16912, Blossburg, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16912, Blossburg, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.73 percent of the residents in 16912 has some form of health insurance. 29.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.59 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 16912 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 693 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16912. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 271 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,076 health care providers accessible to residents in 16912, Blossburg, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Blossburg, PA (ZIP Code 16912)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within Blossburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16912), requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly concerning Alzheimer's care. The region's demographic profile, characterized by a predominantly older population, necessitates a keen understanding of the resources available to address cognitive decline and support those affected by Alzheimer's disease. This analysis will examine the availability of primary care physicians, the integration of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio, culminating in an Alzheimer's Score assessment.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests with primary care physicians. In Blossburg, the availability of these physicians is crucial. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can significantly hinder access to timely diagnoses, regular monitoring, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's. Data regarding the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 16912 ZIP code, compared to the total population, provides a baseline understanding of access. Public health data, combined with information from local hospitals and clinics, can offer insights into this ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices matters. Some practices may stand out due to their specialized training in geriatric care or their proactive approach to cognitive assessments. Identifying these standout practices involves evaluating their commitment to early detection of cognitive decline. This includes assessing the use of standardized cognitive screening tools, the frequency of cognitive assessments during routine check-ups, and the referral pathways for patients exhibiting signs of memory loss or cognitive impairment. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to dementia screening and management would receive higher marks in the Alzheimer's Score.

Telemedicine offers a potentially significant advantage in rural areas like Blossburg. It can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialist consultations and ongoing care remotely. The adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices is therefore a key factor. Assessing the availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients is essential. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine to support Alzheimer's patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, would be viewed favorably.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors within the Blossburg area is therefore crucial. Evaluating the number of mental health professionals, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and their experience in treating patients with dementia is vital. The presence of support groups for patients and caregivers is also a significant indicator of a supportive healthcare environment.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for Blossburg, PA (16912) will be derived from a composite of these factors. A high score indicates a robust healthcare environment supportive of Alzheimer's patients and their families. A low score suggests significant challenges in accessing timely diagnosis, specialized care, and ongoing support. The score will reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The weighting of each factor will be determined by its relative importance in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care.

For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with a lack of geriatric specialists, would negatively impact the score. Conversely, a practice actively utilizing telemedicine for cognitive assessments and offering robust mental health support would positively influence the score. The final score will be a holistic assessment of the healthcare landscape in Blossburg, reflecting the region's preparedness to address the challenges of Alzheimer's disease.

The specifics of physician-to-patient ratios are critical. Public health data, combined with information gleaned from local hospitals and clinics, is essential to this calculation. The number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 16912 ZIP code must be compared to the total population. This number alone provides a baseline understanding of access. Furthermore, the number of geriatric specialists, neurologists, and psychiatrists serving the area significantly impacts the score.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to early detection and comprehensive management. This includes the use of standardized cognitive screening tools, the frequency of cognitive assessments during routine check-ups, and the referral pathways for patients exhibiting signs of memory loss. Practices that actively collaborate with mental health professionals and offer caregiver support programs would receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of access for patients are crucial. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine to support Alzheimer's patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, are highly valued.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to Alzheimer's care. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors within the Blossburg area is essential. Evaluating the number of mental health professionals, the types of services they offer, and their experience in treating patients with dementia is vital. Support groups for patients and caregivers are also a significant indicator of a supportive healthcare environment.

Ultimately, the Alzheimer's Score for Blossburg, PA (16912) is a dynamic measure. It reflects the community's capacity to provide comprehensive care for those affected by Alzheimer's disease. It highlights areas of strength and identifies areas for improvement. This analysis provides a snapshot of the current situation, emphasizing the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Blossburg and surrounding areas, including physician locations, access to resources, and population demographics, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the region's healthcare infrastructure and identify opportunities for improvement.