Health Scores Near 17857, Northumberland, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17857, Northumberland, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 96.12 percent of the residents in 17857 has some form of health insurance. 42.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.14 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 17857 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,678 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 35 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17857. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,823 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,125 health care providers accessible to residents in 17857, Northumberland, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17857, Northumberland, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 79 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 53 |
| Provider Score | 85 |
| Hospital Score | 53 |
| Travel Score | 45 |
| 17857 | Northumberland | 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: Northumberland County, PA (ZIP Code 17857)
This analysis assesses the landscape of Alzheimer's care within Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) availability in the context of Alzheimer's disease management, specifically within the 17857 ZIP code, and the broader county. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score, reflecting the accessibility and quality of care for individuals and families affected by this debilitating illness. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, offering a comprehensive view of the current situation.
Northumberland County, like many rural areas, faces challenges related to healthcare access. The aging population, a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's, further exacerbates these issues. A high concentration of older adults, combined with potential shortages of specialized medical professionals, creates a complex environment for Alzheimer's care. The Alzheimer's Score, therefore, will reflect the ability of the existing healthcare infrastructure to adequately address the needs of this vulnerable population.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**
One of the most critical factors influencing Alzheimer's care is the availability of PCPs. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. They are responsible for early detection, diagnosis, and ongoing management, including medication adjustments and coordination of care. The physician-to-patient ratio within 17857 and Northumberland County is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed diagnoses, longer wait times for appointments, and increased strain on existing healthcare providers. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can be utilized to assess the physician-to-patient ratio. These data points will be analyzed to determine the accessibility of primary care.
The analysis will consider the geographic distribution of PCPs within the county. Are they concentrated in specific towns or areas, leaving certain communities underserved? This spatial analysis is crucial for understanding the true accessibility of care for all residents, particularly those in more remote locations. The Alzheimer's Score will reflect the geographic distribution of PCPs and the potential impact on access to care.
**Standout Practices and Specialized Care:**
Identifying standout practices that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care is essential. These practices may have specialized programs, trained staff, or unique approaches to patient management. This analysis will seek out practices that:
* **Offer comprehensive cognitive assessments:** These assessments are crucial for accurate diagnosis and early intervention.
* **Employ staff with specialized training in dementia care:** This includes nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals.
* **Provide support groups and educational resources for patients and caregivers:** This is essential for managing the emotional and practical challenges of Alzheimer's.
* **Collaborate with specialists:** This includes neurologists, geriatricians, and other professionals who can provide specialized care.
The Alzheimer's Score will be elevated for practices that demonstrate these characteristics, highlighting their commitment to providing high-quality Alzheimer's care. Information will be gathered from online reviews, practice websites, and publicly available data to identify these standout practices.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**
Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening wait times. The analysis will assess the extent to which telemedicine is utilized by PCPs in 17857 and Northumberland County. This will include:
* **The availability of virtual consultations:** Are PCPs offering video appointments for routine checkups and follow-up care?
* **The use of remote monitoring technologies:** Are PCPs utilizing technology to monitor patients' health and well-being remotely?
* **The integration of telemedicine with existing care pathways:** Is telemedicine seamlessly integrated into the overall care process?
The Alzheimer's Score will be adjusted based on the adoption of telemedicine, with higher scores awarded to practices that effectively utilize this technology to improve access to care. The analysis will also consider the barriers to telemedicine adoption, such as internet access and patient familiarity with technology.
**Mental Health Resources and Support:**
Alzheimer's disease significantly impacts the mental health of both patients and caregivers. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues are common. The availability of mental health resources is therefore crucial for providing comprehensive care. The analysis will assess:
* **The availability of mental health professionals:** Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists available in the area?
* **The presence of support groups for patients and caregivers:** These groups provide emotional support and practical advice.
* **The integration of mental health services with primary care:** Do PCPs have established referral pathways to mental health providers?
The Alzheimer's Score will reflect the availability and accessibility of mental health resources, recognizing their critical role in managing the emotional and psychological challenges associated with Alzheimer's disease. Information will be gathered from local health organizations, mental health providers, and support groups.
**Alzheimer's Score Conclusion:**
Based on the evaluation of these factors – physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – an Alzheimer's Score will be assigned to the 17857 ZIP code and Northumberland County. This score will provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of Alzheimer's care in the area. The score will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. This analysis will not only identify the challenges but also provide a framework for understanding the complexities of providing care to those with Alzheimer's.
This analysis is not exhaustive and relies on publicly available data and readily accessible information. A more comprehensive assessment would require direct engagement with healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers. However, this analysis provides a valuable starting point for understanding the landscape of Alzheimer's care in Northumberland County and the 17857 ZIP code.
**Call to Action:**
To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician availability, and other relevant data points within Northumberland County, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the data, allowing you to identify areas of need and assess the accessibility of care. Visit CartoChrome today to learn more and see how mapping can improve your understanding of Alzheimer's care in Northumberland County.
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