15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.38 percent of the residents in 15928 has some form of health insurance. 33.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.90 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 15928 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 351 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15928. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 622 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,072 health care providers accessible to residents in 15928, Davidsville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Davidsville, PA (ZIP Code 15928)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within Davidsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15928) requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, evaluate their practices regarding hypertension treatment, and consider the broader healthcare ecosystem, including telemedicine and mental health support. This analysis culminates in a "Hypertension Score" assessment, providing a snapshot of the area's strengths and weaknesses in addressing this prevalent health concern.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Davidsville, a rural community, faces inherent challenges in physician distribution. Physician-to-patient ratios are critical metrics. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can lead to appointment delays, reduced patient-physician interaction time, and ultimately, compromised hypertension control. Publicly available data, such as those from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code. This ratio forms a core component of our score.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. We must consider the practices' adherence to established hypertension guidelines. This includes the frequency of blood pressure screenings, the use of evidence-based medication protocols, and the implementation of lifestyle modification counseling. Practices that proactively engage in these activities, such as offering nutritional guidance, promoting exercise programs, and providing smoking cessation support, receive higher marks. Information on these practices can be gathered through physician directories, patient reviews, and potentially, through surveys of local healthcare providers.

Identifying "standout practices" is crucial. These are the practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. They may have a higher percentage of patients achieving blood pressure control, a robust patient education program, or a dedicated team focused on chronic disease management. These practices serve as models for others, and their success stories can be leveraged to improve overall community health. Assessing these practices requires a deep dive into their operational practices and patient outcomes.

Telemedicine offers a significant opportunity to improve hypertension care, especially in rural areas. It expands access to care, reduces travel burdens, and allows for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure readings. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their hypertension management programs receive a higher score. This includes offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and secure communication platforms for patient-physician interaction. The adoption rate of telemedicine is therefore a critical factor.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate high blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a vital component of our analysis. The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, is assessed. The ease of access to these resources, including insurance coverage and wait times, also influences the score. A community with strong mental health support systems is better equipped to manage the complex needs of individuals with hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" itself is a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed. It is not a single, absolute number but rather a nuanced assessment. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each component is weighted based on its relative importance. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio would significantly lower the score, while a practice with excellent hypertension management protocols would increase it. The final score provides a comprehensive overview of the community's capacity to address hypertension.

The score also considers the potential for health disparities. Are specific populations, such as those with lower socioeconomic status or limited access to transportation, disproportionately affected by poor hypertension control? Addressing these disparities is a key component of effective public health initiatives. The analysis would identify any existing disparities and highlight areas where targeted interventions are needed.

The data sources used to construct the score are crucial. Publicly available data, physician directories, patient reviews, and potentially, surveys of local healthcare providers are utilized. The reliability and accuracy of the data directly impact the validity of the score. Transparency in data sources and methodology is essential to ensure the credibility of the assessment.

The "Hypertension Score" is not static. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. New physicians entering the area, the adoption of new technologies, and the expansion of mental health services can all impact the score. Regular reassessment ensures that the score remains a relevant and useful tool for monitoring and improving hypertension management in Davidsville.

The analysis also considers the challenges faced by healthcare providers in a rural setting. Limited access to specialists, transportation barriers for patients, and the financial constraints of operating in a smaller community can all impact the delivery of care. The score acknowledges these challenges and seeks to identify strategies for overcoming them.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension management in Davidsville (ZIP code 15928) requires a comprehensive evaluation. The "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem. This score serves as a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.

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