16151, Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16151, Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 16151 has some form of health insurance. 23.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 16151 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 22 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16151. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,354 health care providers accessible to residents in 16151, Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16151 and Primary Care Availability in Sheakleyville**

Understanding the landscape of healthcare access, particularly concerning hypertension management, is crucial for the well-being of communities. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 16151, encompassing Sheakleyville, Pennsylvania, and assesses factors influencing hypertension care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and quality primary care. In Sheakleyville (ZIP code 16151), the physician-to-patient ratio serves as a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential difficulties in establishing a strong doctor-patient relationship – all of which can negatively impact hypertension control. Accurately determining this ratio requires accessing data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau. This information will provide a baseline understanding of the current healthcare capacity.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is also important. Are PCPs clustered in specific areas, leaving other parts of Sheakleyville underserved? Are there any ‘medical deserts’ where access to a primary care physician is severely limited? Addressing these geographic disparities is vital for ensuring equitable access to care.

Identifying standout practices within the 16151 ZIP code is another key aspect of this analysis. This requires researching practices that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. Factors to consider include patient outcomes (blood pressure control rates), patient satisfaction scores, and the adoption of evidence-based guidelines. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the American Medical Association, should be highlighted. These practices often implement innovative strategies like team-based care, patient education programs, and proactive outreach to patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

The integration of telemedicine is a significant factor in modern healthcare delivery. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Sheakleyville. It allows for virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management. The analysis should assess the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs in the area, including the types of services offered and the technologies used. Practices that have successfully implemented telemedicine programs can serve as models for others.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult for patients to adhere to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is an essential consideration. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors. The analysis should examine the level of integration between primary care and mental health services. Ideally, PCPs should have easy access to mental health specialists for referrals and collaborative care.

The availability of ancillary services also plays a crucial role. This includes access to diagnostic testing (e.g., blood work, electrocardiograms), pharmacies, and patient education resources. The analysis should assess the proximity of these services to PCPs and the ease with which patients can access them.

Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the availability of community-based resources that support hypertension management. This includes programs that provide education on healthy eating, exercise, and stress management. These resources can empower patients to take an active role in their own health.

Specific data points are critical. For example, the analysis should identify the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 16151 ZIP code. It should also investigate the average wait times for appointments, both for new patients and established patients. The percentage of patients with hypertension who have their blood pressure under control should be determined, using available data. The analysis should identify any specific barriers to care faced by patients in Sheakleyville, such as transportation challenges or financial constraints.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the PCPs in the area. Are there any specific populations, such as older adults or individuals with chronic conditions, who may be at higher risk for hypertension and require specialized care?

The analysis should also examine the use of electronic health records (EHRs) by PCPs in the area. EHRs can facilitate data sharing, improve care coordination, and enable the tracking of patient outcomes. The analysis should assess the interoperability of EHRs across different practices and healthcare providers.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Sheakleyville (ZIP code 16151) concerning hypertension management. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, this analysis can inform strategies to enhance healthcare access and improve patient outcomes.

This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the complex interplay of factors that influence hypertension care in Sheakleyville. Further investigation and data collection are necessary to gain a complete picture.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare resources, and patient demographics, explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. **Contact us today to see how CartoChrome maps can help you gain valuable insights and make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation in your community.**