17841, Mc Clure, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17841, Mc Clure, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.37 percent of the residents in 17841 has some form of health insurance. 43.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.05 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 17841 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,106 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17841. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 973 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 741 health care providers accessible to residents in 17841, Mc Clure, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses the availability of primary care physicians and related resources within the context of Alzheimer's care in and around McClure, Pennsylvania, focusing on the 17841 ZIP code. This evaluation considers factors pertinent to supporting individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health support.

The 17841 ZIP code encompasses McClure and its surrounding areas, a predominantly rural region in central Pennsylvania. Primary care access is a critical starting point for Alzheimer's care. Early diagnosis and ongoing management are crucial, and primary care physicians often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. However, rural areas frequently face challenges in physician availability.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of access. National averages provide a benchmark, but rural areas often fall short. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and similar sources would be necessary to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians in the 17841 ZIP code. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and ongoing care. This can be particularly problematic for Alzheimer's patients, who require frequent monitoring and adjustments to their treatment plans.

Standout practices within the 17841 area, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to geriatric care and Alzheimer's management. This includes practices that employ physicians with specialized training in geriatrics or neurology, nurses with experience in dementia care, and support staff trained to interact with patients experiencing cognitive difficulties. Furthermore, practices that offer comprehensive services, such as memory screenings, cognitive assessments, and care coordination, would be highly valued. Unfortunately, without specific practice names and publicly available data, it is impossible to identify standout practices within this analysis.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access medical consultations and monitoring remotely, reducing the need for travel, which can be a significant burden for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring of vital signs, and online patient portals, would be considered more accessible and patient-centered. The availability of telemedicine can improve access to specialists, such as neurologists or geriatricians, who may not be readily available in the immediate area.

Mental health resources are also crucial for Alzheimer's care. Both patients and caregivers often experience significant emotional distress. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are common in both groups. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for providing support and treatment. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and respite care can greatly improve the quality of life for both patients and caregivers. The proximity of mental health facilities and the availability of services covered by insurance are significant factors in assessing the adequacy of mental health resources.

The overall assessment of primary care availability and Alzheimer's support in the 17841 ZIP code would depend on a comprehensive evaluation of these factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and insufficient mental health resources would indicate potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care. Conversely, a high physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine infrastructure, and readily available mental health services would suggest a more supportive environment for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

The effectiveness of the local healthcare system in addressing Alzheimer's care also hinges on the coordination between different healthcare providers. This includes primary care physicians, specialists (neurologists, geriatricians), mental health professionals, and social workers. Effective care coordination ensures that patients receive the appropriate assessments, treatments, and support services in a timely and efficient manner. Care coordination is especially important in rural areas where access to specialists may be limited.

In addition to healthcare resources, community support services play a vital role. These include home healthcare agencies, adult day care centers, and support groups for caregivers. The availability of these services can significantly ease the burden on caregivers and improve the quality of life for both patients and their families. The accessibility and affordability of these services are also critical considerations.

The demographic characteristics of the population in the 17841 ZIP code are also relevant. The age distribution of the population is a key factor. A higher proportion of older adults would likely increase the demand for Alzheimer's care services. The socioeconomic status of the population is also important, as it can affect access to healthcare and support services.

The availability of transportation is another important factor. Many Alzheimer's patients are unable to drive, and their caregivers may also face transportation challenges. The availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, or transportation assistance programs can improve access to healthcare appointments and other essential services.

The quality of care provided by local hospitals and long-term care facilities is also an important consideration. Hospitals should be equipped to handle the medical needs of Alzheimer's patients, and long-term care facilities should be able to provide specialized care for individuals with dementia. The accreditation status and quality ratings of these facilities can provide valuable insights into the quality of care they provide.

The overall assessment of Alzheimer's support in the 17841 ZIP code would require a thorough investigation of these factors. This would include gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, community support services, demographic characteristics, transportation availability, and the quality of care provided by local healthcare facilities. This information would then be used to develop a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in addressing the needs of individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 17841 ZIP code and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice specializations, and the availability of support services, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and detailed visualization of healthcare resources, helping you to identify areas with high and low access to care and to better understand the challenges and opportunities in providing support for individuals with Alzheimer's disease.