the healthcare landscape.