17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.60 percent of the residents in 17880 has some form of health insurance. 33.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.98 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 17880 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17880. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,001 health care providers accessible to residents in 17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Doctors in 17880 & Primary Care in Swengel**

Analyzing the availability of care for Alzheimer's patients in the 17880 ZIP code and the surrounding area, particularly Swengel, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, reflecting the accessibility and quality of care for individuals and families navigating this challenging disease.

The 17880 ZIP code encompasses a relatively rural area. This immediately suggests potential challenges regarding access to specialized medical care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, indicates a potential bottleneck in accessing timely diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing management of Alzheimer's. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can be utilized to estimate this ratio. However, these sources often lack granular detail, necessitating additional investigation. Local hospitals, clinics, and physician directories must be examined to ascertain the precise number of primary care physicians, neurologists, geriatricians, and psychiatrists practicing within the 17880 area and its immediate vicinity.

Swengel, as a small community within or near the 17880 ZIP code, presents unique considerations. The availability of primary care physicians in Swengel itself is crucial. Primary care providers often serve as the first point of contact for patients experiencing cognitive decline. They play a vital role in initial screening, referral to specialists, and ongoing care coordination. The absence of a local primary care practice in Swengel would necessitate residents traveling to neighboring towns or cities for medical attention, increasing travel time and potentially delaying access to care.

Identifying standout practices within the region requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating the services offered by local medical facilities. Are there any practices that specialize in geriatric care or neurology? Do they have experience in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease? Do they offer comprehensive services, including memory testing, medication management, and support for caregivers? Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the quality of care offered by these practices. Moreover, the presence of support groups, educational programs, and caregiver resources within a practice's offerings significantly enhances its value.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In rural areas, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to specialist consultations. Does the 17880 area have practices that offer telehealth appointments for neurology or geriatric care? Are they utilizing secure video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual visits? Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to caregivers who may find it difficult to travel.

The integration of mental health resources is paramount. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) is essential. Do local practices or hospitals have mental health professionals on staff or readily available for referrals? The ability to address the mental health needs of Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers is crucial for overall well-being and quality of life.

To assess the overall "Alzheimer's Score," all these factors must be considered collectively. A high score would indicate: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized practices with experienced clinicians, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust integration of mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would reflect the opposite, highlighting potential challenges in accessing timely and comprehensive care.

The analysis must also consider the availability of resources for caregivers. Alzheimer's disease places a significant burden on family members and other caregivers. The presence of support groups, respite care services, and educational programs for caregivers is crucial. These resources can help caregivers cope with the emotional, physical, and financial challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the accessibility of transportation services. For individuals with Alzheimer's, transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing medical care. The availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, or volunteer driver programs can greatly impact access to care.

Finally, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors of the population in the 17880 area. Poverty, lack of insurance, and limited access to social services can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

This comprehensive "Alzheimer's Score" analysis, encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, caregiver support, and transportation, provides a valuable framework for understanding the landscape of Alzheimer's care in the 17880 area and Swengel. It identifies strengths and weaknesses, guiding efforts to improve access to care and support for those affected by this devastating disease.

To visualize this data and uncover further insights, explore the power of geospatial analysis. Discover patterns, identify underserved areas, and gain a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility with CartoChrome maps.