15440, Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15440, Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15440 has some form of health insurance. 59.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 15440 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 22 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15440. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,738 health care providers accessible to residents in 15440, Gibbon Glade, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Gibbon Glade, PA (ZIP Code 15440)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within the Gibbon Glade, PA (ZIP Code 15440) area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score, while not a formal metric, will reflect the overall effectiveness of the local healthcare ecosystem in addressing hypertension.

The first crucial factor is primary care availability. Gibbon Glade, a relatively rural community, likely faces challenges in this area. A limited number of primary care physicians in the region would automatically lower the Hypertension Score. This scarcity could lead to longer wait times for appointments, making it more difficult for patients to receive timely diagnoses and ongoing management of their hypertension. The impact would be particularly pronounced for those with complex medical needs or limited transportation options.

Physician-to-patient ratios are another critical indicator. The national average physician-to-patient ratio provides a benchmark. A ratio significantly higher than the national average within ZIP Code 15440 would be concerning. This suggests a potential for overburdened physicians, less time per patient, and a decreased ability to provide comprehensive care, including effective hypertension management. The ability of physicians to consistently monitor blood pressure, adjust medications, and provide lifestyle counseling is directly impacted by patient load.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These practices would ideally demonstrate a commitment to hypertension management through several key characteristics. This includes employing evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate care coordination, and offering patient education programs on topics such as diet, exercise, and medication adherence. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives related to hypertension would also be highly valued. The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within a practice would be a significant positive factor, as these professionals can provide specialized support to patients with hypertension and related conditions.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern and increasingly important element. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas with transportation limitations. Telemedicine can also facilitate more frequent monitoring of blood pressure and medication adjustments, leading to better control of hypertension. The ease of access and convenience offered by telemedicine can positively influence patient adherence to treatment plans.

The integration of mental health resources is crucial, yet often overlooked. Hypertension and mental health are interconnected. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate hypertension, and effective management of these conditions is vital for overall patient well-being. Practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, offer on-site counseling services, or provide referrals to mental health providers would receive a higher score. This collaborative approach, addressing both physical and mental health needs, is essential for comprehensive hypertension care.

Assessing the availability of these resources within the Gibbon Glade area would directly influence the Hypertension Score. A low score would indicate limited access to primary care, a high physician-to-patient ratio, a lack of standout practices with comprehensive hypertension management programs, minimal telemedicine adoption, and a scarcity of integrated mental health resources. Conversely, a higher score would reflect a more robust healthcare ecosystem, providing patients with better opportunities for effective hypertension control.

Specific data points would be needed to assign a precise score. Information on the number of primary care physicians in the area, the patient panel size of each practice, the availability of telemedicine services, and the presence of mental health resources would be critical. A thorough review of the practices' websites, patient reviews, and publicly available data on quality metrics would also be necessary.

The challenge in a rural area like Gibbon Glade is often the limited resources. The lack of specialists, the difficulty in recruiting and retaining physicians, and the potential for a population with socioeconomic challenges can all contribute to a lower Hypertension Score. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including efforts to improve physician recruitment and retention, expand telemedicine services, and increase access to mental health resources.

The goal is not just to diagnose and treat hypertension, but to empower patients to manage their condition effectively. This requires a patient-centered approach that considers individual needs, preferences, and circumstances. Practices that prioritize patient education, provide ongoing support, and foster a strong patient-physician relationship are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

The analysis of the Gibbon Glade area reveals a complex picture. The rural nature of the area presents unique challenges to healthcare access. Improving the Hypertension Score requires a concerted effort to address these challenges and create a more supportive healthcare environment for patients. The availability of resources, the quality of care, and the integration of mental health services are all crucial factors in determining the overall effectiveness of hypertension management within the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gibbon Glade, including the locations of primary care physicians, the availability of resources, and potential areas for improvement, we recommend exploring **CartoChrome maps**. These maps can provide valuable insights into the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and help identify areas where access to care may be limited.