15003, Ambridge, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15003, Ambridge, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.99 percent of the residents in 15003 has some form of health insurance. 39.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.51 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 15003 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,210 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15003. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,241 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,231 health care providers accessible to residents in 15003, Ambridge, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Ambridge, PA (ZIP Code 15003)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Ambridge, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15003) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment. The score, however, will be a qualitative evaluation based on the factors discussed, and not a numerical value.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. Ambridge, a borough in Beaver County, presents a unique challenge. While not a vast metropolitan area, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial factor. A limited number of primary care physicians, coupled with an aging population, can lead to increased wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care, both of which negatively impact hypertension control. Identifying the specific number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 15003 ZIP code is the first step. Further investigation into their patient load, appointment scheduling processes, and the acceptance of new patients is essential to gauge accessibility.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A high ratio, meaning a large number of patients per physician, can strain the healthcare system. Physicians may have less time for individual patient consultations, leading to potentially rushed appointments and a decreased focus on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and other vital components of hypertension management. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 15003 requires accessing patient demographic data and physician practice information. This data is often proprietary and difficult to obtain. However, publicly available resources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can provide some insight.

Beyond general access, it's important to identify standout practices. Certain primary care clinics may excel in hypertension management. These practices might have implemented innovative strategies, such as dedicated hypertension clinics, patient education programs, or robust medication management protocols. Identifying these practices involves researching local reviews, patient testimonials, and physician profiles. Furthermore, assessing the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their integration for patient care is crucial. Practices with advanced EHR systems can potentially track patient data more effectively, provide automated reminders for medication refills and appointments, and facilitate better communication between physicians and patients.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital. It can bridge geographical barriers, improve access for patients with mobility limitations, and enhance medication adherence monitoring. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online educational resources, can significantly improve hypertension control. Assessing the telehealth capabilities of local primary care practices, including the types of services offered, the technology platforms used, and the reimbursement policies for telehealth visits, is an essential aspect of this analysis.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care is crucial. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals, or have established referral networks with mental health providers, are better positioned to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within primary care practices in 15003 is a vital component of the Hypertension Score assessment.

The specific "Hypertension Score" for Ambridge (15003) cannot be a simple numerical value. However, based on the factors discussed, a qualitative assessment can be made. If primary care access is limited, the physician-to-patient ratio is high, telemedicine adoption is low, and mental health resources are scarce, the score would be low. Conversely, a high score would indicate good access to primary care, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health resources.

To illustrate, a practice with a dedicated hypertension clinic, offering virtual blood pressure monitoring, and integrated mental health services would contribute positively to the overall score. A practice with long wait times, no telemedicine options, and limited mental health support would negatively impact the score.

The analysis of hypertension care in Ambridge (15003) is a dynamic process. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment approaches, and policy changes. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Understanding the nuances of the healthcare environment requires a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing data. CartoChrome Maps provides a platform for mapping and visualizing the data discussed in this analysis, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and patient demographics. This visualization can help identify areas of need, assess resource allocation, and ultimately improve hypertension care in Ambridge and beyond.