16154, Transfer, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16154, Transfer, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.91 percent of the residents in 16154 has some form of health insurance. 43.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.47 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 16154 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 247 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16154. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 495 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,156 health care providers accessible to residents in 16154, Transfer, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 16154 & Primary Care in Transfer

The analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 16154, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, a critical factor in controlling this prevalent condition. The geographic scope extends to consider the broader context of primary care access in Transfer, the municipality encompassing this ZIP code. A “Hypertension Score,” though not a formal metric, is implicitly constructed through the assessment of various factors influencing patient care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of mental health support. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to residents of this area struggling with hypertension.

One of the most immediate concerns is the physician-to-patient ratio. A scarcity of primary care physicians can significantly hinder timely diagnosis, consistent monitoring, and effective treatment plans for hypertension. The ideal ratio, which allows for adequate patient care, is often considered to be around 1:1500. Analyzing the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 16154 ZIP code and the surrounding Transfer area, in relation to the population, is crucial. This requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and cross-referencing it with population estimates. A high ratio, indicating a relative shortage of physicians, would negatively impact the Hypertension Score. Conversely, a favorable ratio, suggesting sufficient access, would contribute positively. This data point alone, however, doesn't tell the full story.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices plays a vital role. Are practices accepting new patients? Are they equipped with the latest diagnostic tools, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring devices? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patients' schedules? Practices that prioritize patient convenience and utilize evidence-based practices will naturally contribute to a higher Hypertension Score. Examining the accreditation status of these practices, their participation in quality improvement programs, and patient reviews can provide valuable insights into the standard of care. Practices actively participating in initiatives that improve hypertension management, such as the Million Hearts campaign, would be viewed more favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management can significantly improve hypertension control, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Assessing the extent to which primary care practices in 16154 and Transfer utilize telemedicine platforms is essential. Practices offering virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring, and secure messaging systems would receive a higher score. The ease of access to these technologies, the training provided to both physicians and patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care workflow are all important considerations.

The often-overlooked connection between mental health and hypertension control is also vital. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is therefore crucial. Practices that integrate behavioral health services, either through on-site therapists or established referral networks, would contribute positively to the Hypertension Score. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals in the area, the waiting times for appointments, and the accessibility of these services for patients with hypertension is essential.

Furthermore, the availability of patient education materials and support groups can significantly improve hypertension management. Practices that provide patients with educational resources, such as brochures, websites, or group classes, empower them to take an active role in their care. The existence of local support groups, where patients can share experiences and learn from each other, can also improve adherence to treatment plans and overall well-being. Evaluating the availability and accessibility of these resources is an important aspect of the analysis.

Standout practices within the 16154 ZIP code and Transfer area would be those that excel in several of these areas. These might include practices with favorable physician-to-patient ratios, a commitment to patient convenience through extended hours and telemedicine, a focus on quality improvement initiatives, and the integration of mental health services. Identifying and highlighting these exemplary practices can provide valuable insights for patients seeking care and can serve as a model for other practices to emulate. These practices would likely have a higher Hypertension Score.

The overall Hypertension Score for the 16154 ZIP code and Transfer area would be a composite measure reflecting the strengths and weaknesses across all these dimensions. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing quality hypertension care, while a high score would suggest a more favorable environment. The analysis would identify areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine adoption, and improving access to mental health resources.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to residents of 16154 and Transfer struggling with hypertension. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient education initiatives, a more nuanced picture of the healthcare landscape emerges. This information can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, ultimately leading to improved hypertension control and better health outcomes for the community.

For a visual representation of this data and a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in 16154 and Transfer, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their mapping solutions provide valuable insights into healthcare access and resource distribution, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health and well-being.