15920, Armagh, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15920, Armagh, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.46 percent of the residents in 15920 has some form of health insurance. 51.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.58 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 15920 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 48 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15920. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 243 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,114 health care providers accessible to residents in 15920, Armagh, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Armagh, PA (ZIP Code 15920)

This analysis assesses the landscape of primary care and hypertension management within ZIP code 15920, focusing on Armagh, Pennsylvania. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Hypertension Score" analysis, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, technological adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This score is not a single number but a composite understanding derived from various factors influencing patient access to quality care.

The foundation of any hypertension management strategy lies in accessible primary care. Armagh, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, particularly in physician-to-patient ratios. A favorable ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access for appointments, follow-up care, and proactive management. Conversely, a scarcity of primary care physicians can lead to delayed diagnoses, infrequent monitoring, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for individuals with hypertension. Data on the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 15920 is crucial. We must consider the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) actively accepting new patients, alongside the total population of the ZIP code. This ratio, alongside the age distribution of the population (as hypertension prevalence increases with age), will be a key determinant of the Hypertension Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the existing practices are vital. Are there any standout practices within Armagh or nearby towns that consistently demonstrate excellence in hypertension management? This requires examining factors such as: adherence to established guidelines for diagnosis and treatment (e.g., those from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology), the use of evidence-based medications, and the implementation of lifestyle modification counseling. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing education on diet, exercise, and stress management, are more likely to achieve better blood pressure control rates. Data on patient satisfaction, gleaned from surveys or online reviews, can also offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided.

Technology plays an increasingly important role in modern healthcare, and its adoption within Armagh's primary care practices is a critical factor in our analysis. Telemedicine, for instance, offers significant potential for improving access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. Remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and online patient portals can facilitate more frequent monitoring, medication adjustments, and patient education, even when in-person visits are challenging. The Hypertension Score will consider the extent to which practices utilize these technologies. Practices embracing telemedicine and remote monitoring will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and proactive management.

The interplay between hypertension and mental health is well-documented. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Armagh and the integration of these resources into primary care practices are crucial considerations. Does the community have access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed therapists? Do primary care physicians screen patients for mental health conditions? Are there established referral pathways for patients needing mental health support? Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients, either through in-house services or strong referral networks, will contribute positively to the Hypertension Score. The presence of support groups, educational programs, or community resources focused on stress management and mental well-being will also be considered.

Specific practices within 15920 and the surrounding areas should be researched. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management, incorporating both medical and lifestyle interventions, is crucial. This includes assessing their use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and patient communication. EHR systems can facilitate the tracking of patient progress, medication adherence, and the identification of patients at high risk. The ability to generate reports on blood pressure control rates and other key metrics is also an important indicator of a practice's commitment to quality improvement.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology consultations or diabetes education programs, can enhance the overall care provided to patients with hypertension. Practices that have established relationships with specialists and offer coordinated care will likely achieve better outcomes. The availability of these services within a reasonable distance from Armagh is a factor in the overall assessment.

The geographic isolation of Armagh presents unique challenges. Transportation barriers, limited public transportation options, and the potential for long travel times to access specialized care can all impact patient outcomes. The Hypertension Score must consider the geographic accessibility of healthcare services, including the availability of transportation assistance programs or telehealth options to mitigate these challenges.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for Armagh, PA (ZIP Code 15920) is not a simple metric. It is a comprehensive assessment that considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, technological adoption, the integration of mental health resources, and geographic accessibility. This analysis highlights the need for a multi-faceted approach to improving hypertension management within the community.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Armagh and gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing hypertension management, we encourage you to explore the data using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping capabilities can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and the distribution of healthcare resources, ultimately leading to a more informed understanding of the challenges and opportunities within 15920.