Health Scores Near 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 87.29 percent of the residents in 17948 has some form of health insurance. 51.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.11 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 17948 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,100 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17948. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 659 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,784 health care providers accessible to residents in 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 17948, Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 10 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 13 |
| Provider Score | 27 |
| Hospital Score | 40 |
| Travel Score | 39 |
| 17948 | Mahanoy City | 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 Score Analysis: Mahanoy City, PA (ZIP Code 17948)**
This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care services within Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17948), focusing on factors crucial for supporting individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" reflecting the area's capacity to address the complex needs of this population. The score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telehealth integration, and the availability of mental health resources.
Mahanoy City, a small town in Schuylkill County, faces challenges common to rural communities, including potential healthcare access limitations. The aging population and the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease necessitate a robust healthcare infrastructure. This analysis will delve into the specific landscape to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access**
One of the primary determinants of an Alzheimer's Score is the physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing cognitive decline. A favorable ratio, indicating a sufficient number of PCPs relative to the population, is crucial for timely diagnosis, management, and referral.
Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 17948 requires accessing databases like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards. However, based on general demographic data and the rural nature of the area, it's likely the ratio is less favorable than in more urban settings. This could mean longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. The Alzheimer's Score will be negatively impacted if the ratio is found to be significantly below the national average.
**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics**
Identifying standout primary care practices is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, including experience with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Key characteristics to look for include:
* **Geriatrician Presence:** The availability of a geriatrician or a physician with specialized training in geriatric medicine significantly improves the score. Geriatricians possess expertise in the unique health needs of older adults, including the cognitive and behavioral challenges associated with Alzheimer's.
* **Memory Clinics or Cognitive Assessment Programs:** Practices that offer memory clinics or structured cognitive assessment programs demonstrate a proactive approach to early detection and diagnosis.
* **Care Coordination:** Effective care coordination is vital. This involves the practice's ability to collaborate with specialists (neurologists, psychiatrists), home healthcare providers, and social workers to create a comprehensive care plan.
* **Patient Education and Support:** Providing educational resources for patients and their families is crucial. This can include information about the disease, coping strategies, and available support groups.
* **Accessibility and Patient Experience:** Factors like appointment availability, ease of communication, and the overall patient experience influence the score. Practices that prioritize patient comfort and understanding will receive a higher rating.
**Telemedicine Adoption**
Telemedicine offers a valuable solution for improving access to care, especially in rural areas. The Alzheimer's Score will consider the extent to which primary care practices in 17948 have adopted telemedicine.
* **Virtual Consultations:** Practices offering virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial assessments can improve access and reduce travel burdens for patients and caregivers.
* **Remote Monitoring:** The use of remote monitoring technologies, such as wearable devices or home-based sensors, can help track a patient's condition and provide valuable data to the physician.
* **Telepsychiatry:** Access to telepsychiatry services is particularly important, as individuals with Alzheimer's often experience behavioral and psychological symptoms.
**Mental Health Resources**
Mental health resources are integral to the care of individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score will assess the availability of these resources in the Mahanoy City area.
* **Psychiatrists and Psychologists:** The presence of psychiatrists and psychologists specializing in geriatric mental health is crucial for managing behavioral symptoms and providing therapy.
* **Support Groups:** Support groups for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers offer emotional support, education, and a sense of community.
* **Counseling Services:** Access to individual and family counseling can help caregivers cope with the stress and challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
* **Mental Health Clinics:** The availability of local mental health clinics offering a range of services further enhances the score.
**Alzheimer's Score Conclusion**
The final Alzheimer's Score for Mahanoy City (17948) will be a composite measure of the factors discussed above. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease. A lower score suggests areas where improvements are needed to enhance access to care and support.
The score is not a static measure. Healthcare infrastructure and resources evolve. Regular reassessment is necessary to track progress and identify emerging needs.
**Call to Action**
For a comprehensive and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mahanoy City and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and mental health resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps offer a valuable tool for patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers, facilitating informed decision-making and improved access to care. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.
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