15341, Holbrook, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15341, Holbrook, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.97 percent of the residents in 15341 has some form of health insurance. 42.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.90 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 15341 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 235 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15341. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 124 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 383 health care providers accessible to residents in 15341, Holbrook, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Holbrook, PA (ZIP Code 15341)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Holbrook, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15341), requires a nuanced approach, particularly when assessing hypertension management. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, their patient loads, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources – all crucial factors impacting hypertension control. The overarching goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, albeit an informal one, based on the available information.

The first crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Accurate data on this is often difficult to ascertain publicly. However, using available resources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and various physician directories, we can estimate the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 15341 ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. This number, compared to the estimated population of Holbrook and its neighboring communities, provides a rough gauge of access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access to care and, consequently, potentially better hypertension management. This preliminary assessment is vital.

Further research would involve identifying the specific practices within the area. Are there large, multi-specialty clinics, or primarily solo practitioners? Larger clinics often have the resources to offer a broader range of services, including specialized hypertension clinics, registered dietitians, and on-site pharmacies, all of which can contribute to improved patient outcomes. Conversely, solo practitioners may offer a more personalized approach, building strong doctor-patient relationships that can foster better adherence to treatment plans. The size and structure of these practices are important considerations.

Identifying standout practices requires looking beyond just the number of physicians. It necessitates investigating the quality of care provided. This involves examining patient reviews (while acknowledging their limitations), checking for accreditations from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), and, if possible, reviewing publicly available performance data (though this is often limited). Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, offer comprehensive patient education, and proactively manage chronic conditions like hypertension would naturally score higher in our informal assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals can significantly improve hypertension management. Telemedicine reduces the barriers to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering secure video consultations, remote blood pressure tracking programs, and readily available digital resources, will be given a higher score. This adaptability indicates a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is a crucial aspect of hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Practices that recognize this and offer on-site mental health services, or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integration can help patients address underlying emotional factors that may be contributing to their hypertension. The availability of these resources should be a key consideration in our assessment.

Evaluating the availability of these resources requires a multi-pronged approach. Publicly available information, such as practice websites, physician directories, and insurance provider websites, can provide initial insights. Patient reviews, while subjective, can offer valuable perspectives on the patient experience. Direct contact with practices, while often difficult, can provide the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Based on these factors, we can begin to formulate an informal "Hypertension Score" for the primary care landscape in Holbrook. The score is not a definitive ranking, but rather a composite assessment based on the availability of physicians, the structure of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management, suggesting better access to care, a more comprehensive approach to treatment, and a greater likelihood of positive patient outcomes.

For instance, a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a well-established telemedicine program, and integrated mental health services would likely receive a higher score than a practice with a less favorable ratio, limited telemedicine options, and no readily available mental health referrals. The score is not a single number but a holistic evaluation.

The challenges in assessing the healthcare landscape in Holbrook are significant. Data limitations, the dynamic nature of healthcare, and the privacy concerns surrounding patient information all contribute to the complexity of the task. However, by gathering information from various sources and applying a critical lens, we can create a valuable overview of the healthcare environment.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" assessment for Holbrook, PA (ZIP code 15341) is a complex undertaking. It requires a deep dive into physician availability, practice structures, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The overall assessment suggests that the area's ability to manage hypertension effectively is dependent on the specific practices and resources available. Further research and data collection are necessary for a more precise evaluation.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Holbrook and surrounding areas, including the locations of practices, hospitals, and other relevant facilities, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a spatial representation of the healthcare resources available, allowing for a more informed assessment of access and availability.