Health Scores Near 17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania is 3 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 91.54 percent of the residents in 17213 has some form of health insurance. 51.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.93 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 17213 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17213. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 173 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 37 health care providers accessible to residents in 17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 32 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 53 |
| Provider Score | 3 |
| Hospital Score | 79 |
| Travel Score | 32 |
| 17213 | Blairs Mills | 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: 17213 & Blairs Mills Primary Care
This analysis evaluates the landscape of Alzheimer's care and primary care accessibility in ZIP code 17213 (Chambersburg, PA) and the surrounding area, with a specific focus on primary care availability in Blairs Mills, PA. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for patients and caregivers navigating the complexities of this disease. This score, though not a numerical value, reflects the overall quality and accessibility of resources.
**17213: Chambersburg, PA - A Mixed Bag**
Chambersburg, as the primary hub within ZIP code 17213, presents a healthcare ecosystem with both strengths and weaknesses concerning Alzheimer's care. The presence of a regional hospital, such as WellSpan Chambersburg Hospital, is a significant advantage. Hospitals often house specialized geriatric units, memory care clinics, and access to neurologists, critical for diagnosis and management of Alzheimer's. However, the availability of these specialized services within the hospital, and the speed of access to them, are crucial factors that need further scrutiny.
Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator. A higher ratio of primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists per capita generally translates to better access to care. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with publicly available databases such as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, should be consulted to determine these ratios within 17213. A shortage of specialists, particularly neurologists and geriatricians, would negatively impact the Alzheimer's Score, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.
Standout practices can significantly elevate the quality of care. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials, offer comprehensive memory screenings, and employ trained staff in dementia care are highly valued. Identifying such practices requires thorough research. Online reviews, patient testimonials, and direct inquiries to local medical societies can help identify these standout providers. The presence of specialized memory care centers or assisted living facilities with dedicated dementia units also contributes positively to the score.
Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially for patients with mobility issues or those residing in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can improve access to care and reduce the burden on patients and caregivers. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration among local providers is crucial. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring systems, and online patient portals.
Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The disease often brings about depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes, requiring access to mental health professionals. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups in the area significantly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. Assessing the capacity of mental health providers to handle the specific needs of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers is vital. This includes evaluating the availability of specialized therapy programs, support groups, and respite care services.
**Blairs Mills: Primary Care Accessibility - A Rural Challenge**
The primary care landscape in Blairs Mills, a more rural area, presents a different set of challenges. The Alzheimer's Score for Blairs Mills will heavily depend on the availability of primary care physicians and their willingness to screen for cognitive decline. The distance to specialists and the availability of transportation options are critical considerations.
Primary care availability is paramount. A shortage of PCPs, or long wait times for appointments, can severely impede access to early detection and diagnosis. Analyzing the PCP-to-population ratio in Blairs Mills and the surrounding areas is essential. This analysis should also consider the accessibility of these PCPs, including their acceptance of new patients, office hours, and insurance coverage.
The role of the primary care physician in rural settings is amplified. They often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive difficulties. The level of training and experience of PCPs in dementia care is therefore a crucial factor. Assessing the training and experience of PCPs in Blairs Mills, and their access to continuing medical education in dementia care, is important.
Transportation challenges are common in rural areas. Limited public transportation options can make it difficult for patients and caregivers to access medical appointments. The availability of transportation assistance programs, such as those offered by local non-profit organizations, can mitigate this challenge.
The proximity to specialists is also a significant factor. The distance to neurologists, geriatricians, and memory care clinics in nearby towns or cities directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. Analyzing the travel time and ease of access to these specialists is essential.
**Overall Assessment and Implications**
The Alzheimer's Score for 17213 and Blairs Mills will be a composite of these factors. Chambersburg, with its hospital and potentially better access to specialists, may score higher than Blairs Mills, which faces challenges related to primary care availability, transportation, and distance to specialists. However, even within Chambersburg, the quality of care can vary significantly among practices.
The need for increased awareness and education about Alzheimer's is paramount. This includes educating primary care physicians on early detection and diagnosis, as well as educating the public on the symptoms of Alzheimer's and the importance of seeking medical attention. The establishment of support groups and respite care services can provide much-needed support for caregivers.
**Visualize the Landscape with CartoChrome Maps**
To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17213 and the surrounding areas, including Blairs Mills, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the location of healthcare providers, specialist availability, and the distribution of resources. This visual representation can help identify areas with limited access to care and highlight opportunities for improvement. Explore the interactive maps to gain a comprehensive perspective on the healthcare resources available in your area.
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