15559, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15559, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.04 percent of the residents in 15559 has some form of health insurance. 33.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.62 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 15559 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 316 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15559. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 417 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 552 health care providers accessible to residents in 15559, Schellsburg, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Schellsburg, PA (ZIP Code 15559)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within Schellsburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15559) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, evaluate their practices concerning hypertension management, and consider the broader healthcare ecosystem, including telemedicine and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a “Hypertension Score” assessment, offering insights into the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this critical condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Schellsburg, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, including routine blood pressure screenings and medication management. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can be utilized to estimate the physician-to-population ratio within the ZIP code. A ratio significantly higher than the national average warrants concern.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is vital. Are physicians clustered in one area, leaving other parts of the community underserved? This geographical analysis further impacts the accessibility of care. Even with a reasonable physician-to-patient ratio, transportation limitations or physical barriers can create significant hurdles for patients seeking care.

Evaluating the practices of available physicians is paramount. This involves assessing their commitment to evidence-based hypertension management guidelines. Do they routinely screen patients for hypertension? Do they utilize validated blood pressure measurement techniques? Do they proactively address lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, alongside medication? Information on these practices can be gleaned through patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially, through publicly available quality data, if available.

Standout practices in the area deserve recognition. These are the clinics or individual physicians who demonstrate a strong commitment to hypertension management. This could include practices that: offer extended hours, utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively for patient monitoring, provide patient education materials, or have a dedicated staff member focused on chronic disease management. Identifying these “best-practice” examples can offer a benchmark for the community and highlight successful approaches to hypertension care.

The adoption of telemedicine presents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, particularly in rural settings. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the telemedicine capabilities of primary care practices in Schellsburg is crucial. Do they offer virtual appointments for follow-up visits or medication management? Do they utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices? Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to improve their “Hypertension Score”.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is well-established. Hypertension is often exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical factor in the overall “Hypertension Score”. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, available in Schellsburg or nearby? Are there referral pathways between primary care physicians and mental health providers? Integrated care, where mental and physical health are addressed collaboratively, is a best practice that significantly improves patient outcomes. The presence of such resources will positively impact the “Hypertension Score”.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups and patient education programs also contributes to effective hypertension management. Does the community offer programs focused on healthy eating, exercise, and stress reduction? Are there patient support groups where individuals can share experiences and learn from each other? These resources empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition and contribute to a higher “Hypertension Score”.

The “Hypertension Score” for Schellsburg, PA (15559) is a composite measure, weighing all these factors. It’s not a single number but a holistic assessment. The score considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score indicates a community with strong primary care access, evidence-based practices, and a supportive healthcare ecosystem. A low score suggests areas for improvement, highlighting the need for increased physician recruitment, enhanced telemedicine capabilities, and expanded mental health services.

The final “Hypertension Score” should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes monitoring physician availability, evaluating the quality of care provided, and tracking the adoption of new technologies and treatment approaches. The score can serve as a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to identify areas of strength and weakness in hypertension management.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and mental health services, explore the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to identify potential gaps in care and visualize the accessibility of services. Utilize CartoChrome maps to enhance your understanding of hypertension management in Schellsburg, PA (15559) and gain valuable insights into the community's healthcare ecosystem.