17922, Auburn, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17922, Auburn, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.16 percent of the residents in 17922 has some form of health insurance. 28.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.24 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 17922 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,331 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17922. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 935 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,744 health care providers accessible to residents in 17922, Auburn, Pennsylvania.

**Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Auburn, PA (ZIP Code 17922)**

The landscape of healthcare, particularly concerning Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, in Auburn, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17922) requires a comprehensive evaluation. This analysis aims to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering factors such as physician availability, primary care resources, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health services. This evaluation provides a snapshot of the area's capacity to address the needs of individuals affected by this debilitating disease and their caregivers.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. In Auburn, the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and neurologists relative to the population is a primary factor in determining the "Alzheimer's Score." A higher ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to improved access to care, earlier diagnoses, and more frequent monitoring – all crucial in managing Alzheimer's. However, the specific numbers for this ZIP code are difficult to obtain without access to specialized databases. Publicly available data, such as the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can provide some insight into population demographics. Further research is needed to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratios in this specific area.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of any Alzheimer's care strategy. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact, providing initial assessments, referring patients to specialists, and coordinating overall care. The presence of a robust primary care network in Auburn is therefore essential. Assessing this network involves evaluating the number of practices, the types of services offered (e.g., memory screenings, cognitive assessments), and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to geriatric care, including specialized training for staff in dementia management, would positively influence the "Alzheimer's Score." The presence of geriatricians or physicians with specific expertise in Alzheimer's care is a significant advantage.

Standout practices within Auburn would likely be those that have proactively adopted best practices in Alzheimer's care. This might include incorporating memory clinics, offering comprehensive diagnostic services, and establishing strong partnerships with local support groups and community organizations. The availability of educational resources for patients and their families, such as support groups, caregiver training programs, and information on disease progression, would also be a key differentiator. Practices that actively participate in research studies or clinical trials related to Alzheimer's would further enhance their standing.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Auburn. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers, enabling patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and even remote monitoring without the need for extensive travel. The "Alzheimer's Score" would be positively impacted by practices that offer telemedicine services, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and consultations with specialists. The ease of use and accessibility of telemedicine platforms are also important considerations.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. The 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 crucial for managing these symptoms and supporting both patients and caregivers. The availability of these resources within Auburn, including the presence of mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups, is a significant factor in the overall "Alzheimer's Score." The ability to coordinate care between primary care physicians, neurologists, and mental health professionals is also critical.

The "Alzheimer's Score" for Auburn, PA (17922) is a complex calculation, depending on the weighted importance of the factors discussed above. The absence of specific data limits the ability to assign a precise numerical score. However, the analysis highlights the key areas that need to be assessed: physician-to-patient ratios, the strength of the primary care network, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. Any practice or healthcare system that excels in these areas will contribute positively to the "Alzheimer's Score" and, more importantly, improve the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer's and their families in Auburn.

The creation of a comprehensive map, using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, could greatly enhance the understanding of healthcare resources in this area. Such a map could visually represent the location of physicians, clinics, support groups, and other relevant services, allowing for a spatial analysis of access and availability. This would provide a valuable tool for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

To gain a clearer understanding of healthcare resource distribution in Auburn, PA (17922), we recommend exploring the use of mapping tools.