15937, Jerome, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 15937, Jerome, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 15937 has some form of health insurance. 47.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.99 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 15937 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 78 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 15937. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 135 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,830 health care providers accessible to residents in 15937, Jerome, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Jerome, PA (ZIP Code 15937)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within Jerome, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 15937) requires a multifaceted approach, particularly concerning hypertension management. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess their capacity to manage hypertension, and gauge the integration of modern healthcare practices like telemedicine and mental health support. This comprehensive evaluation will culminate in a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" reflecting the overall quality of care available to residents.

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is accessible primary care. In Jerome, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Without specific data on the number of practicing primary care physicians and the total population within the ZIP code, a precise ratio cannot be calculated. However, we can infer potential challenges. Rural areas often face physician shortages, meaning that the available doctors may be stretched thin, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. This scarcity can directly impact a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling – all vital components of hypertension control.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Evaluating standout practices involves considering several factors. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have a dedicated team of nurses and support staff trained in hypertension management? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, facilitate communication, and generate reminders for follow-up appointments? Practices that excel in these areas are more likely to deliver superior hypertension care.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural settings. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruptions to their daily routines. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The availability of virtual consultations for medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and lifestyle counseling can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and ultimately, improve hypertension control. Assessing the extent to which practices in Jerome have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients, is a key component of the Hypertension Score.

The relationship between mental health and hypertension is increasingly recognized. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is an important consideration. Does Jerome have access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists? Are these resources integrated with primary care practices, facilitating seamless referrals and coordinated care? Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care, which is critical for effective hypertension management.

The "Hypertension Score" would be a composite metric, reflecting the availability of primary care, the quality of individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each of these factors would be assigned a weighted score based on its relative importance. A high score would indicate a community with excellent access to high-quality hypertension care, while a low score would signal areas for improvement.

For example, a practice that has a high physician-to-patient ratio, offers telemedicine options, has a dedicated team for hypertension management, and integrates mental health services would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice that has a limited physician-to-patient ratio, does not offer telemedicine, and lacks mental health integration would receive a lower score.

The specific data points needed to calculate this score would include: the number of primary care physicians in the ZIP code, the patient volume of each practice, the availability of extended hours and weekend appointments, the utilization of EHRs, the availability of telemedicine services, the integration of mental health services, and the number of mental health professionals in the community. Gathering and analyzing this data would provide a more accurate and actionable assessment of the hypertension care landscape in Jerome.

Furthermore, analyzing the demographics of the patient population is crucial. Are there specific populations within Jerome, such as the elderly or those with lower socioeconomic status, who may face greater challenges in accessing care? Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions, such as outreach programs, financial assistance, and culturally sensitive healthcare services.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension care in Jerome requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors. While the specific data needed for a precise "Hypertension Score" is unavailable, the framework outlined provides a valuable roadmap for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in this community. The analysis highlights the importance of accessible primary care, quality practices, telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources.

Want to visualize this data and explore the healthcare landscape of Jerome and surrounding areas? Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and resources in your community.