Health Scores Near 17098, Williamstown, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17098, Williamstown, Pennsylvania is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 94.53 percent of the residents in 17098 has some form of health insurance. 47.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.45 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 17098 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 601 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17098. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 362 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,508 health care providers accessible to residents in 17098, Williamstown, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17098, Williamstown, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 40 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 40 |
| Provider Score | 45 |
| Hospital Score | 71 |
| Travel Score | 23 |
| 17098 | Williamstown | 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: Williamstown, PA (ZIP Code 17098)
This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care physicians and related resources within Williamstown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17098), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This score is not a definitive ranking, but rather an informed evaluation based on publicly available data and general industry trends.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Landscape**
The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. While precise, real-time data for Williamstown alone is difficult to obtain, we can infer general trends based on county-level statistics and regional healthcare landscapes. The overall physician density in the surrounding Dauphin County area is likely moderate. Rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians, potentially leading to a higher patient-to-physician ratio compared to more urban centers. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, which is crucial for early Alzheimer's detection and management.
Primary care availability is further impacted by factors like physician specialization and practice size. A concentration of general practitioners (GPs) and family medicine physicians is essential. The presence of geriatricians, specialists in the care of older adults, is particularly valuable. Their expertise in age-related health issues, including cognitive decline, is paramount. The absence of a dedicated geriatric practice would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score.
**Standout Practices and Their Contributions**
Identifying specific "standout" practices requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. However, we can assess general attributes that contribute to a higher score. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care would receive higher marks. This includes factors like:
* **Comprehensive Assessments:** Practices that routinely conduct cognitive screenings as part of routine checkups.
* **Care Coordination:** The ability to effectively coordinate care with specialists, such as neurologists and psychiatrists, is vital.
* **Patient Education:** Practices that provide educational resources and support for patients and their families regarding Alzheimer's disease.
* **Accessibility:** Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, and easy access to appointment scheduling.
**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Factor**
Telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption significantly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages:
* **Increased Access:** It allows patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, to access care remotely.
* **Early Detection:** Telemedicine facilitates virtual consultations, enabling earlier detection of cognitive decline through remote cognitive assessments.
* **Specialist Consultations:** Telemedicine enables remote consultations with specialists, such as neurologists, who may not be readily available in Williamstown.
* **Caregiver Support:** Telemedicine provides a platform for caregiver education and support groups, offering crucial resources for managing the disease.
The Alzheimer's Score is enhanced by practices that actively embrace telemedicine. This includes offering virtual appointments, utilizing remote monitoring technologies, and providing online patient portals for communication and information access.
**Mental Health Resources: An Essential Component**
Mental health is inextricably linked to Alzheimer's disease. Depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes are common symptoms. The availability of mental health resources significantly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. These resources include:
* **Psychiatrists:** Access to psychiatrists who specialize in geriatric mental health is critical for diagnosing and treating mental health issues related to Alzheimer's.
* **Psychologists and Therapists:** Access to therapists who can provide counseling and support for patients and their families.
* **Support Groups:** The presence of local support groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers is essential for providing emotional support, education, and a sense of community.
* **Community Mental Health Services:** Access to community mental health centers and other resources that offer comprehensive mental health services.
The Alzheimer's Score is positively influenced by the availability and accessibility of these mental health resources within Williamstown and the surrounding area.
**Overall Alzheimer's Score Assessment**
Based on the available information, the Alzheimer's Score for Williamstown, PA (17098) is likely moderate. The rural nature of the area presents challenges in terms of physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized care. However, the score can be improved by:
* **Increased Physician Recruitment:** Attracting more primary care physicians, particularly geriatricians, to the area.
* **Telemedicine Implementation:** Encouraging practices to adopt and expand telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Resource Development:** Strengthening the availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups.
* **Practice Improvements:** Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, offer comprehensive services, and demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care.
**Conclusion**
Understanding the healthcare landscape in Williamstown, PA (17098), is crucial for ensuring adequate Alzheimer's care. While this analysis provides a general assessment, more detailed information is needed for a comprehensive evaluation.
**Take the next step: Explore the healthcare landscape in Williamstown and surrounding areas with CartoChrome maps. Gain a visual understanding of physician locations, resource availability, and access to care. Visit CartoChrome today to explore these critical healthcare insights.**
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