15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.83 percent of the residents in 15851 has some form of health insurance. 40.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.53 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 15851 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,921 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15851. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,079 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,243 health care providers accessible to residents in 15851, Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Reynoldsville (15851) Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the primary care landscape within the 15851 ZIP code, encompassing Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. A "Hypertension Score" isn't a formal metric, but for this analysis, it represents the overall effectiveness of primary care in managing hypertension within the community. This score will be built on factors like physician availability, access to specialized resources, and innovative approaches to patient care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas often face challenges. Reynoldsville, being a small town, likely experiences a lower physician density compared to urban centers. This scarcity can directly impact the Hypertension Score. Fewer doctors translate to potentially longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and a greater burden on existing practitioners. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring of blood pressure, and ultimately, poorer hypertension control within the population.

Assessing primary care availability goes beyond simple numbers. We must consider the types of practices present. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems? Larger systems often possess advantages in terms of resources, technology, and access to specialists. This can positively influence the Hypertension Score. For instance, a practice connected to a hospital system might have easier access to cardiology consultations, diagnostic imaging, and specialized hypertension management programs.

Standout practices within the 15851 ZIP code are crucial to identifying best practices. This requires looking beyond basic metrics. What practices actively engage in patient education regarding lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise? Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, including the latest medication protocols? Are they proactive in identifying patients at risk, perhaps through community outreach programs or targeted screenings? Practices excelling in these areas would contribute significantly to a higher Hypertension Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents another vital component. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for managing chronic conditions like hypertension, particularly in rural settings. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to receive consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring without the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices embracing telemedicine would likely demonstrate improved patient adherence to treatment plans and better blood pressure control. This, in turn, would positively influence the Hypertension Score.

The integration of mental health resources is also crucial. Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health issues like stress and anxiety, which can significantly impact blood pressure. Practices that recognize this connection and offer integrated mental health services, either directly or through referrals, would contribute to a higher score. This might involve on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health clinics, or readily available resources for stress management and coping mechanisms.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services influences the Hypertension Score. Access to on-site or readily available laboratory services for blood work is essential for monitoring blood pressure and medication effectiveness. Similarly, access to registered dietitians or nutritionists can provide valuable guidance on dietary modifications, a cornerstone of hypertension management. Practices that prioritize these ancillary services demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive patient care, leading to better outcomes.

The use of technology beyond telemedicine is also important. Electronic health records (EHRs) are now standard, but their effectiveness varies. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively for population health management, such as identifying patients with uncontrolled hypertension and proactively reaching out to them, would be favorably assessed. This proactive approach can significantly improve the overall Hypertension Score.

Considering the specific demographics of Reynoldsville is also important. Understanding the age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of co-morbidities within the community can help tailor hypertension management strategies. Practices that are aware of these factors and tailor their services accordingly will likely achieve better outcomes. This might involve offering culturally sensitive education materials, providing financial assistance for medications, or collaborating with community organizations to address social determinants of health.

The Hypertension Score for Reynoldsville, Pennsylvania (15851) would therefore be a composite score. It would consider physician-to-patient ratios, the types of practices available, the presence of standout practices with innovative approaches, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of ancillary services, the effective use of technology, and a consideration of the community's specific demographics.

In conclusion, evaluating the primary care landscape in Reynoldsville is a complex undertaking. However, by analyzing these key factors, a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of hypertension management can be achieved. This analysis highlights the critical role of primary care in controlling hypertension and improving the overall health of the community.

For a visual representation of the primary care landscape in Reynoldsville, including the location of practices, physician density, and potentially, access to specialized resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping capabilities that can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.