15344, Jefferson, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15344, Jefferson, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.28 percent of the residents in 15344 has some form of health insurance. 39.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.68 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 15344 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 408 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15344. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 243 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,444 health care providers accessible to residents in 15344, Jefferson, Pennsylvania.

Here's an analysis, tailored to the prompt's requirements:

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 15344 & Primary Care in Jefferson**

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare within ZIP code 15344 and assessing primary care availability in Jefferson, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. A "Hypertension Score" analysis, in this context, isn't a standardized metric but rather a comprehensive evaluation of factors impacting hypertension management, patient access, and overall care quality. This analysis will consider physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective hypertension control.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 15344 is a critical starting point. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau can reveal the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code, compared to the estimated population. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care, both of which are vital for hypertension management. Prolonged wait times and limited access can lead to patients delaying or missing crucial check-ups, impacting their ability to effectively manage their condition.

Primary care availability in Jefferson, encompassing a broader geographic area, adds another layer of complexity. Patients in 15344 may seek care outside their immediate ZIP code, influenced by factors like insurance networks, specialist referrals, and personal preferences. The presence of larger medical centers, hospital affiliations, and specialist networks within Jefferson can significantly influence the overall quality of care available to residents of 15344. A robust healthcare ecosystem, with readily accessible specialists like cardiologists and nephrologists, is essential for managing complex cases of hypertension and preventing complications.

Identifying standout practices within 15344 is key to understanding best practices. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management often exhibit several key characteristics. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines, regular blood pressure monitoring protocols, patient education programs, and proactive outreach to patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Practices that leverage electronic health records (EHRs) effectively can also improve care coordination, track patient progress, and identify at-risk individuals. Reviewing patient testimonials, practice websites, and online ratings can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor in the modern healthcare landscape, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that embrace telemedicine offer patients convenient access to care, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Telemedicine can be used for medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and providing educational resources. The ability to remotely monitor patients' blood pressure readings and provide timely interventions can significantly improve hypertension control. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among practices in 15344, including the types of services offered and the technology used, is essential.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical element of effective hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels, and addressing these issues is vital for overall health. Practices that offer or collaborate with mental health professionals can provide patients with comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of their condition. This may involve on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, or educational programs focused on stress management techniques. The availability of these resources is an important factor in the "Hypertension Score" analysis.

Evaluating the insurance landscape is also important. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local practices can affect accessibility. Practices accepting a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, ensure that more residents can access care. Analyzing the insurance coverage of the local population and comparing it to the insurance plans accepted by local practices can help identify potential gaps in access.

Analyzing the availability of support groups and community resources is also important. Hypertension management is often more successful when patients have access to support networks. Assessing the presence of local support groups, educational programs, and community health initiatives can help determine the level of support available to patients.

The "Hypertension Score" analysis for 15344 and Jefferson, therefore, is a holistic assessment that considers a range of factors. It goes beyond simple physician-to-patient ratios to evaluate the quality of care, accessibility, and integration of essential resources. A high score reflects a healthcare environment that prioritizes comprehensive hypertension management, patient education, and convenient access to care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15344 and Jefferson, and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, offering a powerful tool for both patients and healthcare professionals.