15757, Mahaffey, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15757, Mahaffey, Pennsylvania is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.00 percent of the residents in 15757 has some form of health insurance. 57.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.56 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 15757 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 229 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15757. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 411 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,225 health care providers accessible to residents in 15757, Mahaffey, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Mahaffey, PA (ZIP Code 15757)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Mahaffey, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15757) for hypertension management presents a complex picture. While the area is rural, and therefore faces challenges common to such locations, understanding the specifics of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and access to supporting resources is crucial to assessing the community’s ability to effectively manage hypertension. This analysis will attempt to provide a 'Hypertension Score' ranking, considering these factors and offering insights into potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of any successful hypertension management program lies in accessible and competent primary care. In Mahaffey, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a key indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, inadequate follow-up care. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This data is often dynamic and requires regular updates to ensure accuracy.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also significant. Are the available physicians clustered in one area, leaving certain parts of the community underserved? This necessitates an examination of the physical locations of practices and their proximity to the population. Accessibility is further impacted by transportation limitations, especially for elderly or disabled individuals. Public transportation options in rural areas are often limited, and this can create significant barriers to accessing care.

The quality of primary care practices is another essential element. Identifying standout practices requires evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores (if available), adherence to clinical guidelines for hypertension management (e.g., guidelines from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology), and the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiograms). Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventive care, patient education, and comprehensive follow-up are likely to be more effective in managing hypertension.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in a rural setting like Mahaffey. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing the need for travel, particularly for follow-up appointments or medication management. It also allows patients to connect with specialists who may not be readily available locally. However, successful telemedicine implementation requires reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and appropriate training for both patients and providers. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption within the practices in 15757 is a critical component of the hypertension score analysis.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is a crucial factor. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or the ease of referral to mental health providers, is highly desirable. This integration facilitates a more holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension.

Furthermore, the availability of resources for patient education and self-management is vital. This includes access to educational materials about hypertension, healthy lifestyle choices (diet, exercise), and medication adherence. Support groups and community health programs that promote healthy behaviors can also play a significant role in improving hypertension control. The presence of these resources within the community, and their accessibility to residents, contributes positively to the hypertension score.

The 'Hypertension Score' itself would be a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic distribution of PCPs, the quality of care offered by primary care practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the availability of patient education and support programs. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management, while a lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed. The score would be derived from weighted averages of the various factors, with weights assigned based on their relative importance.

For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio might receive a lower score on that specific factor. A practice that has embraced telemedicine and has integrated mental health services would receive a higher score on those respective factors. The overall score would then reflect a comprehensive assessment of the community's capacity to effectively manage hypertension.

Assessing the performance of individual practices requires careful consideration. Are there practices that stand out for their commitment to patient care, their use of technology, or their integration of mental health services? Identifying these standout practices can provide valuable insights into best practices and potential models for improvement. It also allows for the recognition of providers who are making a positive impact on the community.

The specific data required to calculate the 'Hypertension Score' includes: the number of PCPs in the ZIP code; the population of the ZIP code; the locations of primary care practices; patient satisfaction scores (if available); information on telemedicine adoption; information on mental health resource availability; and information on patient education and support programs. Gathering this data requires collaboration with local healthcare providers, public health agencies, and potentially, patient advocacy groups.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape for hypertension management in Mahaffey. The 'Hypertension Score' serves as a valuable tool for identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This information can be used to inform public health initiatives, guide resource allocation, and ultimately, improve the health outcomes of the community. The analysis would also serve as a baseline for future assessments, allowing for the tracking of progress over time.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, population demographics, and other relevant data points within ZIP Code 15757, and to visualize these insights on a map, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for data visualization and analysis, enabling you to explore the healthcare landscape in Mahaffey in a more interactive and informative way.