15428, Dawson, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15428, Dawson, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.42 percent of the residents in 15428 has some form of health insurance. 41.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.83 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 15428 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 515 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15428. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 332 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,225 health care providers accessible to residents in 15428, Dawson, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 15428, encompassing Dawson, Pennsylvania, and assesses primary care access. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice profiles, telemedicine integration, and available mental health support, aiming to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' perspective.

Dawson, Pennsylvania, a small community within ZIP Code 15428, presents a unique challenge for healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the community's ability to effectively manage chronic conditions like hypertension. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving consistent care, crucial elements in hypertension control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility.

Examining the physician-to-patient ratio in 15428 requires precise data. Publicly available sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can offer insights. The data should be supplemented by local information, like the number of practicing primary care physicians, family doctors, and internal medicine specialists, as well as the total population within the ZIP code. This data then allows for the calculation of a ratio, which is a foundational element of the 'Hypertension Score'.

The assessment of individual practices is another vital component. The 'Hypertension Score' must consider the practices’ capabilities. Factors like the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment (e.g., blood pressure monitors, ECG machines), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and the presence of certified diabetes educators are important. Practices that actively engage in patient education and provide resources for lifestyle modifications, such as dietary guidance and exercise programs, will receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape, especially for managing chronic conditions. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and virtual follow-up appointments can significantly improve patient access to care, particularly for those with mobility issues or living in geographically isolated areas. The 'Hypertension Score' should recognize practices that have integrated telemedicine into their standard workflows.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, and effective treatment requires addressing both physical and psychological well-being. The 'Hypertension Score' must evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the practices or in the surrounding community. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals or provide integrated mental health services will score higher.

The 'Hypertension Score' should also consider the practices' performance metrics. Data on patient outcomes, such as the percentage of patients whose blood pressure is under control, the rate of complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke), and patient satisfaction scores, provides a tangible measure of the quality of care. Practices with positive outcomes and high patient satisfaction will receive higher scores.

Specific practice profiles within 15428 must be examined. Without specific practice names, this assessment is theoretical. However, if a practice, for example, "Dawson Family Medicine," demonstrates a high physician-to-patient ratio, employs a robust EHR system, offers telemedicine consultations, and partners with local mental health providers, it would likely receive a higher 'Hypertension Score'. Conversely, a practice with a limited number of physicians, no telemedicine capabilities, and no mental health resources would receive a lower score.

The analysis also needs to consider the broader context of primary care availability in Dawson. If the town has a limited number of primary care physicians, the overall 'Hypertension Score' for the area will likely be lower, regardless of the quality of care provided by individual practices. This underscores the importance of addressing physician shortages and improving access to primary care services.

The 'Hypertension Score' should be a dynamic measure, updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare practices and community resources. This requires ongoing data collection and analysis. The score should also be transparent, with the methodology and data sources clearly documented. This allows for informed decision-making by patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The 'Hypertension Score' should also consider the demographics of the population within 15428. Factors like age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can impact the prevalence of hypertension and the effectiveness of treatment. The score should be adjusted to account for these factors, ensuring a fair and accurate assessment of the quality of care.

The impact of insurance coverage is also an important consideration. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer affordable care options will receive higher scores. This ensures that all residents of 15428 have access to the care they need, regardless of their financial situation.

The 'Hypertension Score' should also consider the practices' commitment to patient education. Providing patients with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their hypertension is crucial for long-term success. Practices that offer educational materials, support groups, and personalized coaching will receive higher scores.

The 'Hypertension Score' is designed to be a comprehensive assessment of hypertension management capabilities. It is not simply a ranking of individual practices but an evaluation of the entire healthcare ecosystem within 15428 and Dawson. It highlights strengths and weaknesses, identifies areas for improvement, and ultimately helps to improve patient outcomes.

The 'Hypertension Score' is a valuable tool for patients seeking care, physicians looking to improve their practices, and policymakers aiming to enhance healthcare access. By providing a clear and concise overview of the hypertension management landscape, the score can help to make informed decisions and improve the health of the community.

To visualize the 'Hypertension Score' data and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in 15428, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, highlighting areas with high and low scores, and identifying potential disparities in access to care. Using CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and informative way to understand the 'Hypertension Score' analysis.