Health Scores Near 17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 96.90 percent of the residents in 17255 has some form of health insurance. 49.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.27 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 17255 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 279 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17255. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 314 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,791 health care providers accessible to residents in 17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 88 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 70 |
| Provider Score | 87 |
| Hospital Score | 65 |
| Travel Score | 33 |
| 17255 | Shade Gap | 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: Physicians and Primary Care in Shade Gap, PA (ZIP Code 17255)**
This analysis delves into the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within Shade Gap, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17255). The focus is on primary care physicians (PCPs), their practices, and the broader support systems available to patients and their families. The goal is to assess the healthcare landscape, providing an "Alzheimer's Score" based on key indicators. This score is not a single numerical value but a qualitative assessment across several categories.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access to Care**
Shade Gap, a predominantly rural area, likely faces challenges common to such locations: a lower density of physicians compared to urban centers. Accurately determining the physician-to-patient ratio requires data from multiple sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau. Publicly available data might reveal the number of PCPs practicing within the 17255 ZIP code. However, the patient population is a critical factor. A small number of physicians serving a dispersed population will result in longer wait times for appointments and potentially limited access to specialized care.
The availability of geriatricians, neurologists, and psychiatrists, specialists crucial for Alzheimer's diagnosis and management, is another key indicator. A low concentration of these specialists necessitates patients traveling to larger cities like Harrisburg or Chambersburg for comprehensive care. This travel burden can be particularly challenging for individuals with cognitive impairments and their caregivers.
**Primary Care Practices and Standout Features**
Evaluating individual primary care practices requires examining their operational characteristics. Key factors include the number of physicians within the practice, the acceptance of new patients, and the types of insurance accepted. Practices accepting Medicare and Medicaid are particularly important, as these programs cover a significant portion of the elderly population.
Standout practices might demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care. This could involve offering specialized services like memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and care coordination for patients with dementia. Some practices might have dedicated staff, such as nurse practitioners or physician assistants, trained in geriatric care. The presence of these dedicated professionals can significantly improve the quality of care provided.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
Telemedicine has the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. The adoption rate of telemedicine by primary care practices in 17255 is a critical component of the Alzheimer's Score. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring can provide more convenient and accessible care.
The availability of telehealth services, however, is only one piece of the puzzle. The quality of the technology, the training of staff in using telemedicine platforms, and the patient's access to reliable internet and technology are also important considerations. The success of telemedicine hinges on its integration into the existing care model, ensuring seamless communication between physicians, patients, and caregivers.
**Mental Health Resources and Support Systems**
Alzheimer's disease is often accompanied by mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical factor in the Alzheimer's Score. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists within the community or nearby is a positive indicator.
Access to support groups, caregiver training programs, and respite care services are also essential. These resources provide crucial emotional and practical support to patients and their families. Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association often offer these services, and their presence in the area indicates a commitment to supporting those affected by the disease. The availability of these resources can significantly improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.
**Overall Alzheimer's Score Assessment**
Based on the above factors, the Alzheimer's Score for Shade Gap (17255) is likely to be moderate, with areas for improvement. The rural nature of the area presents challenges in physician density and specialist availability. The score will be impacted by the degree of telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources.
A practice that focuses on geriatric care, offers telemedicine, and collaborates with mental health providers would receive a higher score. The presence of robust community support systems, such as caregiver training and support groups, will also positively influence the score.
**Recommendations for Improvement**
Improving the Alzheimer's Score in Shade Gap requires a multi-pronged approach. Efforts should focus on attracting more physicians, particularly specialists in geriatrics, neurology, and psychiatry. Promoting the adoption of telemedicine and providing training to both physicians and patients is crucial. Strengthening partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can improve integrated care. Increasing awareness of available community resources and expanding caregiver support programs is also vital.
**Conclusion**
The healthcare landscape in Shade Gap, Pennsylvania, presents both challenges and opportunities in addressing the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. While the rural setting may limit access to some resources, efforts to improve physician availability, embrace telehealth, and strengthen community support systems can significantly enhance the quality of care.
To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain further insights into the healthcare landscape of Shade Gap and surrounding areas, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for analyzing spatial data, identifying gaps in care, and informing healthcare planning initiatives.
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