Health Scores Near 18013, Bangor, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18013, Bangor, Pennsylvania is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 96.17 percent of the residents in 18013 has some form of health insurance. 39.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.89 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 18013 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 4,260 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 17 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18013. An estimate of 56 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,184 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,964 health care providers accessible to residents in 18013, Bangor, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18013, Bangor, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 63 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 21 |
| Provider Score | 75 |
| Hospital Score | 53 |
| Travel Score | 62 |
| 18013 | Bangor | 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: Bangor, PA (ZIP Code 18013)
This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care resources in Bangor, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18013), with a specific focus on factors relevant to the care of Alzheimer's disease patients. The goal is to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support. This score will offer insights for both residents and healthcare providers in the area.
Bangor, a small town in Northampton County, faces the challenges common to many rural communities, including potential limitations in healthcare access. The aging population, a key demographic for Alzheimer's prevalence, necessitates a careful examination of the local healthcare landscape. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the medical infrastructure is critical for supporting individuals and families affected by this debilitating disease.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access:**
Accurate physician-to-patient ratio data is difficult to obtain at the ZIP code level. However, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can offer estimates. Generally, Northampton County, and by extension Bangor, might exhibit a ratio reflecting the national trend: a shortage of primary care physicians, particularly in rural areas. This shortage is a significant concern for Alzheimer's patients, who require consistent monitoring and management of their condition.
The availability of primary care physicians is the cornerstone of Alzheimer's care. Early diagnosis, ongoing medication management, and coordination of care with specialists are all essential functions of a primary care physician. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential difficulties in accessing timely care. This negatively impacts the "Alzheimer's Score" for the area.
**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices:**
The characteristics of local primary care practices significantly influence the quality of care. Factors to consider include the size of the practice, the availability of specialized staff (e.g., nurses with geriatric experience), and the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices with robust EHR systems are better equipped to manage patient data, coordinate care, and track disease progression.
Identifying "standout practices" requires an examination of patient reviews, physician ratings, and the services offered. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to geriatric care, offer comprehensive services, and actively engage in patient education would likely receive a higher "Alzheimer's Score" rating. These practices often prioritize preventative care, offer memory screenings, and provide resources for caregivers.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**
Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals in rural areas. For Alzheimer's patients, telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and support group participation. The adoption of telemedicine by local primary care practices is a crucial factor in the "Alzheimer's Score" assessment.
Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are better positioned to serve Alzheimer's patients. This is especially beneficial for those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Telemedicine can also reduce the burden on caregivers by providing convenient access to healthcare providers.
**Mental Health Resources and their Importance:**
Alzheimer's disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and agitation. Access to mental health resources is therefore critical for managing the disease and supporting both patients and caregivers. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists in the Bangor area is a key component of the "Alzheimer's Score" analysis.
The presence of local mental health clinics, support groups, and counseling services significantly enhances the quality of care. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for comprehensive Alzheimer's management. A lack of these resources would negatively impact the "Alzheimer's Score" for the area.
**Alzheimer's Score – A Preliminary Assessment:**
Based on the factors discussed, a preliminary "Alzheimer's Score" for Bangor (ZIP Code 18013) would likely reflect the challenges common to rural communities. Potential limitations in physician-to-patient ratios, the need for greater telemedicine adoption, and the importance of mental health resources would likely impact the overall rating. A more detailed analysis, incorporating specific data on local practices and resources, would provide a more accurate assessment.
**Recommendations for Improvement:**
Improving the "Alzheimer's Score" for Bangor requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes attracting more primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and fostering collaboration among healthcare providers. Community education programs and caregiver support groups are also essential.
**Conclusion:**
The availability and quality of healthcare resources in Bangor, PA, directly impact the well-being of Alzheimer's patients and their families. A comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare landscape, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, is essential for developing effective strategies to improve care.
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