15564, Wellersburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15564, Wellersburg, Pennsylvania is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.93 percent of the residents in 15564 has some form of health insurance. 45.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.00 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 15564 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 31 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15564. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 29 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 374 health care providers accessible to residents in 15564, Wellersburg, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Wellersburg, PA (ZIP Code 15564)

Wellersburg, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled in Somerset County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly regarding hypertension management. Evaluating the quality of care for individuals with high blood pressure within ZIP code 15564 requires a nuanced understanding of available resources, physician distribution, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices. This analysis, framed as a "Hypertension Score," aims to assess these factors and provide insights into the overall quality of care for this critical health concern.

The primary challenge in Wellersburg is the relative scarcity of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments for hypertension. Analyzing the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 15564 ZIP code is the cornerstone of the Hypertension Score assessment. Publicly available data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with information from insurance providers, should be compiled to accurately determine this ratio. This data is then compared to state and national averages to benchmark the local situation.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of physicians matters. Are primary care practices clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Wellersburg underserved? Are there any specialists, such as cardiologists or nephrologists, readily accessible within the community or requiring significant travel? The Hypertension Score considers the geographic accessibility of care, factoring in travel times and transportation options. This analysis also considers the availability of ancillary services, such as pharmacies and diagnostic labs, essential for hypertension management.

Identifying standout practices within the 15564 ZIP code is critical. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practices in hypertension management. This involves assessing their adherence to national guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. The Hypertension Score would consider factors like: the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for tracking patient data and facilitating communication; the implementation of patient education programs; and the regular monitoring of blood pressure and medication adherence. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrating positive patient outcomes would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. The Hypertension Score assesses the availability of telemedicine services among primary care providers in Wellersburg. This includes evaluating whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices embracing telemedicine can potentially improve patient access and convenience, leading to better hypertension control.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and hypertension is no exception. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure and treatment adherence. The Hypertension Score considers the availability of mental health resources within the Wellersburg community. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. The availability of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices, where mental health professionals collaborate with primary care physicians, would be viewed favorably. Furthermore, the score evaluates access to support groups and community-based mental health programs.

The availability of specialized resources, such as certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians, also contributes to the overall Hypertension Score. These professionals can provide crucial support to patients with hypertension who may also have other health conditions. Their expertise in lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and exercise recommendations, is invaluable in managing blood pressure. The score would also consider the availability of resources for medication adherence, such as pharmacy services that offer medication synchronization and reminder programs.

Furthermore, the Hypertension Score considers the patient experience. This involves assessing patient satisfaction with their healthcare providers, the ease of scheduling appointments, and the clarity of communication. Patient feedback, gathered through surveys and online reviews, can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Practices that prioritize patient communication, provide clear explanations of treatment plans, and foster a strong patient-physician relationship would receive higher scores.

The final Hypertension Score would be a composite measure, weighing the various factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and adherence to clinical guidelines might carry a higher weight than the availability of support groups. The resulting score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality of hypertension care within the 15564 ZIP code. It's important to note that this is a dynamic assessment, and the score would need to be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare resources and practices.

The analysis of the Hypertension Score would also include recommendations for improvement. This might involve suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, or expanding mental health resources. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can help improve the quality of care for individuals with hypertension in Wellersburg.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wellersburg, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help visualize physician distribution, access to healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the Hypertension Score.