Health Scores Near 18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.31 percent of the residents in 18657 has some form of health insurance. 39.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.61 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 18657 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,405 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18657. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,218 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,211 health care providers accessible to residents in 18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 18657, Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania
| Alzheimers Score | 28 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 38 |
| Provider Score | 73 |
| Hospital Score | 15 |
| Travel Score | 34 |
| 18657 | Tunkhannock | 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: Tunkhannock, PA (ZIP Code 18657)
Analyzing the availability of resources and the overall preparedness for Alzheimer's care within Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18657) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, focusing on primary care physicians and related services, aims to provide an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment, reflecting the community's capacity to address the needs of individuals and families affected by this debilitating disease. The score is not a single number but rather a composite understanding based on several key factors.
**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**
The foundation of effective Alzheimer's care begins with accessible primary care. In Tunkhannock, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, presents a significant challenge. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, delays in diagnosis and treatment. Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 18657 is the initial step. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) will be essential. The analysis will need to account for the number of active, practicing primary care physicians (including internal medicine, family practice, and geriatric specialists) serving the population. This data, combined with census information regarding the population size, will determine the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, ideally, would indicate a greater capacity for timely and comprehensive care.
**Standout Practices and Their Contributions:**
Identifying standout primary care practices within Tunkhannock is vital. These practices often demonstrate a proactive approach to geriatric care, including Alzheimer's. Key characteristics of these practices might include: a dedicated geriatric specialist or a physician with a strong interest in geriatric medicine; nurses and medical assistants trained in cognitive assessments; established relationships with specialists like neurologists and psychiatrists; and a commitment to patient and caregiver education. Finding practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to Alzheimer's would be a significant advantage. Further investigation involves reviewing online patient reviews, examining practice websites for specific services related to memory care, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their approach to Alzheimer's. Identifying and highlighting these practices can provide valuable guidance for individuals seeking care.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**
Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Tunkhannock. Telemedicine offers significant benefits for Alzheimer's care, including increased access to specialists, reduced travel burdens for patients and caregivers, and the potential for remote monitoring. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within the primary care practices is crucial. This involves determining if practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, or access to online patient portals for communication and information sharing. The degree of telemedicine adoption directly impacts the accessibility and convenience of care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to score higher in the Alzheimer's readiness assessment.
**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**
Alzheimer's disease profoundly impacts mental health. Individuals with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and behavioral changes. Caregivers also face significant emotional and psychological challenges. Therefore, the availability and integration of mental health resources are critical components of the Alzheimer's care landscape. The analysis must evaluate the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the Tunkhannock area. This involves identifying mental health professionals accepting new patients and assessing the presence of specialized services for geriatric patients or those with cognitive impairments. The analysis should also examine the degree to which primary care practices integrate mental health services. This can include on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and collaborative care models. Strong integration between primary care and mental health services is essential for providing comprehensive and holistic care.
**Caregiver Support and Community Resources:**
Alzheimer's care is not solely about medical treatment; it is also about supporting caregivers. The analysis must consider the availability of caregiver support services within the community. This includes identifying support groups, respite care options, educational programs, and financial assistance programs. The Alzheimer's Association and local community centers are often key sources of these resources. Evaluating the accessibility and quality of these services is crucial. The analysis should also assess the presence of assisted living facilities and memory care units within the area. These facilities provide specialized care for individuals with Alzheimer's and can offer respite for caregivers.
**Overall Alzheimer's Score and Conclusion:**
Based on the assessment of these factors – physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and caregiver support – an "Alzheimer's Score" can be formulated. This score is not a single number, but a comprehensive understanding of the community's readiness. A high score would indicate a community with readily accessible primary care, a strong network of specialists, robust telemedicine capabilities, integrated mental health services, and comprehensive caregiver support. A lower score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine adoption, and strengthening mental health integration.
The analysis should also consider the demographic profile of Tunkhannock. The prevalence of Alzheimer's increases with age, so understanding the age distribution of the population is crucial. A community with a larger proportion of older adults will likely require more robust resources.
By compiling and analyzing this information, a comprehensive assessment of Alzheimer's care in Tunkhannock, PA (18657) can be achieved. This information can empower individuals, families, and healthcare providers to better understand the existing resources and identify areas for improvement.
To visualize and better understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the location of support services, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping capabilities that can help you identify the geographic distribution of resources and identify areas of need.
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