Health Scores Near 15955, Sidman, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 15955, Sidman, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.94 percent of the residents in 15955 has some form of health insurance. 37.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.71 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 15955 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 391 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15955. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 499 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,147 health care providers accessible to residents in 15955, Sidman, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 15955, Sidman, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 76 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 41 |
| Provider Score | 84 |
| Hospital Score | 55 |
| Travel Score | 50 |
| 15955 | Sidman | 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: Sidman, PA (ZIP Code 15955)
This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services within Sidman, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15955), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources. This will culminate in an Alzheimer's Score assessment, providing a snapshot of the community's preparedness for the challenges posed by this devastating disease.
Sidman, a small community nestled in Cambria County, faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access. Rural areas often struggle with physician shortages and limited resources, making it crucial to understand the local landscape. The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is projected to increase dramatically in the coming years, making proactive planning and resource allocation essential.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability**
Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Sidman requires comprehensive data, including the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code and the resident population. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can provide some of this information. However, accurately assessing the availability of PCPs, including their specialties, appointment availability, and acceptance of new patients, requires more in-depth research.
Anecdotal evidence and local reports suggest that Sidman, like many rural communities, may face a shortage of PCPs. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for specialized care, and a greater burden on existing healthcare providers. This shortage can significantly impact the timely diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's disease, as early intervention is crucial for slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact**
Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating various factors, including the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the adoption of innovative practices. Practices that prioritize geriatric care, offer comprehensive memory assessments, and coordinate care with specialists would be considered highly valuable in the context of Alzheimer's disease.
While specific practice names are difficult to ascertain without direct local research, we can hypothesize about the characteristics of exemplary practices. These practices would likely:
* **Employ physicians with geriatric expertise or a strong interest in geriatrics.**
* **Offer comprehensive cognitive assessments, including neuropsychological testing.**
* **Have established relationships with neurologists, psychiatrists, and other specialists.**
* **Provide patient and caregiver education and support groups.**
* **Utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate care coordination.**
* **Offer convenient appointment scheduling and extended hours.**
The presence of such practices would significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score for Sidman.
**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Component**
Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address healthcare access challenges in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with healthcare providers remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists.
The adoption of telemedicine in Sidman is a critical factor in the Alzheimer's Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide:
* **Virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists.**
* **Remote monitoring of patients' health conditions.**
* **Online support groups and educational resources.**
* **Medication management and prescription refills.**
The availability of telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers, who may face mobility limitations or geographic barriers. Successful telemedicine implementation requires reliable internet access, user-friendly technology, and appropriate training for both patients and providers.
**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Element**
Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and agitation. Access to mental health resources is therefore essential for both patients and their caregivers.
The availability of mental health services in Sidman, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups, significantly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. Ideally, the community should have:
* **A sufficient number of mental health professionals to meet the needs of the population.**
* **Specialized services for geriatric patients and individuals with dementia.**
* **Support groups for caregivers to provide emotional support and education.**
* **Collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers to ensure coordinated care.**
The integration of mental health services with primary care is particularly important, as it allows for early identification and management of behavioral symptoms.
**Alzheimer's Score Assessment and Conclusion**
Without specific, real-time data, it is impossible to assign a precise Alzheimer's Score to Sidman (15955). However, based on the general challenges faced by rural communities, we can tentatively conclude that the score is likely moderate, potentially with room for improvement. The score would be influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of geriatric specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources.
To improve the Alzheimer's Score, Sidman needs to focus on:
* **Recruiting and retaining PCPs, particularly those with geriatric expertise.**
* **Encouraging the adoption of telemedicine by local practices.**
* **Expanding access to mental health services, including specialized geriatric care.**
* **Supporting caregiver education and support groups.**
* **Fostering collaboration between healthcare providers, social service agencies, and community organizations.**
For a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sidman and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, access to specialists, and other relevant data, enabling informed decision-making and targeted resource allocation.
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