16678, Saxton, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16678, Saxton, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.91 percent of the residents in 16678 has some form of health insurance. 45.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.99 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 16678 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 439 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16678. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 661 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 451 health care providers accessible to residents in 16678, Saxton, Pennsylvania.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16678 and Primary Care in Saxton**

This analysis examines the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within ZIP code 16678, encompassing the Saxton, Pennsylvania area. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, offering insights into the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs), specialists, and mental health services, all crucial for managing this complex illness. The score will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Saxton and the surrounding area presents a significant challenge. Rural communities often experience shortages of healthcare professionals, particularly PCPs. This shortage can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management of chronic conditions, and increased stress for patients and caregivers. The limited number of physicians likely results in longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and difficulty establishing a consistent relationship with a primary care provider. This scarcity directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score, lowering it due to reduced access to essential care.

Identifying standout practices within the region is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive care, including early detection, diagnosis, and management of Alzheimer's disease. A practice with a strong focus on geriatric care, including memory clinics or specialized programs for individuals with cognitive impairment, would significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score. These practices typically offer services such as cognitive assessments, medication management, support groups, and education for patients and families. The presence of a neurologist specializing in dementia or a geriatrician would be a considerable asset.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, can be particularly beneficial in rural areas. It can help bridge the gap created by geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialists and mental health professionals without traveling long distances. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring, thereby improving the quality of care and reducing the burden on patients and caregivers. The availability of telemedicine services, particularly for neurology and mental health, would substantially enhance the Alzheimer's Score.

Mental health resources are integral to managing Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological stress. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups is essential for providing holistic care. Access to these resources directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. A community with readily available mental health services, including specialized programs for individuals with dementia and their families, would receive a higher score.

The Alzheimer's Score for ZIP code 16678 is likely to be negatively affected by the challenges associated with rural healthcare, including a lower physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, and potential constraints on mental health resources. The absence of a dedicated memory clinic or geriatric care program would further reduce the score. The adoption of telemedicine and the presence of readily available mental health services, including support groups, could mitigate some of these challenges and improve the score.

Specifically, the analysis would need to consider the following: the number of PCPs, neurologists, and geriatricians practicing within the ZIP code or a reasonable radius; the presence of any memory clinics or specialized Alzheimer's care programs; the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists; the adoption of telemedicine services by local practices; and the availability of support groups and other resources for patients and caregivers.

Without specific data, it is difficult to assign a precise numerical Alzheimer's Score. However, based on the general challenges faced by rural communities, the score would likely be below average. This underscores the need for community initiatives to improve healthcare access, attract healthcare professionals, and increase the availability of resources for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The analysis also needs to consider the quality of care provided by the existing healthcare providers. This includes factors such as the experience and expertise of the physicians, the use of evidence-based practices, and the patient satisfaction levels. The availability of resources such as advanced imaging technology for brain scans would also be a positive factor. The presence of any partnerships between local healthcare providers and larger healthcare systems or academic medical centers could also improve the score.

The availability of social services and community support programs is also critical. These programs can provide assistance with activities of daily living, transportation, and financial planning. The presence of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score would be positively impacted by the availability of these services.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score reflects the overall capacity of the community to provide comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. It is a measure of access to care, the quality of care, and the availability of support resources. Improving the Alzheimer's Score requires a multifaceted approach, including addressing physician shortages, promoting telemedicine, expanding mental health services, and strengthening community support programs.

To gain a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Saxton and the surrounding area, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform can provide detailed visualizations of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and access to mental health services. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain a more comprehensive perspective on the challenges and opportunities related to Alzheimer's care in this region.