18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania Alzheimers Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.84 percent of the residents in 18616 has some form of health insurance. 49.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.56 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 18616 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 98 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18616. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 222 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 173 health care providers accessible to residents in 18616, Forksville, Pennsylvania.

## Alzheimer's Score Analysis: Forksville, PA (ZIP Code 18616)

Analyzing the availability of resources for Alzheimer's care within Forksville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18616) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, framed as an "Alzheimer's Score," evaluates several key factors crucial for supporting individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. These factors include the accessibility of primary care physicians, the availability of specialized geriatric and neurological care, the presence of mental health resources, the adoption of telemedicine, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of the support network available within this rural Pennsylvania community.

The foundation of any Alzheimer's care plan rests on robust primary care. In Forksville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, preventative care, and ongoing management of chronic conditions often associated with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer's Score will consider the number of PCPs practicing within the 18616 ZIP code, or within a reasonable driving distance, and the estimated patient population they serve. This data will be crucial in determining the ease with which individuals can secure regular check-ups, which are essential for early detection and management of the disease.

Beyond primary care, the availability of specialists is paramount. Alzheimer's disease requires the expertise of geriatricians and neurologists. These specialists possess the specific knowledge and experience necessary for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing care management. The Alzheimer's Score will assess the presence of these specialists within the region. The distance individuals must travel to access these specialists will be a significant factor. Longer travel times can create significant barriers to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or cognitive impairments, and for their caregivers.

Mental health resources are also integral to the care of individuals with Alzheimer's. The disease often presents with behavioral and psychological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and agitation. Access to psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists specializing in geriatric mental health is therefore vital. The Alzheimer's Score will evaluate the availability of these resources within the community. The availability of support groups for both patients and caregivers will also be considered. These groups provide a crucial network of support, education, and emotional well-being.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in healthcare, especially in rural areas. It offers the potential to expand access to care, reduce travel burdens, and improve patient outcomes. The Alzheimer's Score will evaluate the adoption of telemedicine services by local healthcare providers. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources. The extent to which providers utilize these technologies will be a key factor in determining the overall accessibility of care within the 18616 ZIP code.

Standout practices, if any, will be identified. These are healthcare providers or facilities that demonstrate a commitment to providing exceptional Alzheimer's care. This might include practices with specialized programs, dedicated staff trained in dementia care, or innovative approaches to patient management. The Alzheimer's Score will highlight any such practices, recognizing their contributions to the community.

Forksville, being a rural community, may face unique challenges in providing comprehensive Alzheimer's care. The Alzheimer's Score will take into account these challenges, such as limited access to transportation, the potential for social isolation, and the availability of community-based support services. The score will also consider the presence of any community programs or initiatives that are specifically designed to support individuals with Alzheimer's and their families.

The physician-to-patient ratio will be carefully calculated. This ratio provides a quantitative measure of the availability of physicians relative to the population. A low ratio indicates a potential shortage of physicians, which can impact access to care. The Alzheimer's Score will use this ratio as a key indicator of the overall healthcare landscape within the 18616 ZIP code.

The analysis will also consider the presence of memory care facilities or assisted living facilities that specialize in caring for individuals with Alzheimer's. The availability of these facilities is essential for providing long-term care and support. The Alzheimer's Score will assess the number of beds available, the level of care provided, and the affordability of these facilities.

Overall, the Alzheimer's Score will provide a holistic assessment of the resources available to individuals with Alzheimer's and their caregivers within Forksville, Pennsylvania. It will consider the accessibility of primary care, the availability of specialists, the presence of mental health resources, the adoption of telemedicine, and the overall physician-to-patient ratio. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and to identify areas where improvements can be made. The final score will be presented as a numerical rating, reflecting the overall strength of the support network available.

This analysis, however, is limited by the availability of publicly accessible data. A more comprehensive assessment would require access to detailed patient records, provider surveys, and community needs assessments. Despite these limitations, the Alzheimer's Score provides a valuable starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing individuals with Alzheimer's in Forksville.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Forksville and the surrounding areas, including the locations of physicians, specialists, and support services, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping technology allows you to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available to support individuals with Alzheimer's disease.