15623, Claridge, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15623, Claridge, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.68 percent of the residents in 15623 has some form of health insurance. 42.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.81 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 15623 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 285 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15623. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,728 health care providers accessible to residents in 15623, Claridge, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis evaluates hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 15623, focusing on primary care availability in Claridge, Pennsylvania. This assessment considers various factors contributing to effective hypertension control, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths and weaknesses to improve patient care.

Claridge, a small community within ZIP Code 15623, relies heavily on its primary care physicians for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The availability of these physicians is crucial. A low physician-to-patient ratio can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. Conversely, a higher ratio allows for more personalized care and proactive management strategies. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio for Claridge requires detailed data, including the number of practicing primary care physicians and the local population. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau are essential for this calculation.

Several practices within 15623 likely contribute to hypertension management. Identifying standout practices requires evaluating their infrastructure, staffing, and commitment to patient education. Practices with dedicated hypertension clinics, specialized nurses, or certified diabetes educators often demonstrate a higher level of care. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs, such as those offered by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), are more likely to implement evidence-based practices and achieve better patient outcomes. Assessing these practices' performance necessitates a review of their patient satisfaction scores, blood pressure control rates, and adherence to treatment guidelines.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing hypertension. Remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management can improve patient adherence and reduce the need for in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual check-ins, medication refills, and educational resources, are better positioned to manage hypertension effectively. The availability of user-friendly telehealth platforms, integrated with electronic health records, is crucial for successful implementation. Examining the adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care physicians in 15623 is essential.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive hypertension management. Practices that offer on-site behavioral health services, collaborate with mental health professionals, or provide referrals to mental health specialists are better equipped to address the psychological factors contributing to hypertension. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices in 15623 is essential.

Patient education plays a vital role in hypertension control. Practices that offer educational materials, group classes, and individual counseling on lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, can empower patients to take an active role in their care. Assessing the availability and quality of patient education resources within the primary care practices in 15623 is crucial. This includes evaluating the use of patient portals, educational websites, and printed materials.

The specific characteristics of each practice within 15623 need to be analyzed. For example, the size of the practice, the number of physicians, and the types of services offered can impact the quality of care. Larger practices may have more resources, such as specialized staff and advanced equipment, but smaller practices may offer a more personalized experience. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate data analysis, and enhance communication between physicians and patients.

Data on insurance acceptance is also important. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, are more accessible to a broader population. This is particularly important in areas with a high proportion of elderly or low-income residents. Examining the insurance acceptance policies of the primary care practices in 15623 is a key factor.

The geographic distribution of primary care practices within Claridge is also important. Patients in rural areas may face challenges accessing care due to longer travel distances. Analyzing the location of practices and the transportation options available to patients is crucial. This includes considering the availability of public transportation and the accessibility of practices for patients with disabilities.

The quality of care provided by primary care physicians in 15623 can be assessed using various metrics. These include blood pressure control rates, medication adherence rates, and patient satisfaction scores. Data on these metrics can be obtained from various sources, including electronic health records, patient surveys, and quality improvement programs. Analyzing these metrics can help identify areas where practices are performing well and areas where improvements are needed.

The overall assessment of hypertension management capabilities in ZIP Code 15623 requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves analyzing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating practice characteristics, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining access to mental health resources. The goal is to identify strengths and weaknesses to inform strategies for improving patient care. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions, such as providing training for physicians, implementing telemedicine programs, and expanding access to mental health services.

The final 'Hypertension Score' for doctors in ZIP Code 15623 would be a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed. The score should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. It would also consider patient satisfaction, blood pressure control rates, and adherence to treatment guidelines. This score would provide a valuable tool for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers seeking to improve their services.

For a visual representation of primary care availability, practice locations, and related demographic data within ZIP Code 15623, including Claridge, consider using CartoChrome maps. Their platform allows for detailed geographic analysis and visualization of healthcare resources, helping to identify areas of need and opportunities for improvement.