Health Scores Near 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 92.78 percent of the residents in 17260 has some form of health insurance. 65.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.78 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 17260 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 178 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17260. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 349 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 38 health care providers accessible to residents in 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17260, Shirleysburg, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 26 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 50 |
| Provider Score | 32 |
| Hospital Score | 53 |
| Travel Score | 22 |
| 17260 | Shirleysburg | 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: Doctors in ZIP Code 17260 and Primary Care Availability in Shirleysburg**
This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on Alzheimer's-related care, within ZIP code 17260 (which includes areas like Orbisonia and portions of Rockhill Township) and the town of Shirleysburg. 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, all crucial for managing Alzheimer's disease.
The assessment begins with a geographical overview. ZIP code 17260 is a predominantly rural area in Pennsylvania. Shirleysburg, a small borough within Huntingdon County, presents unique challenges due to its limited population and potential constraints on healthcare infrastructure. The Alzheimer's Score will reflect these realities, recognizing the inherent difficulties in providing comprehensive care in a sparsely populated region.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
A critical factor in the Alzheimer's Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. Analyzing data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, it is clear that rural areas like 17260 and Shirleysburg often experience lower physician density compared to urban centers. This scarcity of primary care physicians, including those with expertise in geriatric care, directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score. The limited number of doctors translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses for individuals experiencing early symptoms of cognitive decline. This scarcity is a significant negative factor.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**
Identifying standout practices within the area is essential. This involves evaluating practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, including those with physicians specializing in geriatrics or neurology. Practices that offer memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and care coordination services will score favorably. The Alzheimer's Score will consider the presence of these specialized services, recognizing their importance in providing timely and effective care. It is important to note that locating such specialized practices can be challenging in a rural environment.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Role:**
Telemedicine adoption is a critical component of the Alzheimer's Score. The ability to access healthcare remotely, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and specialist consultations, can significantly improve care access, especially in areas with limited physician availability. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, will receive a higher score. This is especially important for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations. The adoption of telemedicine can mitigate some of the challenges posed by geographic limitations.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance:**
The availability of mental health resources is a crucial element of the Alzheimer's Score. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, necessitating access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups. The score will assess the presence of these resources within the 17260 ZIP code and in nearby communities accessible to Shirleysburg residents. The availability of support groups for both patients and caregivers is a particularly important factor, as it provides emotional support and practical guidance for managing the disease. The lack of accessible mental health services would negatively impact the score.
**Specific Considerations for Shirleysburg:**
Shirleysburg, being a small borough, faces unique challenges. The Alzheimer's Score will consider the availability of transportation options to access healthcare services located outside of Shirleysburg. It will also assess the presence of community-based programs, such as senior centers or adult day care facilities, that offer support and social interaction for individuals with Alzheimer's. The score will reflect the potential reliance on healthcare services located in neighboring towns and the availability of transportation to those locations.
**Overall Alzheimer's Score Assessment:**
Based on the factors discussed, the Alzheimer's Score for doctors in ZIP code 17260 and primary care availability in Shirleysburg is likely to be moderate, with significant challenges. The rural nature of the area, the potential for lower physician-to-patient ratios, and the limited availability of specialized geriatric care and mental health resources will negatively impact the score. However, the presence of practices adopting telemedicine and the availability of community-based support programs can positively influence the score. The score will reflect the need for ongoing efforts to improve access to care, promote early diagnosis, and provide comprehensive support for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
**Recommendations for Improvement:**
To improve the Alzheimer's Score, several steps are recommended. First, efforts should be made to attract more primary care physicians, particularly those with expertise in geriatrics. Second, practices should be encouraged to adopt telemedicine to improve access to care. Third, partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations should be fostered to increase the availability of mental health resources and support services. Finally, public awareness campaigns should be implemented to promote early diagnosis and reduce the stigma associated with Alzheimer's disease.
**Conclusion:**
The Alzheimer's Score analysis reveals the complexities of providing comprehensive care in a rural setting. While challenges exist, the implementation of strategic initiatives can improve access to care, enhance the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's, and support their caregivers. The score is not a static number but a reflection of the ongoing efforts to address the needs of this vulnerable population.
For a more detailed, visually informative assessment of healthcare resources in the 17260 ZIP code and Shirleysburg, including physician locations, practice specializations, and accessibility of support services, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome.
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