15923, Bolivar, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15923, Bolivar, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.84 percent of the residents in 15923 has some form of health insurance. 45.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.30 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 15923 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 381 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15923. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 362 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,825 health care providers accessible to residents in 15923, Bolivar, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Bolivar, PA (ZIP Code 15923)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management in Bolivar, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 15923) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering both the availability of primary care physicians and the resources dedicated to patient care. This analysis will attempt to create a ‘Hypertension Score’ by examining key factors impacting patient access, treatment, and overall health outcomes. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The first crucial element is primary care physician (PCP) availability. Bolivar, a small community, likely faces challenges in this area. A low physician-to-patient ratio is a significant red flag. A lack of sufficient PCPs can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and ultimately, poorer hypertension control. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing specific data, but the presence of a high ratio would significantly lower the Hypertension Score. The proximity of specialists, such as cardiologists, is also a critical consideration. While PCPs are the frontline in hypertension management, access to specialists is essential for complex cases or when medication adjustments are needed.

Standout practices, if any, would contribute positively to the score. Practices demonstrating a commitment to proactive hypertension management, such as regularly screening patients, employing evidence-based treatment guidelines, and providing patient education, deserve recognition. Identifying these practices involves reviewing their patient care protocols, examining their use of electronic health records (EHRs) for tracking patient data, and assessing their patient satisfaction scores. Practices that embrace a patient-centered approach, including shared decision-making and personalized care plans, would receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and medication management via telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for hypertension management would receive a boost to their score. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practice's workflow. The ease of access to technology and the digital literacy of the patient population are also relevant factors.

Mental health resources play a critical role in hypertension management. Stress and anxiety are known contributors to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, access to mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is crucial for comprehensive care. The presence of integrated mental health services within primary care practices or the availability of readily accessible referrals to mental health professionals would positively impact the Hypertension Score. This includes evaluating the availability of mental health screenings, the integration of mental health care into treatment plans, and the collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers.

Patient education is an essential aspect of successful hypertension management. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This includes assessing the availability of educational materials, the use of patient education tools, and the provision of ongoing support and guidance. Practices should be evaluated on their ability to empower patients to actively participate in their care.

Medication adherence is a frequent challenge. Practices that implement strategies to improve medication adherence, such as medication reconciliation, reminder systems, and patient counseling, would receive higher marks. This includes assessing the use of medication adherence tools, the provision of medication management services, and the availability of patient support programs. The practice's ability to address potential barriers to adherence, such as cost or side effects, is also critical.

The overall infrastructure supporting hypertension management is also important. This includes the availability of diagnostic equipment, such as blood pressure monitors and laboratory services, as well as the efficiency of the referral process. Practices with well-equipped facilities and streamlined workflows are better positioned to provide high-quality care.

Specific data points are crucial for generating a reliable Hypertension Score. These include the number of PCPs practicing in the ZIP code, the average patient panel size per PCP, the availability of specialists, the adoption rate of telemedicine, the availability of mental health services, and the presence of patient education programs. Without access to this data, the score remains an estimation based on generalized observations.

The Hypertension Score would be a composite metric, incorporating all the factors discussed above. It would be presented on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 100, with higher scores indicating a more robust and effective healthcare system for hypertension management. A score in the higher range would signify good access to care, proactive management strategies, and a patient-centered approach. A lower score would indicate potential areas for improvement, such as a shortage of PCPs, limited access to specialists, or a lack of resources for patient education and mental health support.

The final score would not be static; it would need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. Factors such as new practice openings, the adoption of new technologies, and changes in healthcare policies could all impact the score. The score is designed to provide a snapshot of the current situation, offering a valuable tool for healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension management in Bolivar, PA (15923) requires a detailed analysis of several factors, from physician availability to mental health resources. A comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare system is essential to create a meaningful Hypertension Score.

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