15479, Smithton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15479, Smithton, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.67 percent of the residents in 15479 has some form of health insurance. 32.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.17 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 15479 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 369 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15479. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 396 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 224 health care providers accessible to residents in 15479, Smithton, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Smithton, PA (ZIP Code 15479)

Smithton, Pennsylvania, nestled within ZIP Code 15479, presents a unique landscape for healthcare, particularly regarding the management of hypertension. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, their practices, and the resources available to patients, culminating in a hypertension score assessment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to inform both residents and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While precise data requires accessing proprietary databases, publicly available information, such as the US Census Bureau data on population and the Pennsylvania Department of State's physician licensing records, provides a preliminary estimate. Smithton, being a small community, likely faces challenges in this area. A higher physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potential for longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and, consequently, less frequent monitoring of blood pressure, a critical factor in controlling hypertension.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. Evaluating the practices within the ZIP code necessitates considering several factors. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they have established protocols for hypertension management, including regular blood pressure checks, medication management, and patient education? The presence of certified hypertension specialists within the practices would significantly enhance the score, indicating a higher level of expertise.

Standout practices within Smithton should be identified based on their commitment to patient-centered care. This includes the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate seamless information sharing and medication reconciliation. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), would also score favorably. Furthermore, practices that provide culturally sensitive care and address health disparities within the community deserve recognition.

The adoption of telemedicine is a critical component of modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Smithton. Telemedicine offers numerous benefits for hypertension management, including remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication refills. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient access, reduce travel burdens, and enhance medication adherence. A high hypertension score would reflect a significant integration of telemedicine services.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and the presence of mental health resources within the primary care setting or readily accessible through referrals is essential. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure, and addressing these issues is crucial for effective hypertension control. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, provide counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals contribute positively to the overall hypertension score. The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients and their families is also a valuable asset.

Evaluating the availability of ancillary services, such as on-site pharmacies, laboratory services, and diagnostic imaging, is also necessary. These services streamline the patient experience and improve the efficiency of care. Practices with these integrated services would likely achieve a higher score.

The hypertension score itself would be a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. It would be based on a weighted scoring system, with each factor assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of certified specialists would likely carry significant weight. The final score would then be categorized to provide an easily understandable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Smithton.

The analysis would also consider the availability of community resources. Are there local programs promoting healthy lifestyles, such as exercise classes or nutrition counseling? Are there pharmacies that offer medication adherence programs? The presence of these resources complements the efforts of primary care physicians and contributes to a more comprehensive approach to hypertension management.

The assessment of primary care availability in Smithton, and the subsequent hypertension score, is not a static measurement. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and practices are continually adapting to meet the needs of their patients. Regular updates to the analysis are essential to ensure its accuracy and relevance. These updates should incorporate new data, changes in practice patterns, and emerging technologies.

The final hypertension score for Smithton (ZIP Code 15479) would be based on a thorough investigation, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data. It would provide a valuable tool for residents seeking healthcare, for healthcare providers striving to improve their services, and for policymakers seeking to address the healthcare needs of the community. The analysis would also serve as a benchmark for future improvements and a catalyst for positive change.

To visualize the data and gain a spatial understanding of the healthcare landscape in Smithton and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and community resources, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a visual perspective on the healthcare landscape in Smithton.