15748, Homer City, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15748, Homer City, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.14 percent of the residents in 15748 has some form of health insurance. 42.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.88 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 15748 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,373 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15748. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,361 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,528 health care providers accessible to residents in 15748, Homer City, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Homer City, PA (ZIP Code 15748)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management resources and primary care accessibility within Homer City, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15748). The goal is to assess the landscape for individuals seeking care related to hypertension, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. We will evaluate the physician-to-patient ratio, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all critical components in effective hypertension control. The analysis aims to provide a nuanced "Hypertension Score" perspective, offering insights for both patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective hypertension management is access to a primary care physician. In Homer City, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. Precise figures require access to real-time data, but we can infer from publicly available information and demographic data. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments and more frequent monitoring, vital for hypertension control. Conversely, a higher ratio might necessitate longer wait times and potentially fewer opportunities for proactive care. Understanding this ratio is the first step in assessing the overall health of the primary care system.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Within Homer City, practices are evaluated based on several factors, including patient reviews, accreditation status, and the adoption of best practices in hypertension management. Standout practices likely exhibit a commitment to evidence-based guidelines, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. These include regular blood pressure screenings, personalized treatment plans, patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and proactive medication management. Practices that actively utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication also tend to score higher.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased convenience, reduced travel time, and improved access to care for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. In Homer City, the availability of telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations and remote blood pressure monitoring, significantly impacts the Hypertension Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially offer more frequent check-ins and provide timely adjustments to treatment plans, leading to better patient outcomes. The ease of use and integration of telemedicine platforms are also important considerations.

Hypertension often coexists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Stress, in particular, can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Homer City is a crucial element of the Hypertension Score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient well-being. A strong network of mental health professionals ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of their health.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Homer City is a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It is not a single numerical value but rather a qualitative assessment based on the interplay of physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for hypertension management, characterized by readily accessible primary care, practices committed to best practices, innovative use of technology, and integrated mental health support. A lower score suggests potential challenges in accessing and managing hypertension effectively, highlighting areas for improvement within the local healthcare system.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios requires access to up-to-date data. Publicly available sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical boards, can provide some insights. However, these sources often lack the granularity needed for a precise assessment at the ZIP code level. The ideal scenario involves access to a comprehensive database that tracks physician demographics, practice locations, and patient demographics. This would allow for a more accurate calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio and a more informed evaluation of primary care access.

The quality of primary care practices is evaluated through various metrics. Patient reviews, available on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care. Accreditation status, such as accreditation by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission, indicates a commitment to quality standards. Furthermore, the adoption of best practices in hypertension management, such as regular blood pressure screenings, personalized treatment plans, and patient education, is a key indicator of practice quality.

Telemedicine adoption is assessed by examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and other telehealth services. Practices that offer these services demonstrate a commitment to leveraging technology to improve patient access and convenience. The ease of use and integration of telemedicine platforms are also important considerations. User-friendly platforms that seamlessly integrate with EHRs and provide secure communication channels are more likely to be adopted by both patients and providers.

The availability of mental health resources is evaluated by assessing the number of therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups in the Homer City area. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient well-being. A strong network of mental health professionals ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of their health.

In conclusion, assessing the "Hypertension Score" for Homer City (15748) involves a multi-faceted evaluation of the local healthcare landscape. While this analysis provides a general framework, accessing and interpreting real-time data is crucial for a truly accurate assessment. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio, evaluating practice quality, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources are all essential components.

Want to see this information visualized on a map? Explore the data with CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access in Homer City and beyond.