16150, Sharpsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16150, Sharpsville, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.70 percent of the residents in 16150 has some form of health insurance. 45.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.18 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 16150 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,398 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16150. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,547 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,978 health care providers accessible to residents in 16150, Sharpsville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Sharpsville, PA (ZIP Code 16150)

Analyzing the state of hypertension management within Sharpsville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16150), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the available primary care resources, their capacity to address hypertension, and the overall healthcare landscape impacting residents' ability to control this significant health risk. We'll evaluate factors including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources – all critical elements in effectively managing hypertension.

Sharpsville, a small borough in Mercer County, faces challenges common to rural areas. These include potential limitations in healthcare access and the availability of specialized services. The success of hypertension management hinges on the accessibility and quality of primary care, which serves as the cornerstone of preventative care and ongoing management.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The physician-to-patient ratio in Sharpsville is a crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas often experience lower ratios compared to urban centers. This means fewer doctors are available to serve a potentially larger population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential difficulties in establishing consistent care.

To accurately assess the situation, we must consider the types of primary care providers available. Are there enough family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners? The presence of these professionals directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely diagnoses, treatment, and ongoing monitoring for hypertension. The availability of specialists like cardiologists, while not primary care, is also important.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within Sharpsville is essential. These practices, if present, would likely demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This could include robust patient education programs, readily available blood pressure monitoring, and adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines. These practices might utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, facilitate communication, and ensure consistent care.

The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within a practice would be particularly beneficial. These professionals can provide specialized support for patients managing hypertension, especially those with co-morbidities like diabetes. Practices that prioritize patient engagement and provide resources for lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) are also highly valuable.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Consideration:**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address healthcare access challenges in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Sharpsville is a crucial factor. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation issues.

Effective telemedicine implementation requires several components. These include secure video conferencing platforms, patient portals for communication and data sharing, and the ability to remotely monitor blood pressure and other vital signs. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide consistent care and follow-up appointments, especially for patients managing hypertension.

**Mental Health Resources: An Overlooked Component:**

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. The integration of mental health resources within primary care is therefore critical. This could involve on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or the availability of resources for stress management and coping strategies.

Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions and offer appropriate referrals are better equipped to provide holistic care. Addressing the psychological aspects of hypertension management can lead to improved patient outcomes and better adherence to treatment plans. The absence of mental health support is a significant weakness in any hypertension management strategy.

**Specifics and Nuances:**

Without access to real-time, granular data on individual practices, a precise ranking is impossible. However, the analysis can be framed by hypothetical scenarios. A practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, offering telemedicine, integrated mental health services, and robust patient education would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited access, no telemedicine, and a lack of mental health support would receive a lower score.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Sharpsville would be a composite reflecting the average performance of the available primary care resources. This score would be influenced by the factors discussed: accessibility, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services. The availability of specialist care, such as cardiology, would also positively influence the score.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Effectively managing hypertension in Sharpsville requires a collaborative effort. This includes accessible primary care, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The success of this effort is critical to improving the health and well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Sharpsville, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and related resources, consider exploring the power of **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome can help visualize the distribution of healthcare providers, identify areas of high need, and support informed decision-making for both patients and healthcare professionals.