15357, Rices Landing, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15357, Rices Landing, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.61 percent of the residents in 15357 has some form of health insurance. 46.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.76 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 15357 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 182 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15357. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 473 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,023 health care providers accessible to residents in 15357, Rices Landing, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in 15357 & Primary Care in Rices Landing

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 15357, encompassing the Rices Landing area, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' perspective, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in this specific geographic region.

The assessment of hypertension management begins with evaluating the foundation: primary care access. Rices Landing, a small community within 15357, likely experiences challenges common to rural areas. These include a potentially lower density of primary care physicians (PCPs) compared to urban centers. This scarcity can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient access to preventative care, and, consequently, delayed diagnoses and treatment of hypertension. The 'Hypertension Score' would therefore be negatively impacted by limited primary care availability.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs serving a larger population, places increased pressure on existing resources. This can lead to physician burnout, reduced time spent with each patient, and a potential decline in the quality of care. Conversely, a lower ratio allows for more individualized attention, comprehensive patient education, and more proactive management of hypertension. The 'Hypertension Score' directly reflects the impact of this ratio, with lower ratios contributing to a higher score.

Within the 15357 area, certain practices may stand out in their approach to hypertension management. These "standout practices" could be identified through factors like patient satisfaction scores, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment (such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology), and the utilization of innovative technologies. Practices employing electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate automated blood pressure monitoring, medication reminders, and proactive patient outreach would likely receive higher marks. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on improving blood pressure control rates, would also enhance their 'Hypertension Score'.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual follow-up appointments and remote patient monitoring programs, would be recognized for their efforts in improving hypertension management. The 'Hypertension Score' would be positively influenced by the level of telemedicine integration.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder effective treatment. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the 15357 area is crucial. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, as well as programs that address stress management, coping skills, and behavioral modifications. Practices that integrate mental health services into their hypertension management programs, either through on-site providers or partnerships with external mental health professionals, would receive higher marks. The 'Hypertension Score' would be influenced by the presence and accessibility of these resources.

The 'Hypertension Score' for 15357 would be a composite measure reflecting the interplay of these factors. The score would be lower if primary care availability is limited, physician-to-patient ratios are high, and telemedicine adoption is low. Conversely, the score would be higher if there are standout practices with a demonstrated commitment to quality hypertension care, robust telemedicine programs, and readily accessible mental health resources.

To illustrate, consider a hypothetical scenario. If Rices Landing has only a single primary care practice serving a population of several thousand, the 'Hypertension Score' would be negatively impacted. If this practice, however, is known for its patient-centered approach, its adoption of EHRs for blood pressure monitoring, and its partnership with a local mental health clinic, the negative impact would be mitigated. The final score would represent a balance of these competing factors.

The analysis would also consider the demographics of the 15357 population. Factors like age, socioeconomic status, and the prevalence of other chronic conditions (such as diabetes) can influence the burden of hypertension and the resources required to manage it effectively. A higher proportion of older adults or individuals with limited access to healthy food options, for example, would warrant a greater focus on hypertension management and a potentially lower 'Hypertension Score' if resources are insufficient.

Furthermore, the assessment would evaluate the presence of community-based resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and access to affordable medications. These resources can play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their hypertension effectively. Practices that actively collaborate with these community resources would be recognized for their commitment to holistic patient care.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not just a numerical value; it is a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare ecosystem's ability to address the challenges of hypertension within the 15357 area. It provides a valuable framework for identifying areas of strength and weakness, informing healthcare planning, and ultimately improving patient outcomes. This analysis would consider the impact of health insurance coverage and the availability of affordable medications.

In conclusion, understanding the nuances of hypertension care in a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. The 'Hypertension Score' provides a valuable lens through which to examine the factors that influence patient outcomes.
To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 15357 and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps.