15542, Garrett, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15542, Garrett, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.70 percent of the residents in 15542 has some form of health insurance. 44.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.46 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 15542 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 232 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15542. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 235 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 765 health care providers accessible to residents in 15542, Garrett, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Garrett, PA (ZIP Code 15542)

Analyzing hypertension management within Garrett, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15542) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of care, access to specialists, and supportive resources. This analysis, culminating in a hypothetical "Hypertension Score," aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the landscape for individuals managing or at risk of high blood pressure in this specific locale.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon the availability of primary care physicians. In Garrett, a key factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per doctor, can potentially strain resources and limit the time a physician can dedicate to each patient. Assessing the actual ratio requires data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services or state medical boards, ideally broken down by ZIP code. This data would then be compared against national or state averages to determine if Garrett faces a primary care physician shortage, impacting access to initial diagnoses, ongoing monitoring, and medication management for hypertension.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care providers within the ZIP code is crucial. Are physicians clustered in one area, creating potential access challenges for residents in more remote parts of Garrett? Are there transportation limitations that hinder access to these practices? Analyzing the geographical distribution of practices and considering local transportation options is essential for understanding accessibility.

Several factors contribute to a practice's effectiveness in managing hypertension. The integration of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology, is paramount. Practices that consistently adhere to these guidelines, including regular blood pressure checks, lifestyle counseling, and appropriate medication management, are more likely to achieve positive patient outcomes. Assessing the adoption of these guidelines requires examining practice protocols, patient records (with appropriate privacy protections), and physician training.

Standout practices, those demonstrating exceptional hypertension management, can be identified through several indicators. Patient satisfaction surveys, which gauge patient experiences with their care, provide valuable insights. Practices with consistently high satisfaction scores, particularly regarding communication, responsiveness, and patient education, are likely providing superior care. Furthermore, examining patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates and rates of cardiovascular events (stroke, heart attack), can help identify practices with superior results.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant in healthcare, especially in rural areas. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the availability and utilization of telemedicine services within Garrett is critical. This includes determining which practices offer telemedicine options, the types of services provided virtually, and the technological infrastructure in place to support these services.

Hypertension often coexists with other health conditions, including mental health disorders. The presence of mental health resources, such as therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is crucial for comprehensive patient care. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure, and addressing these issues can improve hypertension management. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within Garrett, including the types of services offered, the accessibility of these services, and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices, is an essential component of this analysis.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services, such as registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and pharmacists, can significantly enhance hypertension management. Diet and lifestyle modifications are crucial for controlling blood pressure, and access to qualified professionals who can provide expert guidance in these areas is highly beneficial. Assessing the availability of these services within Garrett and their integration into primary care practices is essential.

The "Hypertension Score" would be a composite metric, incorporating these various factors. It would not be a single number but rather a series of sub-scores reflecting different aspects of care: access to primary care, adherence to guidelines, patient satisfaction, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and ancillary services. Each sub-score would be weighted based on its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension management. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension care within Garrett, PA.

This analysis, however, is just a snapshot. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. Ongoing monitoring and regular updates are crucial for maintaining an accurate assessment. The data used to calculate the score must be regularly refreshed to reflect changes in physician availability, practice protocols, and the availability of supportive resources.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources and potential disparities in access to care, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of supportive services, offering a powerful tool for analyzing the healthcare landscape within Garrett and identifying areas for improvement.