15083, Sutersville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15083, Sutersville, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.00 percent of the residents in 15083 has some form of health insurance. 44.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.54 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 15083 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 133 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15083. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 303 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,883 health care providers accessible to residents in 15083, Sutersville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15083 and Primary Care Availability in Sutersville

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 15083, encompassing Sutersville, Pennsylvania, with a specific focus on primary care availability and related resources. We aim to construct a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" based on several key metrics, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem's capacity to address this prevalent health concern. This score, though not a formal, standardized metric, will serve as a framework for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

The foundation of our analysis rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Sutersville, a small community, likely faces challenges related to physician-to-patient ratios. A high ratio, indicating a smaller number of PCPs serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, less comprehensive care for chronic conditions like hypertension. We must consider the potential for residents to seek primary care outside of the immediate ZIP code, which adds complexity to the assessment. This external reliance could strain resources in neighboring areas and impact continuity of care.

Standout practices, if any exist within the area or serve the community, are crucial to the overall score. These practices might be distinguished by their commitment to hypertension management through several avenues. Firstly, they might employ evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, including the use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) to detect "white coat hypertension" and optimize medication regimens. Secondly, these practices may prioritize patient education, offering resources and support to help patients understand their condition, adhere to medication schedules, and adopt lifestyle modifications such as dietary changes and regular exercise. Thirdly, a standout practice might actively engage in population health management, identifying and proactively reaching out to patients with hypertension to ensure they receive appropriate care.

Telemedicine adoption represents another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate more frequent check-ins, allowing for proactive management of hypertension and early intervention to prevent complications. Practices with robust telemedicine infrastructure are likely to receive a higher score.

Mental health resources play a significant role in hypertension management. Stress and anxiety are known contributors to elevated blood pressure. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the local healthcare system is therefore essential. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or established referral networks, are better positioned to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension. This integration can lead to improved patient outcomes and a more comprehensive approach to disease management.

Specific examples of practices in the area, if available, would be assessed based on these criteria. For instance, a practice that consistently utilizes ABPM, offers comprehensive patient education materials in multiple languages, and has a dedicated care coordinator for hypertension patients would likely score higher than a practice with limited resources or a less proactive approach. The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within a practice would also positively impact the score, as these professionals can provide specialized support for lifestyle modifications, which are crucial for hypertension control.

The availability of pharmacies within the ZIP code is another consideration. Easy access to pharmacies that offer medication adherence programs, such as pill organizers or automated refill reminders, can significantly improve patient compliance with their medication regimens. The presence of pharmacies that provide blood pressure monitoring services, such as free blood pressure checks, can also contribute to early detection and management of hypertension.

The overall "Hypertension Score" would be a composite of these factors. It would reflect the accessibility of primary care, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of supporting services such as pharmacies and patient education materials. A higher score would indicate a more robust and supportive healthcare environment for managing hypertension, while a lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by these practices. Factors such as age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the challenges patients face in accessing and adhering to care. Practices that are culturally competent and sensitive to the unique needs of their patient population are better positioned to provide effective hypertension management.

Data collection for this analysis would involve several methods. Publicly available information, such as physician directories and hospital websites, would be used to identify local practices and their services. Patient reviews and online ratings would provide insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care. Information on telemedicine adoption and mental health resources would be gathered through practice websites and direct inquiries.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape for hypertension management in Sutersville. By evaluating the key factors discussed above, we can identify areas of strength and weakness and provide recommendations for improving the quality of care and access to resources for patients with hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for assessing the effectiveness of the healthcare system and guiding efforts to improve patient outcomes.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can help visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, providing a valuable tool for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patients alike.