15220, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15220, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.53 percent of the residents in 15220 has some form of health insurance. 26.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.16 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 15220 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,231 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 201 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15220. An estimate of 171 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,112 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 68,896 health care providers accessible to residents in 15220, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Pittsburgh (15220) Primary Care Landscape

The analysis focuses on primary care physician (PCP) availability and related factors within the 15220 ZIP code of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and its implications for hypertension management. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all critical components in providing comprehensive care for individuals managing hypertension.

The 15220 ZIP code, encompassing the neighborhoods of Shadyside and parts of Squirrel Hill, is known for its relatively affluent and educated population. This demographic profile often translates to higher expectations for healthcare quality and accessibility. However, the prevalence of hypertension remains a significant concern, necessitating a robust and readily available primary care infrastructure.

One of the primary determinants of hypertension management success is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per PCP, can lead to appointment delays, shorter consultation times, and reduced opportunities for proactive disease management. Accurate data on physician distribution within 15220 is crucial. Publicly available databases, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health resources, and commercial healthcare directories provide some insight. However, these sources may not always reflect the current availability of providers accepting new patients or the specific patient load each physician carries. Therefore, the analysis would require a deeper dive into practice-level data, including patient panel sizes and appointment scheduling practices.

Several primary care practices within the 15220 area are likely to stand out based on their reputation, patient reviews, and specific services offered. Practices affiliated with major healthcare systems, like UPMC and Allegheny Health Network, often benefit from greater resources, advanced technology, and access to specialized care. A key aspect of this analysis is identifying practices that prioritize hypertension management through evidence-based protocols, regular patient education, and proactive follow-up care. Factors to consider include the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. Practices that integrate these elements effectively are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telehealth, and its continued use offers significant benefits for hypertension management. Telemedicine allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication adjustments, potentially improving patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows are better positioned to provide ongoing support and address patient concerns promptly. The analysis would assess the availability of telehealth appointments, the types of services offered remotely, and the ease of use of the telemedicine platform for patients.

The strong correlation between hypertension and mental health underscores the importance of integrated care. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referrals is a critical element of comprehensive hypertension management. Practices that offer on-site behavioral health services or have established partnerships with mental health professionals are better equipped to address the psychological aspects of hypertension. The analysis would evaluate the availability of mental health services, the ease of access to these services, and the integration of mental health screening into routine primary care visits.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the availability of resources to support lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity. Primary care practices that offer or refer patients to nutrition counseling, exercise programs, and other wellness services are better positioned to help patients adopt healthy habits that contribute to blood pressure control. The analysis would evaluate the availability of these resources, the cost of these services, and the ease of access for patients.

In addition to these practice-level factors, the analysis would consider broader community resources that support hypertension management. This includes the availability of affordable medications, access to healthy food options, and opportunities for physical activity within the 15220 area. The analysis would consider the location of pharmacies, grocery stores, and recreational facilities within the ZIP code, as well as the availability of public transportation to these locations.

The complexity of the healthcare landscape requires a data-driven approach to assess the quality and accessibility of hypertension care. This analysis would involve gathering data from multiple sources, including public health databases, healthcare directories, patient reviews, and practice websites. The analysis would also involve conducting interviews with healthcare providers and patients to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management within the 15220 area.

The final "Hypertension Score" would reflect the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension care within the 15220 area. The score would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of lifestyle modification support. The score would provide a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care, healthcare providers seeking to improve their practices, and policymakers seeking to address healthcare disparities.

For a detailed visual representation of the primary care landscape in 15220, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.