15110, Duquesne, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15110, Duquesne, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.61 percent of the residents in 15110 has some form of health insurance. 67.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.34 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 15110 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,733 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 32 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15110. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 705 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,308 health care providers accessible to residents in 15110, Duquesne, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Duquesne, PA (ZIP Code 15110)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Duquesne, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15110) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the resources available to patients, and the overall infrastructure supporting effective hypertension management. This analysis provides a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering various factors and offering insights into potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and competent primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Duquesne, as in many communities, is a critical indicator. A high ratio, meaning fewer physicians for a larger population, can strain resources and limit appointment availability. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, infrequent follow-up appointments, and ultimately, poorer control of hypertension. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 15110 is crucial for a baseline assessment.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of available primary care is essential. This involves evaluating the qualifications and experience of the physicians, their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, and their ability to effectively communicate with patients. The presence of board-certified physicians in family medicine, internal medicine, and cardiology is a positive indicator. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to patient education are likely to achieve better outcomes.

Standout practices within the Duquesne area deserve recognition. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care, incorporating elements such as patient-centered communication, proactive follow-up protocols, and readily available patient resources. Identifying these practices, perhaps through patient reviews, peer recommendations, and data on patient outcomes, is vital. These practices can serve as models for others, promoting best practices and improving the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers the potential for increased patient access, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. It can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies are better positioned to provide convenient and timely care. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration within Duquesne's primary care practices is a key component of this analysis.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is crucial. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their hypertension management programs are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. The proximity of mental health facilities and the ease of access to these resources are important considerations.

Patient education plays a critical role in hypertension management. Patients need to understand their condition, the importance of medication adherence, and the lifestyle modifications necessary to control their blood pressure. Practices that offer comprehensive patient education programs, including educational materials, group classes, and one-on-one counseling, are more likely to empower patients to take an active role in their care. Evaluating the availability and quality of these educational resources is essential.

Insurance coverage and affordability are also vital considerations. The ability of patients to access necessary medications and diagnostic tests is directly related to their insurance coverage. The availability of programs to assist low-income patients with medication costs is also an important factor. Assessing the prevalence of different insurance plans and the availability of financial assistance programs is a crucial part of the overall assessment.

The availability of diagnostic and treatment resources is another key element. This includes access to blood pressure monitoring devices, laboratory testing, and specialized cardiology services. Practices that have easy access to these resources are better equipped to provide comprehensive hypertension care. Evaluating the proximity and accessibility of these resources is important.

Community health initiatives can play a significant role in improving hypertension control. These initiatives can include community screenings, health education campaigns, and partnerships with local organizations. Assessing the presence and effectiveness of these initiatives is important.

The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology and nephrology, is also a factor. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense, access to specialists is crucial for patients with complex cases or those who require advanced treatment. Assessing the proximity and availability of these specialists is an important consideration.

Overall, the "Hypertension Score" for Duquesne (15110) would be a composite measure, weighing the factors discussed above. The score would reflect the availability, quality, and accessibility of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of patient education, the affordability of care, and the presence of community health initiatives. The higher the score, the better the overall landscape for hypertension management.

This analysis is a starting point. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the hypertension care landscape in Duquesne, further research is needed. This includes gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, assessing the quality of care provided by individual practices, and evaluating the availability of resources.

For a visual representation of this data, including the locations of physicians, healthcare facilities, and community resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape in Duquesne, allowing for a more informed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system.