15775, Spangler, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15775, Spangler, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15775 has some form of health insurance. 45.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.41 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 15775 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 26 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15775. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 111 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 40 health care providers accessible to residents in 15775, Spangler, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge, particularly for rural communities where access to specialized care and resources can be limited. This analysis assesses the availability of primary care physicians and related services in Spangler, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15775), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's care. The evaluation aims to provide a preliminary 'Alzheimer's Score' ranking, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often lies within primary care. In Spangler, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical starting point. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios provides a basic measure of accessibility. The national average physician-to-patient ratio is around 1:400, but this can vary significantly depending on location. A higher ratio in Spangler would indicate a potential challenge in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, when combined, can offer insights into this crucial metric.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are important. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they have experience with geriatric care? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Practices with a focus on geriatric care, including specialized training in dementia management, are highly desirable. The presence of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as cognitive assessments, would also be a significant advantage. Practices that integrate with specialists, such as neurologists or geriatric psychiatrists, would further enhance the level of care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. The availability of telehealth services for primary care and specialized consultations in Spangler would be a positive factor in the Alzheimer's Score. This includes the availability of video conferencing, remote monitoring, and electronic health record integration to facilitate care coordination.

Mental health resources are crucial in the context of Alzheimer's disease. Patients and caregivers alike face significant emotional challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is essential. The presence of support groups, counseling services, and respite care options would also contribute to a higher score. The ability to access these resources locally or through readily available telehealth options is a key consideration.

The 'Alzheimer's Score' is not a single, definitive number, but rather a composite assessment based on several factors. It is a relative measure, comparing the resources available in Spangler to benchmarks and best practices.

The analysis begins by gathering data on the number of primary care physicians practicing within ZIP code 15775 and the surrounding areas. This data is then compared to the population of Spangler to calculate a physician-to-patient ratio. The higher the ratio, the lower the initial score.

Next, the characteristics of the primary care practices are examined. This includes an assessment of their experience with geriatric care, their acceptance of new patients, and the availability of on-site diagnostic services. Practices with specialized geriatric training and comprehensive services receive higher scores.

The availability of telemedicine services is evaluated. Practices that offer telehealth options for primary care and specialized consultations receive a positive score adjustment. The ease of access to these services and the integration with electronic health records are also considered.

The availability of mental health resources is assessed. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers in the area, as well as the availability of support groups and counseling services. Communities with robust mental health support receive a higher score.

The 'Alzheimer's Score' will be a qualitative assessment, incorporating the weighted factors discussed above. The final score will reflect the overall accessibility and quality of Alzheimer's-related care in Spangler. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for patients and caregivers.

The analysis would also consider the presence of any specialized memory care facilities or assisted living facilities with dementia care units in the area. These facilities provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The availability of these facilities would positively impact the score.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the availability of community resources, such as the local Area Agency on Aging, which often provides support services for seniors, including those with Alzheimer's disease. The presence of these resources, along with educational programs and caregiver support groups, would be factored into the overall assessment.

It is important to note that this analysis is a preliminary assessment. A comprehensive evaluation would require more detailed data collection and analysis, including direct outreach to healthcare providers and community organizations. The 'Alzheimer's Score' is intended to provide a general overview of the resources available in Spangler and to highlight areas where improvements may be needed.

The final 'Alzheimer's Score' would then be categorized, perhaps using a simple scale (e.g., poor, fair, good, excellent). The category would reflect the overall level of care available in Spangler, based on the factors discussed.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Spangler, Pennsylvania, provides a starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to Alzheimer's care in this rural community. This analysis aims to provide a practical overview of the current situation, highlighting areas for improvement and emphasizing the importance of accessible and comprehensive care for individuals and families affected by this devastating disease.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Spangler and other areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide detailed geographic visualizations of healthcare resources, helping you identify the location of physicians, specialists, facilities, and support services. This data-driven approach enables a more informed understanding of healthcare access and availability.