Health Scores Near 17815, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
You may also like
The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17815, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.92 percent of the residents in 17815 has some form of health insurance. 30.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.10 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 17815 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 6,012 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17815. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,598 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,704 health care providers accessible to residents in 17815, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17815, Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 56 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 8 |
| Provider Score | 87 |
| Hospital Score | 39 |
| Travel Score | 67 |
| 17815 | Bloomsburg | 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 Disease Score Analysis: Bloomsburg, PA (ZIP Code 17815)
This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care physician availability and related resources within the Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17815) area, focusing on factors crucial for supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all vital components in providing comprehensive care for this complex condition.
Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access
A fundamental aspect of Alzheimer's care is consistent access to primary care physicians. These doctors often serve as the initial point of contact, responsible for diagnosis, management of co-morbidities, and coordination of specialized care. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 17815 is critical. A high ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care. Data from reputable sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, should be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio serves as a baseline for understanding the overall accessibility of primary care services.
Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is equally important. Are primary care practices concentrated in specific areas, potentially creating access challenges for residents in more rural or underserved parts of Bloomsburg? Analyzing the geographic distribution of practices helps identify potential disparities in access. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by existing practices must be considered. A practice with a low patient capacity may be less likely to accept new patients, further restricting access.
Standout Practices and Their Contributions
Within the Bloomsburg area, identifying standout primary care practices is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care, which is particularly important for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. Factors to consider include the practice's experience in managing patients with cognitive impairments, its utilization of evidence-based guidelines for Alzheimer's care, and its commitment to patient and caregiver education.
Practices that offer specialized services, such as memory clinics or geriatric care programs, are particularly valuable. These programs often provide comprehensive assessments, personalized care plans, and support groups for patients and families. Furthermore, practices that integrate social workers, care coordinators, or other allied health professionals into their care teams can significantly enhance the quality of care. These professionals can provide essential support, such as assistance with navigating the healthcare system, connecting patients and families with community resources, and providing emotional support.
Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact
Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Bloomsburg is crucial. Practices that offer telehealth appointments can provide greater flexibility for patients and caregivers, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans.
The types of telemedicine services offered are also important. Are practices using telehealth for routine follow-up appointments, medication management, or even initial consultations? The availability of remote monitoring technologies, such as devices that track vital signs or cognitive function, can further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine. Evaluating the technological infrastructure of practices, including the availability of secure video conferencing platforms and electronic health records, is also necessary.
Mental Health Resource Availability
Alzheimer's disease has a profound impact on mental health, both for patients and their caregivers. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral changes. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Bloomsburg is a critical factor in the overall quality of care.
Assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors is essential. Are there sufficient numbers of mental health professionals to meet the needs of the community? The presence of specialized programs, such as geriatric psychiatry or support groups for caregivers, is particularly valuable. Furthermore, the integration of mental health services within primary care practices can facilitate early identification and treatment of mental health issues.
Community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and respite care services, also play a vital role in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. These resources can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. Assessing the accessibility and availability of these resources is essential.
Overall Alzheimer's Score and Conclusion
Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the factors discussed above, an overall Alzheimer's Score can be assigned to the Bloomsburg area. This score would reflect the relative strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The score should be dynamic, reflecting changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors.
The analysis should conclude with a clear summary of the findings, highlighting the key strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Bloomsburg. It should also offer recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding access to mental health resources.
To gain a visual understanding of the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of mental health resources, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization. Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze this information in a dynamic and interactive way.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like
