17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17884 has some form of health insurance. 55.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.74 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 17884 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17884. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,654 health care providers accessible to residents in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Washingtonville, PA (ZIP Code 17884)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services within Washingtonville, PA (ZIP code 17884), with a specific focus on factors relevant to Alzheimer's disease care. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" perspective, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration with mental health resources, all crucial for supporting individuals and families navigating this complex illness.

The landscape of healthcare in Washingtonville, a small community, presents both challenges and opportunities. The limited population density often translates to fewer healthcare providers compared to more urban areas. This impacts the physician-to-patient ratio, a critical indicator of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses or inadequate ongoing care.

Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code requires detailed data analysis, which is not readily available publicly. However, based on general demographic trends and the rural nature of the area, it's reasonable to assume that the ratio might be less favorable than in more populated regions. This underscores the importance of efficient resource allocation and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

The presence of standout primary care practices in Washingtonville significantly impacts the quality of care. Identifying these practices necessitates evaluating several factors. These include the experience and specialization of the physicians, the availability of comprehensive diagnostic tools, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) for improved care coordination, and the practice's commitment to patient education and support. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to geriatric care, including cognitive assessments and early intervention strategies for memory concerns, would score highly in an Alzheimer's-focused assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in enhancing access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities. For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can facilitate regular check-ins, medication management, and support for caregivers. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to provide comprehensive Alzheimer's care.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of Alzheimer's care. Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential for managing these symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. Primary care practices that have established strong referral pathways to mental health specialists, or that offer in-house mental health services, are better equipped to provide holistic care for Alzheimer's patients.

Evaluating the availability of these mental health resources requires examining the local healthcare network. This includes identifying the presence of mental health clinics, therapists in private practice, and support groups for patients and caregivers. The proximity of these resources to primary care practices, and the ease with which patients can access them, directly impacts the quality of care.

Beyond the direct provision of medical services, the availability of community resources plays a vital role in supporting Alzheimer's patients and their families. This includes organizations that offer caregiver support groups, educational programs, respite care services, and assistance with financial and legal planning. Primary care practices that actively partner with these community organizations, and that provide patients with information about available resources, demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Washingtonville, PA, would be influenced by several factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score. Practices with specialized geriatric care, comprehensive diagnostic tools, and proactive approaches to cognitive assessment would contribute positively. High telemedicine adoption, coupled with seamless integration of mental health resources and strong connections to community support networks, would further elevate the score.

The analysis is based on the assumption that the available data is current and accurate. The quality of data, including the completeness of physician profiles, the availability of practice-level information, and the accuracy of community resource listings, significantly influences the validity of the assessment. A comprehensive assessment would require access to detailed datasets, including physician demographics, practice characteristics, and patient outcomes.

In conclusion, the "Alzheimer's Score" for Washingtonville, PA, reflects the complex interplay of factors that influence the quality and accessibility of care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. While the specific score can only be determined with detailed data analysis, the assessment highlights the importance of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration with mental health and community resources. Addressing the challenges and leveraging the opportunities within this rural healthcare landscape is crucial for supporting individuals and families affected by this devastating illness.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Washingtonville, including the location of primary care practices, mental health resources, and community support services, consider exploring interactive maps.