15866, Troutville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15866, Troutville, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.83 percent of the residents in 15866 has some form of health insurance. 55.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 43.58 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 15866 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 82 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15866. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 353 health care providers accessible to residents in 15866, Troutville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Troutville, PA (ZIP Code 15866)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Troutville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15866) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the presence of physicians but also the quality of care, accessibility, and supporting resources. This analysis will attempt to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering key factors impacting patient outcomes.

**Physician Availability and Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 15866 is crucial. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, and professional medical directories must be cross-referenced to ascertain the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. A high physician-to-patient ratio (e.g., a large number of patients per physician) can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. Conversely, a low ratio suggests greater accessibility. The analysis should also consider the specialties of available physicians, including internal medicine, family medicine, and geriatric care, as each offers unique expertise in managing hypertension.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Beyond simple physician counts, the quality of care provided by local practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" requires evaluating several factors. This includes:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Are practices accredited by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or hold certifications demonstrating a commitment to quality care?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** Patient reviews and testimonials, accessible through online platforms and surveys, offer valuable insights into patient experiences.
* **Adherence to Guidelines:** Practices' adherence to established clinical guidelines for hypertension management, such as those from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), is critical. This includes regular blood pressure monitoring, medication management, lifestyle counseling, and referral to specialists when necessary.
* **Use of Technology:** Does the practice utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate efficient patient care, medication reconciliation, and communication with other healthcare providers?

Identifying practices that excel in these areas will significantly contribute to a higher "Hypertension Score" for the area.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Accessibility:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for improving healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine services by local practices is crucial. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication management, and patient education? Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel, improve medication adherence, and enable more frequent monitoring of blood pressure, all of which are vital for effective hypertension control. Furthermore, the availability of reliable internet access within the community must be considered, as it directly impacts the feasibility of telemedicine services. Practices that embrace telemedicine, coupled with robust internet infrastructure, contribute positively to the "Hypertension Score".

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Stress can elevate blood pressure, and certain medications used to treat hypertension can impact mental well-being. Therefore, the availability and integration of mental health resources are critical components of comprehensive hypertension care. The analysis should identify:

* **Mental Health Providers:** The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within or near 15866.
* **Integration of Services:** Whether local practices collaborate with mental health professionals to provide coordinated care. This may involve referrals, shared electronic health records, and integrated treatment plans.
* **Accessibility of Resources:** The ease with which patients can access mental health services, including factors like insurance coverage, wait times, and transportation options.

Practices that recognize the interplay between physical and mental health, and actively integrate mental health resources, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care and positively influence the "Hypertension Score."

**Primary Care Availability in Troutville:**

The availability of primary care in Troutville is a key factor in this analysis. The analysis must consider the number of primary care physicians available in the area, their specialties, and their patient load. It should also evaluate the accessibility of these physicians, considering factors like appointment availability, wait times, and the presence of after-hours care options. Additionally, the analysis should assess the availability of ancillary services, such as laboratory testing and pharmacy services, which are essential for effective hypertension management.

**Hypertension Score Considerations:**

Creating a numerical "Hypertension Score" for 15866 would involve assigning weights to each of the factors discussed above. For example, physician-to-patient ratio, adherence to guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration could each contribute a percentage to the overall score. The specific weights would be determined based on their relative importance in influencing patient outcomes. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management, characterized by readily available physicians, high-quality care, accessible telemedicine services, and integrated mental health resources.

**Conclusion:**

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the landscape of hypertension care in Troutville, PA (ZIP code 15866). By considering physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This assessment will help identify areas for improvement and inform strategies to enhance hypertension management within the community.

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