16222, Dayton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16222, Dayton, Pennsylvania is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.54 percent of the residents in 16222 has some form of health insurance. 28.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.55 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 16222 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 831 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16222. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 445 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 537 health care providers accessible to residents in 16222, Dayton, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Dayton, PA (ZIP Code 16222)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Dayton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16222) requires a multifaceted approach. We'll delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and examine the integration of mental health resources – all critical factors influencing the quality and accessibility of hypertension management. This analysis provides a "Hypertension Score" perspective, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Dayton, a small borough in Armstrong County, faces the typical challenges of rural healthcare. Primary care physician availability is a crucial starting point. Determining the exact number of practicing primary care physicians within the 16222 ZIP code is essential. Publicly available data, such as the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data, or resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, would be the starting point. This data is then cross-referenced with local directories and online physician finders to ensure accuracy.

Once the physician count is established, calculating the physician-to-patient ratio becomes paramount. This ratio provides a critical metric for understanding access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, increasing wait times, and potentially impacting the continuity of care – all factors that can negatively affect hypertension management. The population data for ZIP code 16222, available from the U.S. Census Bureau, is essential for this calculation.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices must be considered. Identifying standout practices within Dayton requires a review of several factors. This includes examining patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc. Analyzing the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment, such as blood pressure monitors, electrocardiograms (ECGs), and point-of-care testing, is also crucial. Practices demonstrating a commitment to preventative care, including regular blood pressure screenings and patient education, are highly desirable.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of the "Hypertension Score." The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges or limited mobility. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering secure video conferencing and patient portals for communication and data sharing, are likely to score higher in this analysis. Assessing the availability of telehealth services necessitates checking practice websites, contacting the practices directly, and reviewing insurance coverage for telehealth visits.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as vital for effective hypertension management. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure control. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. Investigating the availability of these resources involves reviewing practice websites, contacting the practices, and checking local mental health directories.

The "Hypertension Score" for Dayton, PA (ZIP code 16222) is ultimately a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate a robust primary care infrastructure with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, high-quality practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources. A lower score would reflect the opposite, highlighting potential challenges in accessing and managing hypertension care.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just about the raw numbers; it's about the patient experience. It encompasses the ease of access, the quality of care received, and the support provided to manage a chronic condition like hypertension effectively. The availability of educational materials, patient support groups, and culturally sensitive care are also important considerations.

Specific practices within Dayton that demonstrate a commitment to hypertension care would be identified based on the criteria outlined above. These practices might have longer appointment times, offer more comprehensive patient education, or actively participate in community health initiatives. They might also have a higher adoption rate of technology.

The landscape of healthcare is constantly evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, and the trend is likely to continue. Practices that are proactive in embracing new technologies and integrating mental health services are better positioned to provide high-quality hypertension care.

The "Hypertension Score" analysis is not a static assessment. It is a snapshot in time, and the healthcare landscape can change rapidly. Regular monitoring and updates are essential to maintain an accurate understanding of the local healthcare environment. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the current state of hypertension care in Dayton, PA, and identifies areas for improvement.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in Dayton, PA (ZIP code 16222), and visualize the distribution of resources, we encourage you to explore the power of data visualization.
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