15761, Mentcle, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15761, Mentcle, Pennsylvania is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.15 percent of the residents in 15761 has some form of health insurance. 32.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.20 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 15761 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 64 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15761. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 215 health care providers accessible to residents in 15761, Mentcle, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below evaluates the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 15761, encompassing the town of Mentcle, Pennsylvania, focusing on primary care physician availability, healthcare resource accessibility, and the overall quality of care delivered. This assessment provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem concerning hypertension, a significant public health concern.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In Mentcle, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely diagnoses, preventative care, and ongoing management of this chronic condition. A crucial metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often leads to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial interventions. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive management strategies. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 15761 requires a detailed analysis of the number of practicing primary care physicians and the local population size. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau can be combined to calculate this ratio.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is also critical. Are physicians clustered in specific areas, leaving other parts of Mentcle underserved? This spatial analysis is essential to understanding access disparities. Factors like transportation options and the presence of public transit also play a significant role. Residents with limited mobility or without reliable transportation may face significant challenges in accessing even readily available primary care.

The quality of care provided by primary care practices is another key factor. This involves examining the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Do they routinely measure blood pressure accurately? Do they offer comprehensive lifestyle counseling, including recommendations on diet, exercise, and smoking cessation? Do they proactively screen for and manage comorbidities that can exacerbate hypertension, such as diabetes and high cholesterol? The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers can also influence the quality of care. EHRs facilitate better communication, reduce medication errors, and provide physicians with a more complete picture of a patient's health history.

Standout practices in 15761, if any, are those that demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive and patient-centered hypertension care. These practices might implement innovative approaches to patient education, utilize technology to monitor blood pressure remotely, or have dedicated staff focused on hypertension management. Identifying these standout practices requires a thorough review of their services, patient satisfaction scores, and adherence to clinical guidelines. This could involve reviewing online reviews, patient testimonials, and potentially conducting interviews with local healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely monitor their blood pressure, consult with their physicians via video conferencing, and receive medication refills. The degree of telemedicine adoption in 15761 can significantly impact the accessibility and convenience of hypertension care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine requires identifying which practices offer these services and evaluating patient utilization rates.

Mental health resources are also intrinsically linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, and effective management of hypertension often requires addressing these underlying mental health issues. The availability of mental health services within 15761 is therefore crucial. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Are these resources readily available and affordable? Are primary care physicians equipped to screen for mental health conditions and make appropriate referrals? The integration of mental health services into primary care settings can improve patient outcomes and reduce the overall burden of hypertension.

Specific examples of practices that excel in hypertension management could include those that have implemented patient-centered medical home models, which emphasize coordinated care and patient engagement. Practices that utilize remote patient monitoring technologies, such as blood pressure cuffs that transmit readings directly to the physician, could also be considered exemplary. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the American Medical Association, are likely to provide higher-quality care.

Another important consideration is the availability of ancillary services, such as pharmacies, laboratories, and diagnostic imaging centers. Convenient access to these services is essential for patients to receive timely medication refills, laboratory tests, and other necessary diagnostic procedures. The proximity of these services to primary care practices can significantly impact patient adherence to treatment plans.

The cost of healthcare is another critical factor. The affordability of primary care visits, medications, and other related services can significantly impact a patient's ability to access and adhere to treatment. Are there programs available to help low-income patients afford their medications? Are there local resources to help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system?

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of hypertension management in 15761 requires a multi-faceted approach, considering physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the affordability of care. This assessment should be continuously updated to reflect changes in the local healthcare landscape. The information gathered can inform strategies to improve hypertension care and ultimately improve the health outcomes of residents in Mentcle.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 15761, including the location of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential areas for improvement.