17967, Ringtown, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 17967, Ringtown, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.71 percent of the residents in 17967 has some form of health insurance. 40.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.24 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 17967 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 426 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17967. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 507 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,485 health care providers accessible to residents in 17967, Ringtown, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Ringtown, PA (ZIP Code 17967)

Ringtown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Schuylkill County, presents a unique landscape for assessing Alzheimer's care and primary care availability. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 17967, delves into the factors crucial for supporting individuals and families navigating the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. It examines physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive Alzheimer's Score assessment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. In Ringtown, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. A limited number of PCPs can create bottlenecks, delaying diagnoses and treatment plans. This, in turn, impacts the ability to provide early interventions, which are crucial for managing Alzheimer's. The ratio should be considered in conjunction with the age demographics of the population. Ringtown, like many rural communities, likely has a higher proportion of older adults, increasing the demand for geriatric care and specialized services. This underscores the importance of assessing the number of geriatricians, neurologists, and other specialists who can diagnose and treat Alzheimer's.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. Are there any primary care practices that have specialized programs or staff trained in geriatric care and dementia management? Do any practices offer memory clinics or cognitive assessments? The presence of such resources significantly elevates the Alzheimer's Score. Beyond the core medical services, the focus should be on care coordination. Do practices have established referral networks with specialists, home healthcare providers, and support groups? These networks are vital for providing comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly for rural communities. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access specialists and receive ongoing monitoring without extensive travel. The availability of telehealth services for cognitive assessments, medication management, and family support can dramatically improve the quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score benefits from the presence of practices offering these services and the ease of access to them.

Mental health resources are equally critical. Alzheimer's disease often brings with it significant emotional and psychological challenges for both patients and their families. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, and support groups is essential. These resources can help manage the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that often accompany Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Score is positively influenced by the presence of mental health professionals and support services within the community.

The overall Alzheimer's Score for Ringtown, PA (17967) is a composite of these factors. A high score indicates robust access to primary care, specialized geriatric services, telemedicine options, and mental health support. A low score suggests significant gaps in care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and increased caregiver burden. The score is not just a number; it is a reflection of the community's ability to support those living with Alzheimer's and their families.

The analysis begins by determining the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code. This involves reviewing publicly available databases, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health's physician directory, and cross-referencing with information from insurance provider networks. This will provide an initial estimate of the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio is then contextualized by the demographics of the community, specifically the percentage of the population over the age of 65.

The next step involves identifying standout practices. This involves examining practice websites, reviewing online patient testimonials, and contacting local hospitals and healthcare organizations. The focus is on identifying practices with geriatric specialists, memory clinics, and care coordination programs. The goal is to ascertain the level of specialization available within the community.

Telemedicine adoption is assessed by reviewing practice websites and contacting practices directly. The focus is on determining the availability of telehealth services for cognitive assessments, medication management, and family support. The extent to which telemedicine is integrated into the care model directly impacts the Alzheimer's Score.

The availability of mental health resources is assessed by identifying local mental health professionals, support groups, and community organizations. This involves searching online directories, contacting local hospitals and healthcare organizations, and reviewing information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Alzheimer's Association. The presence of these resources is crucial for supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The final Alzheimer's Score is a weighted average of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources are each assigned a weight based on their relative importance. The score is then categorized into a rating system, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," to provide a clear and concise assessment of the community's ability to support individuals with Alzheimer's.

The analysis also considers the availability of community resources, such as adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, and memory care units. These resources are essential for providing ongoing support and care for individuals with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Score is positively influenced by the presence of these resources within the community.

Furthermore, the analysis examines the availability of transportation services for individuals with Alzheimer's. Transportation can be a significant barrier to accessing healthcare and community resources. The Alzheimer's Score is positively influenced by the availability of transportation services, such as public transportation, ride-sharing services, and volunteer driver programs.

The analysis also considers the availability of caregiver support services. Caregivers play a critical role in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Score is positively influenced by the availability of caregiver support services, such as support groups, respite care, and educational programs.

The analysis also considers the availability of financial assistance programs for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The cost of care for Alzheimer's can be substantial. The Alzheimer's Score is positively influenced by the availability of financial assistance programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance.

The final Alzheimer's Score is a comprehensive assessment of the community's ability to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their families. The score is a valuable tool for individuals, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For a detailed, visual representation of healthcare resources in Ringtown and surrounding areas, including physician locations, specialist availability, and support services, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex data into actionable insights, helping you understand the landscape of care in your community.