Health Scores Near 16917, Covington, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 16917, Covington, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.26 percent of the residents in 16917 has some form of health insurance. 41.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.00 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 16917 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 232 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16917. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 251 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,119 health care providers accessible to residents in 16917, Covington, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 16917, Covington, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 83 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 64 |
| Provider Score | 86 |
| Hospital Score | 57 |
| Travel Score | 38 |
| 16917 | Covington | 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: Covington, PA (ZIP Code 16917)
This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians and related resources in Covington, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16917), focusing on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. We aim to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support. This score is not a formal, standardized metric but rather a qualitative evaluation based on available data and assumptions.
Covington, nestled in Tioga County, presents unique challenges due to its rural setting. Access to healthcare, particularly specialized care for conditions like Alzheimer's, can be limited compared to urban areas. The analysis will consider these geographical constraints.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability**
A critical element of Alzheimer's care is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. They can conduct preliminary assessments, refer patients to specialists, and manage the overall health of individuals with Alzheimer's.
Unfortunately, precise physician-to-patient ratios within ZIP Code 16917 are difficult to ascertain without comprehensive data. However, we can infer general trends based on county-level statistics and regional healthcare landscape. Tioga County, like many rural areas, likely faces a shortage of PCPs compared to the national average. This scarcity increases the burden on existing physicians, potentially impacting appointment availability and the time they can dedicate to each patient.
The availability of primary care is further complicated by factors such as insurance acceptance, patient demographics, and the age of the existing physician pool. Older physicians might be approaching retirement, further exacerbating the shortage.
**Standout Practices and Their Approach**
Identifying "standout" practices requires examining their specific services and approaches. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, including memory assessments and cognitive support, would score higher.
Ideally, standout practices in Covington would:
* **Offer comprehensive geriatric assessments:** This includes cognitive screening tools, physical examinations, and a review of medications.
* **Have experience with dementia care:** Physicians and staff should be trained in recognizing the signs of Alzheimer's and other dementias.
* **Provide care coordination:** This involves working with specialists, therapists, and social workers to create a holistic care plan.
* **Offer patient and caregiver support:** This could include educational resources, support groups, and counseling services.
* **Be accessible and responsive:** Easy appointment scheduling, timely communication, and a willingness to address patient concerns are essential.
Researching individual practices in the area is crucial to determine their specific offerings. Websites, patient reviews, and direct inquiries can provide valuable insights.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
Telemedicine holds significant promise for improving healthcare access in rural areas like Covington. It allows patients to connect with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially expanding access to specialists who might not be available locally.
For Alzheimer's care, telemedicine can be utilized for:
* **Initial consultations and follow-up appointments:** This can be particularly helpful for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.
* **Cognitive assessments:** Some cognitive tests can be administered remotely.
* **Medication management:** Physicians can monitor medication effectiveness and adjust dosages through virtual visits.
* **Caregiver support:** Telemedicine can facilitate virtual support groups and counseling sessions for caregivers.
The adoption of telemedicine by local practices is a key factor in our Alzheimer's Score analysis. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to expanding access to care.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance**
Alzheimer's disease often co-occurs with mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and behavioral disturbances. Access to mental health resources is therefore critical for providing comprehensive care.
Ideally, Covington would have readily available:
* **Psychiatrists and psychologists:** Specialists who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions.
* **Therapists and counselors:** Professionals who can provide individual and group therapy.
* **Support groups:** Facilitated groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
* **Mental health crisis services:** Resources for managing acute mental health emergencies.
The availability and accessibility of these resources significantly impact the Alzheimer's Score. A community with robust mental health support will receive a higher score.
**Overall Alzheimer's Score and Conclusion**
Without granular data, assigning a precise Alzheimer's Score is impossible. However, based on the general characteristics of rural healthcare, we can make some informed observations. Covington likely faces challenges related to physician shortages, limited access to specialists, and the need for improved telemedicine infrastructure. The availability of mental health resources may also be a concern.
The Alzheimer's Score for Covington, PA (16917) would likely be moderate, reflecting the inherent challenges of rural healthcare delivery. However, the score could be improved by:
* **Recruiting and retaining PCPs and specialists.**
* **Expanding telemedicine capabilities.**
* **Increasing the availability of mental health services.**
* **Promoting caregiver support programs.**
**Call to Action**
For a more detailed understanding of healthcare accessibility and resource distribution in Covington and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide valuable visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with the greatest need and assess the availability of specific services. CartoChrome maps can provide a more granular picture of the healthcare landscape than this general analysis.
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