The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 97.90 percent of the residents in 17929 has some form of health insurance. 37.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.19 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 17929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 246 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17929. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 286 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,746 health care providers accessible to residents in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania
Alzheimers Score | 74 |
---|---|
People Score | 67 |
Provider Score | 43 |
Hospital Score | 50 |
Travel Score | 68 |
17929 | Cressona | 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 Disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative illness, and access to quality healthcare is critical for those affected and their families. This analysis examines the healthcare landscape in Cressona, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17929), focusing on physician availability, particularly primary care, and resources relevant to Alzheimer's care. The goal is to provide an Alzheimer's Score assessment, evaluating the local environment's strengths and weaknesses in supporting individuals with AD.
Cressona, a small borough in Schuylkill County, faces the typical challenges of rural healthcare. One of the most significant hurdles is physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, the area likely experiences a shortage of primary care physicians (PCPs). This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, reduced access to ongoing care, and increased travel times for appointments. The impact is magnified for AD patients who often require frequent check-ups, medication management, and support services. This initial factor immediately reduces the overall score.
Primary care physicians are the gatekeepers of healthcare, crucial for initial assessments, referrals to specialists (like neurologists or geriatricians), and coordinating care. The availability of PCPs directly impacts the ability to detect early signs of cognitive decline, which is essential for effective intervention. The lack of sufficient PCPs in Cressona creates a significant barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, a shortage of geriatric specialists further complicates the situation. Geriatricians possess specialized knowledge of age-related conditions, including AD, and can provide tailored care plans. Their limited presence in a rural area like Cressona necessitates patients traveling further for specialized care, which can be difficult for individuals with cognitive impairments.
Beyond the basic physician-to-patient ratio, the quality and accessibility of existing practices are vital. Are there any standout practices in Cressona or nearby towns that demonstrate a commitment to Alzheimer's care? This might involve practices that employ staff trained in dementia care, offer memory screenings, or actively participate in community outreach programs related to AD. Identifying such practices would positively influence the Alzheimer's Score. Researching the practices' websites, patient reviews, and community involvement is essential to evaluate this aspect.
Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a potential solution to the geographical limitations of rural healthcare. Virtual consultations with PCPs, neurologists, and other specialists can provide access to care without requiring patients to travel long distances. This is particularly beneficial for AD patients who may struggle with transportation or have mobility issues. The extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient education resources, significantly impacts the score.
Mental health resources are also vital. AD often co-occurs with depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial for managing these comorbidities and improving the overall quality of life for AD patients and their caregivers. The availability of these resources, including the presence of support groups, counseling services, and medication management programs, directly affects the score. Investigating the presence of these resources in Cressona and the surrounding areas is crucial.
The availability of support services for caregivers is another important consideration. Caring for an individual with AD can be incredibly demanding, both emotionally and practically. The availability of respite care, home healthcare services, adult day care programs, and caregiver support groups can significantly ease the burden on caregivers and improve their ability to provide care. The presence of these services in Cressona or nearby areas will positively affect the Alzheimer's Score.
Assessing the local hospitals and their capabilities is also critical. Do local hospitals offer memory clinics, specialized geriatric units, or other services specifically designed for AD patients? The availability of these services would contribute positively to the score. The hospital's ability to provide comprehensive care, including diagnosis, treatment, and support services, is a key indicator of the healthcare environment's capacity to support AD patients.
Furthermore, the community's awareness and understanding of AD play a role. Are there community education programs, awareness campaigns, or initiatives promoting early detection and support for AD patients and their families? The presence of such programs would indicate a supportive community environment and positively affect the Alzheimer's Score.
To develop a comprehensive Alzheimer's Score, one must consider the following factors: Physician-to-patient ratio (especially PCPs and geriatricians), the availability of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, caregiver support services, hospital capabilities, and community awareness. Based on the limited information available, Cressona likely faces challenges in several of these areas, particularly regarding physician availability and specialized care. This suggests a lower Alzheimer's Score compared to areas with greater access to resources. A thorough investigation of the local healthcare landscape is needed to determine the specific score accurately.
The complexities of healthcare in rural settings like Cressona underscore the importance of data-driven insights. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, practice specializations, and resource availability, consider utilizing the power of interactive mapping.
Explore the healthcare environment in Cressona and surrounding areas with CartoChrome maps. Visualize physician distribution, pinpoint healthcare facilities, and uncover valuable insights to inform your healthcare decisions.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like