18458, Shohola, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18458, Shohola, Pennsylvania is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.97 percent of the residents in 18458 has some form of health insurance. 37.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.89 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 18458 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 754 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18458. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 781 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 225 health care providers accessible to residents in 18458, Shohola, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Shohola, PA (ZIP Code 18458)

The task involves assessing the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to Alzheimer's disease within the Shohola, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18458) area, focusing on primary care physicians (PCPs) and related services. This analysis aims to provide an "Alzheimer's Score," a subjective assessment based on available data and qualitative considerations. The score will reflect the perceived ease of access to and quality of care for individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's disease.

Shohola, a relatively rural area, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The primary concern is the availability of primary care physicians, the gateway to diagnosis, management, and referral for Alzheimer's. A limited number of PCPs can create significant barriers, especially for elderly populations who may face mobility limitations or transportation difficulties. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A high ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests increased wait times for appointments and potentially overburdened physicians, impacting the quality of care. Publicly available data, such as those from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, will be utilized to estimate population size and physician distribution.

The analysis will consider the presence of any standout practices within the Shohola area or nearby communities. This includes practices known for their specialization in geriatric care, memory clinics, or those with a demonstrated commitment to Alzheimer's patient support. Factors like the availability of specialized staff (e.g., geriatricians, neurologists, neuropsychologists), dementia-specific training for staff, and participation in clinical trials or research initiatives will be evaluated. These practices, if present, could significantly improve the Alzheimer's Score by offering more comprehensive and specialized care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can be a game-changer in rural areas like Shohola. It can overcome geographical barriers, providing access to specialists who may not be physically located in the area. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online support groups, is important. The analysis will investigate whether local PCPs offer telemedicine options and if they are integrated into their care plans. The ease of access to these services, including the availability of necessary technology and technical support, will also be considered.

Mental health resources are integral to Alzheimer's care. The disease significantly impacts the emotional well-being of both patients and caregivers. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is a crucial factor in the Alzheimer's Score. The analysis will examine the presence of mental health professionals in the Shohola area, their specialization in geriatric care or dementia-related issues, and the accessibility of their services. The availability of caregiver support groups, respite care options, and educational programs for families will also be evaluated.

The Alzheimer's Score will be a holistic assessment. It will consider the quantitative data (e.g., physician-to-patient ratios) and the qualitative aspects of care (e.g., the presence of specialized practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources). The score will reflect the overall perceived ease of access to and quality of care for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease in Shohola.

The analysis will incorporate publicly available data sources, including the US Census Bureau for population data, the Pennsylvania Department of Health for physician licensing information, and online physician directories to identify local providers. The analysis will also include a review of practice websites, patient reviews, and other publicly available information to assess the services and specializations offered by local physicians.

The final Alzheimer's Score will be a subjective evaluation based on these factors. It will represent an informed assessment of the current healthcare landscape in Shohola, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in Alzheimer's care. The score will be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health resources.

The analysis acknowledges the limitations of relying solely on publicly available data. It is impossible to fully assess the quality of care without direct patient feedback and a comprehensive clinical assessment. However, the analysis aims to provide a valuable overview of the healthcare resources available in Shohola and to identify areas where improvements are needed.

The assessment will also consider the potential impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care. Factors like income, insurance coverage, and transportation availability can significantly impact an individual's ability to access healthcare services. The analysis will consider these factors when evaluating the overall Alzheimer's Score.

The Alzheimer's Score for Shohola, PA (ZIP code 18458) is ultimately a reflection of the community's capacity to support individuals and families facing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. It serves as a starting point for further investigation and action, highlighting areas where resources can be improved to provide better care for those affected by this devastating illness.

The final score will be a composite, incorporating the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each component will be weighted based on its perceived importance in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. The score will range from poor to excellent, with a detailed explanation of the rationale behind the final assessment.

The analysis will also consider the potential for future improvements in Alzheimer's care. This includes exploring opportunities for collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies. The goal is to create a more supportive and accessible healthcare environment for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease in Shohola.

The assessment will consider the impact of geographical barriers on access to care. The rural nature of Shohola can create challenges for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments or accessing support services. The analysis will evaluate the availability of transportation assistance programs and other resources that can help overcome these barriers.

The Alzheimer's Score will be a dynamic assessment, recognizing that the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the availability of healthcare resources and the quality of care provided. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease in Shohola, helping them to navigate the healthcare system and access the support they need.

For a more detailed visual representation of healthcare resources in Shohola, including physician locations, specialized services, and support networks, explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. Gain a clearer understanding of the landscape and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.