15714, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15714, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.95 percent of the residents in 15714 has some form of health insurance. 52.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.08 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 15714 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,321 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15714. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 970 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,166 health care providers accessible to residents in 15714, Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Northern Cambria, PA (ZIP Code 15714)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within Northern Cambria, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15714) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and identify any standout practices. Ultimately, this information aims to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, offering insights into the accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing this prevalent condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In ZIP Code 15714, assessing the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount. This involves determining the total number of practicing PCPs within the geographical boundaries, factoring in their specialties (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine). A critical metric derived from this is the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio, calculated by dividing the population of 15714 by the number of available PCPs, provides a valuable indication of the potential workload and accessibility challenges faced by patients. A higher ratio suggests fewer physicians per capita, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to regular check-ups, crucial for hypertension monitoring and management.

Beyond the raw numbers, the types of practices and their operational models are also important. Are there solo practices, or group practices? Are there any large, multi-specialty clinics? Group practices often offer advantages like shared resources, on-site laboratory services, and potentially, a wider range of specialists. The presence of these features can contribute to a more holistic approach to patient care, particularly beneficial for individuals with co-morbidities often associated with hypertension.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor influencing the 'Hypertension Score'. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online educational resources can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and enhance the overall quality of care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially serve a wider patient base, particularly those with mobility limitations or residing in geographically isolated areas. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration, including the types of services offered (e.g., virtual check-ins, medication management, remote monitoring devices), is essential for a comprehensive assessment.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is becoming increasingly recognized as vital for effective hypertension management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of these resources, including the presence of behavioral health specialists or partnerships with mental health organizations, is a key component of the 'Hypertension Score' analysis.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP Code 15714 is a key objective. This involves evaluating practices based on several criteria, including patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, the integration of technology, and the availability of comprehensive services. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, utilize innovative approaches, and prioritize patient education are likely to achieve better outcomes. Researching online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of individual practices.

The 'Hypertension Score' itself is not a single number but a composite assessment based on the factors discussed above. It is a qualitative evaluation that considers: the physician-to-patient ratio, the degree of telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall quality of care provided by the available practices. A higher score would indicate better access to care, a more comprehensive approach to management, and a greater likelihood of positive patient outcomes.

The analysis would also consider the availability of ancillary services. Are there convenient pharmacies for medication refills? Are there readily available resources for healthy eating and exercise, such as local gyms or community programs? Access to these services can significantly impact a patient's ability to manage their hypertension effectively. The presence of these resources, and their accessibility, are important considerations in the overall assessment.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socio-economic factors within the 15714 ZIP code. Understanding the demographics, including income levels, insurance coverage, and access to transportation, is crucial for assessing the challenges faced by patients. These factors can significantly impact access to care and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that are sensitive to these socio-economic factors, and offer services to address these challenges, would be viewed favorably in the 'Hypertension Score' assessment.

The assessment also includes the quality of patient education. Are patients provided with clear and concise information about their condition, medications, and lifestyle modifications? Practices that prioritize patient education, and provide readily accessible educational materials, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This includes providing information in multiple formats, such as written materials, online resources, and group education sessions.

Finally, the analysis would consider any ongoing community health initiatives related to hypertension management. Are there any local programs aimed at increasing awareness, promoting healthy lifestyles, or providing free blood pressure screenings? The presence of these initiatives indicates a community-wide commitment to addressing hypertension and improving public health. These initiatives would be viewed favorably in the overall assessment.

In conclusion, evaluating the 'Hypertension Score' for doctors in ZIP Code 15714 and primary care availability in Northern Cambria requires a detailed analysis. This analysis must consider the availability of PCPs, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the presence of ancillary services, and the socio-economic factors impacting patient access to care. By considering these factors, a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' can be developed, offering valuable insights into the quality and accessibility of hypertension management within the community.

For a visual representation of the geographical distribution of physicians, patient populations, and related healthcare resources in Northern Cambria, PA (ZIP Code 15714), consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.