15324, Cokeburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15324, Cokeburg, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.47 percent of the residents in 15324 has some form of health insurance. 46.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.89 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 15324 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 147 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15324. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 171 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,402 health care providers accessible to residents in 15324, Cokeburg, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15324 & Primary Care in Cokeburg**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within ZIP Code 15324 (California, PA) and the surrounding community of Cokeburg necessitates a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), particularly concerning hypertension management, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the overall quality of care. The goal is to provide a 'Hypertension Score' assessment, though a precise numerical score requires access to proprietary data. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape.

The core of hypertension management rests with primary care. Assessing the availability of PCPs in and around 15324 is paramount. Cokeburg, being a smaller community, likely relies heavily on California, PA, for its healthcare needs. Therefore, the physician-to-patient ratio in the broader area is critical. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less effective hypertension management. This can impact the ability of individuals to receive timely diagnoses, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling.

Standout practices within the 15324 area would be those that demonstrate a proactive approach to hypertension. This includes readily available appointment slots, robust patient education programs, and a commitment to utilizing the latest evidence-based guidelines for treatment. These practices would likely have dedicated staff focused on hypertension management, such as nurses or medical assistants trained in taking blood pressure accurately and providing patient support. They may also have electronic health records (EHRs) systems that facilitate the tracking of patient data, medication adherence, and blood pressure control.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in hypertension management, especially in rural areas. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor blood pressure remotely, and provide medication refills electronically can significantly improve patient access to care and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring programs, would receive a higher 'Hypertension Score'. This is particularly important for patients who have mobility issues or who live far from medical facilities.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly elevate blood pressure and interfere with treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial factor in the overall 'Hypertension Score'. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly or through referrals to local therapists and psychiatrists, are better equipped to provide holistic care and improve patient outcomes. The presence of support groups, educational programs, and mental health professionals who are familiar with hypertension management would be highly beneficial.

The quality of care can be assessed by examining various factors. This includes the availability of blood pressure monitoring devices in the office, the use of standardized protocols for blood pressure measurement, and the implementation of systems for tracking patient outcomes. Practices that actively monitor their patients' blood pressure control rates, medication adherence, and cardiovascular risk factors are more likely to achieve positive results. Patient satisfaction surveys and reviews can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

In the context of Cokeburg, the availability of primary care is likely a concern. The smaller population base may result in limited access to PCPs. Residents might need to travel to California, PA, or other neighboring towns to access medical services. This travel time and the potential for longer wait times can be significant barriers to care, particularly for those with chronic conditions like hypertension. The 'Hypertension Score' for Cokeburg would be negatively impacted by this limited access.

The 'Hypertension Score' for a specific practice within 15324 would be determined by a combination of these factors. A practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, a strong telemedicine program, integrated mental health services, and a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited access, a lack of telemedicine, and no mental health integration would receive a lower score.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' for the 15324 area would be an aggregate of the scores of individual practices, weighted by their patient volume and the accessibility of care. This score would provide a snapshot of the community's ability to effectively manage hypertension. Public health initiatives, such as community health fairs, educational programs, and partnerships between healthcare providers and local organizations, can play a crucial role in improving the 'Hypertension Score'.

The evaluation of these factors would involve a comprehensive data gathering process. This includes collecting data on physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient outcomes. Analyzing this data would allow for a more precise assessment of the healthcare landscape. Access to publicly available data, such as Medicare data and county health statistics, can provide valuable insights.

For instance, the availability of pharmacies and their proximity to medical practices is also a factor. Easy access to medication refills is crucial for patients with hypertension. Pharmacies that offer medication synchronization programs or home delivery services can further improve adherence. The presence of community resources, such as food banks and transportation services, is also relevant, as these can help address social determinants of health that impact blood pressure control.

Finally, the 'Hypertension Score' is a dynamic measure. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking new developments in telemedicine, changes in physician availability, and the implementation of new treatment guidelines. Regular monitoring and evaluation are essential for ensuring that the community is effectively managing hypertension and improving patient outcomes.

To visualize the healthcare landscape, identify the locations of doctors, and understand the accessibility of care in 15324 and Cokeburg, explore CartoChrome maps.