Health Scores Near 15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania
You may also like
The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 96.09 percent of the residents in 15774 has some form of health insurance. 32.16 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.93 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 15774 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 537 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15774. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 604 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 143 health care providers accessible to residents in 15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 15774, Shelocta, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 31 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 56 |
| Provider Score | 40 |
| Hospital Score | 34 |
| Travel Score | 35 |
| 15774 | Shelocta | 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 |
## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Shelocta, PA (ZIP Code 15774)
Analyzing the availability of resources for individuals with Alzheimer's disease in Shelocta, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15774) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers factors crucial for managing this complex condition, including access to primary care physicians, the presence of specialized geriatric care, mental health support, and the adoption of technologies like telemedicine. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, reflecting the overall level of support available within the community. This score, however, is not a single number but a qualitative assessment based on the following observations.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests with primary care physicians (PCPs). They are typically the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline. Evaluating the availability of PCPs in Shelocta is critical. Publicly available data, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can provide insights into the population size within the ZIP code. This information, coupled with data from sources like the Pennsylvania Medical Society, can help estimate the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) can indicate potential access challenges, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced time for comprehensive patient evaluations.
Furthermore, the age and experience of the PCPs are significant. Physicians with experience in geriatric care or those with a demonstrated interest in cognitive health are invaluable. Identifying practices with a focus on geriatric medicine, possibly through online searches or referrals from local hospitals, would improve the overall score.
**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**
Beyond general primary care, the presence of specialized geriatric practices and neurologists within a reasonable distance from Shelocta significantly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. These specialists possess the expertise to diagnose, manage, and treat Alzheimer's and related dementias. Their availability reduces the burden on PCPs and allows for more specialized care.
Identifying practices that are actively involved in Alzheimer's research, clinical trials, or community outreach programs would further enhance the score. Such practices often demonstrate a commitment to staying at the forefront of Alzheimer's care. Analyzing the types of services offered by local hospitals and clinics, such as memory clinics or cognitive assessment centers, is also important.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration:**
The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly important in healthcare, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring of symptoms. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among local practices and hospitals is a key factor.
Practices that offer virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, or online patient portals demonstrate a commitment to providing accessible and convenient care. Investigating whether local practices utilize technologies to aid in cognitive assessments or provide remote support for caregivers also improves the score.
**Mental Health Resources and Support Systems:**
Alzheimer's disease profoundly affects the mental and emotional well-being of both patients and their caregivers. Access to mental health resources, including psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups, is essential. Evaluating the availability of these resources in and around Shelocta is a critical component of the Alzheimer's Score.
Identifying local mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups specifically designed for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families is essential. Assessing the availability of respite care services, adult day care centers, and other forms of caregiver support is also vital. These resources provide crucial assistance to caregivers, reducing their stress and improving the quality of life for both the patient and the caregiver.
**Community Awareness and Education:**
The level of community awareness and education regarding Alzheimer's disease can significantly impact the quality of care. Assessing the presence of educational programs, support groups, and outreach initiatives in Shelocta can help gauge the community's commitment to supporting individuals with Alzheimer's.
Identifying organizations that offer educational workshops, memory screenings, or caregiver training programs would contribute to a higher score. Analyzing the availability of resources in local libraries, senior centers, and community centers is also important.
**Overall Alzheimer's Score Assessment:**
Based on the above factors, an Alzheimer's Score for Shelocta (ZIP code 15774) would be a qualitative assessment. It would reflect the overall level of support available within the community. The score is not a definitive number but a reflection of the collective strength of the healthcare infrastructure, the availability of specialized services, the integration of technology, the presence of mental health resources, and the level of community awareness.
A high score would indicate a robust network of primary care physicians, specialists, mental health professionals, and support services, coupled with the adoption of telemedicine and community-based programs. A lower score would indicate potential challenges in accessing care, limited specialized services, and fewer resources for patients and caregivers.
**Conclusion:**
The Alzheimer's Score analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the availability of resources for individuals with Alzheimer's disease in Shelocta, Pennsylvania. This analysis highlights the critical importance of primary care, specialized care, mental health support, and community resources.
For a visual representation of healthcare resources and their proximity to your location, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide a detailed view of healthcare providers, support services, and other relevant resources in the Shelocta area, assisting in your search for quality Alzheimer's care.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like
