15108, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15108, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.79 percent of the residents in 15108 has some form of health insurance. 28.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.18 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 15108 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,602 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 294 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15108. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,035 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,410 health care providers accessible to residents in 15108, Coraopolis, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Coraopolis, PA (ZIP Code 15108)

Analyzing hypertension management within Coraopolis, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15108) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing or at risk of high blood pressure. We will focus on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components of effective hypertension control.

Coraopolis, a borough in Allegheny County, presents a specific healthcare landscape. Its proximity to Pittsburgh offers advantages, but also potential challenges related to resource allocation and access. The "Hypertension Score" will be based on a qualitative assessment, drawing on publicly available data and inferred information about the practices within the specified ZIP code. A definitive, numerical score is beyond the scope of this analysis, but the following sections provide a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension care in the area.

**Primary Care Availability in Coraopolis**

The foundation of hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial factor. Within Coraopolis, the number of practicing PCPs, including family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric specialists, is the first key indicator. Publicly available directories, insurance provider networks, and local hospital affiliations provide initial data points.

The physical location of these practices is also important. Are the practices geographically dispersed, or are they concentrated in certain areas? This affects accessibility for residents, particularly those with limited transportation options or mobility issues. Examining the acceptance of new patients, and the average wait times for appointments, further refines the assessment of primary care accessibility. Are appointments readily available for routine checkups and follow-up visits? Are there practices that offer same-day appointments for urgent needs?

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Impact**

The physician-to-patient ratio provides insight into the potential workload of PCPs in the area. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) can indicate a heavier patient load, potentially impacting the time a physician can dedicate to each patient. This can influence the quality of care, especially in managing chronic conditions like hypertension, which require consistent monitoring and patient education.

Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories, can estimate the population served by the PCPs in Coraopolis. Comparing this to national averages for physician-to-patient ratios provides a comparative perspective. A low ratio suggests a greater capacity for individualized care, while a high ratio may necessitate innovative approaches to patient management.

**Standout Practices and Their Strategies**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their approach to hypertension management. Do they employ evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment? Do they offer comprehensive patient education programs? Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage their condition, often demonstrate superior outcomes.

Key factors to consider include:

* **Use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs):** EHRs streamline patient data, facilitating efficient monitoring and medication management.
* **Regular Blood Pressure Monitoring:** Practices should have established protocols for routine blood pressure checks, both in-office and potentially at-home.
* **Medication Management:** Clear protocols for prescribing, adjusting, and monitoring antihypertensive medications are essential.
* **Lifestyle Counseling:** Practices should offer resources and guidance on diet, exercise, and stress management, all critical for hypertension control.
* **Patient Education Materials:** Providing accessible and understandable materials on hypertension is essential.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Influence**

Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. The adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in Coraopolis is therefore a significant factor in the "Hypertension Score."

Key aspects of telemedicine adoption include:

* **Virtual Consultations:** Are virtual appointments available for routine checkups, medication refills, and follow-up visits?
* **Remote Monitoring:** Do practices utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices, allowing patients to track their blood pressure at home and share the data with their physician?
* **Patient Portals:** Do practices offer patient portals that allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their physician, and request appointments?

The extent of telemedicine adoption within Coraopolis can be assessed by researching the websites of local practices, reviewing insurance provider directories, and exploring telehealth platforms. Widespread adoption of telemedicine can significantly enhance the "Hypertension Score" by increasing access to care and improving patient engagement.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to manage. The integration of mental health resources into primary care is therefore crucial.

Assessing the availability of mental health support involves:

* **In-house Mental Health Professionals:** Does the practice have a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker on staff?
* **Referral Networks:** Does the practice have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community?
* **Collaboration with Mental Health Providers:** Does the practice actively collaborate with mental health providers to coordinate care for patients with hypertension and co-occurring mental health conditions?
* **Stress Management Resources:** Does the practice offer resources on stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or relaxation exercises?

Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and actively integrate mental health resources into their care models are likely to achieve better outcomes in hypertension management. This integration significantly impacts the "Hypertension Score."

**Conclusion: A Framework for Improvement**

The "Hypertension Score" for Coraopolis, PA (ZIP code 15108) is a complex assessment. While a numerical score is not provided here, this analysis lays out the critical factors to consider. Primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all essential.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. To gain a visual understanding of healthcare access and resources in Coraopolis, explore the power of geospatial analysis.

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