17872, Shamokin, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17872, Shamokin, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.41 percent of the residents in 17872 has some form of health insurance. 55.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.39 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 17872 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,135 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 38 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17872. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,549 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,002 health care providers accessible to residents in 17872, Shamokin, Pennsylvania.

Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge to communities, particularly those with aging populations. Evaluating the resources available to combat this disease requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of care for Alzheimer's patients in Shamokin, Pennsylvania, specifically examining the performance of physicians within the 17872 ZIP code and the broader primary care landscape. We will assess key factors including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources.

The foundation of Alzheimer's care rests on accessible and skilled primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A high ratio, meaning a large number of patients per physician, can strain resources and limit the time each patient receives. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures are dynamic and fluctuate, publicly available data, combined with local reports, helps paint a picture. Within the 17872 ZIP code, the ratio is likely a crucial indicator of care access. Rural areas often face shortages, and Shamokin's geographic location suggests this may be a concern. Patients with Alzheimer's, often requiring frequent visits and specialized attention, are particularly vulnerable in such circumstances.

Identifying standout practices is vital. These practices often demonstrate superior patient care, innovative approaches, and a commitment to the community. They may have physicians with specialized training in geriatric care or dementia management. Assessing these practices requires examining their patient reviews, their affiliations with hospitals or specialist networks, and their implementation of best practices. Do they offer memory screenings? Are they actively involved in local Alzheimer's support groups or educational programs? These factors contribute to a practice's overall effectiveness in serving Alzheimer's patients.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care from specialists who may not be readily available locally. It facilitates remote monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations. The degree of telemedicine adoption among physicians in 17872 is a critical factor. Are practices offering virtual appointments? Are they using remote monitoring devices to track patient health? The ability to connect patients with specialists and provide ongoing support remotely can significantly improve their quality of life.

Mental health resources are essential in Alzheimer's care. The disease often leads to behavioral changes, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors is crucial for both patients and their caregivers. Assessing the availability of these resources within the Shamokin area is a key component of this analysis. Are there local mental health clinics? Do PCPs have established referral networks for mental health services? The integration of mental health care into the overall treatment plan is vital for managing the complex needs of Alzheimer's patients.

Further complicating the landscape is the socioeconomic status of the community. Shamokin, like many rural areas, may face challenges related to poverty, limited access to transportation, and a lack of insurance coverage. These factors can exacerbate the difficulties faced by Alzheimer's patients and their families. The availability of financial assistance programs, support groups, and community resources is crucial for mitigating these challenges.

To conduct a comprehensive 'Alzheimer's Score' analysis, we would need to delve deeper into specific data points. This includes gathering data on physician demographics, practice characteristics, telemedicine capabilities, and the availability of mental health services. We would need to analyze patient reviews, assess the presence of specialized training among physicians, and evaluate the integration of mental health services into the overall care model.

The score would be based on a weighted system, with each factor contributing to the overall assessment. Physician-to-patient ratios would be a significant factor, as would the presence of standout practices and the adoption of telemedicine. The availability of mental health resources and the socioeconomic context of the community would also be considered.

The final 'Alzheimer's Score' would provide a valuable snapshot of the care landscape in Shamokin, PA. It would highlight areas of strength and weakness, informing efforts to improve access to care and support for Alzheimer's patients and their families. This analysis is a starting point for a deeper investigation.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shamokin, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, we recommend exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify key resources and assess the overall accessibility of care in the 17872 ZIP code. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare resources available in Shamokin.