15534, Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15534, Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.72 percent of the residents in 15534 has some form of health insurance. 48.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.04 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 15534 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 245 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15534. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 234 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 859 health care providers accessible to residents in 15534, Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Buffalo Mills, PA (ZIP Code 15534)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 15534, encompassing the Buffalo Mills, Pennsylvania area, necessitates a focused assessment of hypertension management. This analysis, framed as a "Hypertension Score," aims to evaluate the quality and accessibility of care, focusing on factors crucial for controlling and preventing this prevalent condition. The evaluation incorporates physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all critical elements in comprehensive hypertension care.

The foundation of a strong Hypertension Score lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Buffalo Mills, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to appointment delays, reduced patient follow-up, and ultimately, poorer hypertension control. To assess this, we need to determine the current population of Buffalo Mills and the number of actively practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. A thorough investigation would involve cross-referencing publicly available physician directories, insurance provider networks, and local hospital affiliations to identify and verify the number of PCPs.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves significantly influence the Hypertension Score. We need to assess the practices’ infrastructure, including the availability of on-site diagnostic tools like blood pressure monitors and electrocardiograms (EKGs). Practices with these resources can provide more immediate and comprehensive care. Further, the presence of certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and pharmacists within or affiliated with the practices can enhance patient education and medication management, crucial components of hypertension control. The incorporation of electronic health records (EHRs) is also essential. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, medication reconciliation, and communication between healthcare providers, improving the continuity of care.

Standout practices within the area would demonstrate a proactive approach to hypertension management. This includes implementing standardized protocols for blood pressure screening and follow-up, utilizing evidence-based guidelines for treatment, and actively engaging patients in their care. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offering resources on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and stress management, would score higher. These practices might also have dedicated staff members focused on hypertension management, such as nurses or medical assistants trained in blood pressure monitoring and patient education.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas like Buffalo Mills. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms would receive a higher score. The availability of telemedicine can facilitate more frequent check-ins, allowing for timely adjustments to medication and lifestyle recommendations, leading to better hypertension control.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community or integrated into primary care practices is a crucial component of the Hypertension Score. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or that have established referral pathways to mental health providers, would be viewed more favorably. Access to mental health support allows for a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological factors that contribute to hypertension.

To calculate a comprehensive Hypertension Score, each of these factors would be assigned a weighted value based on its relative importance. The physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources would each contribute to the overall score. The weighting would reflect the relative impact of each factor on hypertension control and patient outcomes.

A detailed analysis would involve gathering data from multiple sources, including physician directories, practice websites, insurance provider networks, and local healthcare organizations. This information would be used to create a comprehensive profile of each practice and its capabilities.

The final Hypertension Score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Buffalo Mills, highlighting areas of strength and weakness in hypertension management. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The analysis would also consider the presence of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes access to affordable healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and community-based health education programs. These resources play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing hypertension.

A key aspect of the analysis would be identifying any disparities in access to care. This involves examining the distribution of healthcare resources across different demographic groups within Buffalo Mills. Are there any underserved populations with limited access to primary care or mental health services? Addressing these disparities is essential for ensuring equitable hypertension care for all residents.

In conclusion, a robust Hypertension Score analysis for Buffalo Mills requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By evaluating these factors, we can gain a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify opportunities to improve hypertension management.

For a visual representation of these findings and a dynamic map of healthcare resources in Buffalo Mills, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. They can transform this data into actionable insights, allowing you to visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and community resources with ease.