15687, Stahlstown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15687, Stahlstown, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.58 percent of the residents in 15687 has some form of health insurance. 42.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.91 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 15687 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 192 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15687. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 332 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,718 health care providers accessible to residents in 15687, Stahlstown, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Stahlstown, PA (ZIP Code 15687)

Stahlstown, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15687), a small community nestled within the Laurel Highlands, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Analyzing its capacity to manage hypertension requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern technologies. This analysis aims to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering key factors relevant to effective hypertension management within the area.

The foundation of hypertension care relies on accessible primary care. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. While precise figures fluctuate, data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can be used to estimate the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the 15687 ZIP code. A lower ratio, indicating fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access to care. However, this metric alone is insufficient. The distribution of these PCPs within the community, their acceptance of new patients, and their ability to accommodate same-day or next-day appointments significantly impact access.

Within Stahlstown, the availability of specialists, particularly cardiologists and nephrologists, is also crucial. Hypertension often necessitates collaborative care. The proximity of these specialists, or the ease of referral to them, affects the overall quality of hypertension management. Analyzing the referral patterns of local PCPs and the waiting times for specialist appointments provides valuable insight.

Several practices within and around Stahlstown likely stand out in their approach to hypertension management. Identifying these “standout practices” involves evaluating several factors. First, the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, is essential. Practices that actively monitor blood pressure control rates, consistently adjust medication regimens, and provide patient education demonstrate a commitment to quality care.

Second, the use of technology plays a vital role. Electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate the tracking of patient data, medication adherence, and appointment scheduling are essential. Practices that utilize EHRs to their full potential, generating patient reminders for medication refills and follow-up appointments, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the Hypertension Score. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient education can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to patient care.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is crucial for effective hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better equipped to provide holistic care. This aspect is particularly important in rural communities, where access to mental health services may be limited.

Furthermore, patient education and engagement are paramount. Practices that offer educational materials, provide individualized counseling, and encourage patient self-monitoring of blood pressure are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This includes providing clear instructions on medication use, lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and the importance of regular follow-up appointments.

The availability of ancillary services, such as on-site pharmacies, laboratory services, and diagnostic imaging, also contributes to the overall Hypertension Score. Convenient access to these services reduces the burden on patients and improves the efficiency of care.

To arrive at a composite Hypertension Score, a weighted approach is needed. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The scores for each factor are then combined to generate an overall score. This score can be used to compare the quality of hypertension management across different practices and to identify areas for improvement.

The process of gathering the data for this analysis is multifaceted. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and the US Census Bureau can provide information on physician availability, demographics, and health outcomes. However, much of the data, such as practice-specific information on telemedicine adoption and mental health integration, must be gathered through direct outreach to local practices.

This outreach can involve surveys, interviews, and data requests. It is essential to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of patient data. The analysis should adhere to all applicable privacy regulations, such as HIPAA.

The final Hypertension Score provides a valuable assessment of the healthcare landscape in Stahlstown (15687). It can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The process of collecting and analyzing this data is ongoing. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The Hypertension Score should be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, and the adoption of new technologies. This continuous monitoring ensures that the analysis remains relevant and useful.

The analysis is not just about numbers; it's about understanding the human element of healthcare. It's about recognizing the challenges faced by patients and providers in a rural community like Stahlstown. It's about identifying the strengths of the community and building upon them.

For a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stahlstown and beyond, we encourage you to explore the power of geographic data visualization. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, allowing you to gain deeper insights into the accessibility and quality of healthcare in your community.