Health Scores Near 16613, Ashville, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16613, Ashville, Pennsylvania is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.77 percent of the residents in 16613 has some form of health insurance. 39.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.47 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 16613 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 287 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16613. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 418 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,221 health care providers accessible to residents in 16613, Ashville, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 16613, Ashville, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 92 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 69 |
| Provider Score | 91 |
| Hospital Score | 51 |
| Travel Score | 55 |
| 16613 | Ashville | 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: Ashville, PA (ZIP Code 16613)
This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care within Ashville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16613), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" that reflects the community's preparedness to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this debilitating illness. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources.
Ashville, a small community in Cambria County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting can impact access to specialized medical care, including neurology and geriatrics, crucial for Alzheimer's diagnosis and management. The aging population, a demographic particularly vulnerable to Alzheimer's, further underscores the importance of robust primary care services.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care**
Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 16613 requires data from multiple sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the American Medical Association. However, based on available data for Cambria County and surrounding areas, it's likely that Ashville faces a challenge in this regard. Rural areas often experience a shortage of primary care physicians, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, including early detection screenings for cognitive decline.
The availability of geriatricians and neurologists, specialists essential for diagnosing and treating Alzheimer's, is likely even more limited. Patients may need to travel to larger cities like Johnstown or Altoona for specialized consultations, which can be a significant burden for those with mobility issues or cognitive impairments.
**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**
Identifying "standout practices" requires a detailed review of individual practices within the area. This would involve analyzing factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs), and the availability of specialized services. Practices that prioritize preventative care, offer comprehensive cognitive assessments, and have experience in managing chronic conditions like Alzheimer's would be considered highly valuable.
The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants can improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. These healthcare professionals can provide routine checkups, medication management, and patient education, freeing up physicians to focus on more complex cases. Practices that embrace a team-based approach to care, with nurses, social workers, and other support staff, often deliver better outcomes for patients with Alzheimer's.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
Telemedicine offers a promising solution to the access challenges faced by rural communities. The ability to conduct virtual consultations allows patients to connect with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to timely care. The adoption rate of telemedicine within primary care practices in Ashville is a crucial factor in assessing the community's Alzheimer's Score.
Practices that have embraced telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations for cognitive concerns would receive a higher score. The availability of telehealth services for mental health support is particularly important, as Alzheimer's often leads to depression, anxiety, and other emotional challenges.
**Mental Health Resources and Support Systems**
The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of Alzheimer's care. Individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers often experience significant emotional distress. Access to therapists, counselors, and support groups can help manage these challenges and improve quality of life.
Assessing the availability of these resources requires examining the presence of mental health professionals within the community, the existence of support groups for caregivers, and the availability of respite care services. Practices that collaborate with mental health providers and offer referrals for counseling and support would significantly enhance their Alzheimer's Score. The presence of memory care facilities or assisted living communities that specialize in Alzheimer's care is also a positive indicator.
**Alzheimer's Score Summary and Recommendations**
Based on this preliminary analysis, the Alzheimer's Score for Ashville (ZIP code 16613) likely reflects moderate challenges in access to care, particularly specialized services. The rural setting, potential physician shortages, and the need for improved mental health resources likely contribute to this assessment.
To improve the Alzheimer's Score, Ashville should focus on the following:
* **Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians:** Incentivizing healthcare professionals to practice in the area is crucial.
* **Expanding telemedicine capabilities:** Encouraging practices to adopt telehealth for consultations and follow-up appointments.
* **Strengthening mental health services:** Increasing the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups.
* **Promoting caregiver support:** Providing resources and programs to assist caregivers in managing the challenges of Alzheimer's.
* **Improving awareness and education:** Educating the community about Alzheimer's disease, its symptoms, and available resources.
This analysis provides a snapshot of the current situation. A more comprehensive assessment would require detailed data collection and analysis.
**Call to Action**
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