16226, Ford City, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16226, Ford City, Pennsylvania is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.12 percent of the residents in 16226 has some form of health insurance. 39.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.73 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 16226 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,748 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16226. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,648 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 615 health care providers accessible to residents in 16226, Ford City, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Ford City, PA (ZIP Code 16226)**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within Ford City, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16226) necessitates a multi-faceted approach, particularly focusing on hypertension management. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, identify potential standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and examine the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components in providing comprehensive hypertension care. This analysis is not a definitive ranking, but rather a detailed assessment designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in readily accessible primary care. Ford City, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, including a potential shortage of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. Ideally, a lower ratio indicates greater access to care. However, precise data on this ratio for ZIP Code 16226 is difficult to obtain without direct access to proprietary datasets. Publicly available resources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments could offer insights, though they may reflect broader county-level data rather than the specific ZIP code.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. Practices excelling in hypertension management often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based guidelines, regular patient monitoring, and patient education. They may utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. Furthermore, practices that actively engage patients in their care through shared decision-making and personalized treatment plans are likely to achieve better outcomes. Determining these "standout" practices requires a review of patient satisfaction surveys, quality metrics (if publicly available), and potentially, interviews with local healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, especially in rural areas, to bridge geographical barriers and expand access to care. The adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care physicians in Ford City is a key consideration. Practices embracing telemedicine can offer remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management support. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of virtual appointment options, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into existing workflows.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. Practices that offer on-site behavioral health services, referrals to mental health specialists, or incorporate mental health screening into routine visits are better positioned to provide holistic care. Assessing this integration involves examining the availability of mental health professionals within practices, the use of mental health screening tools, and the presence of collaborative care models.

The challenge of obtaining granular data at the ZIP code level is significant. Publicly available data sources often provide information at the county or regional level, making it difficult to pinpoint specific trends within Ford City. Furthermore, privacy regulations limit the availability of patient-level data. Therefore, this analysis relies on a synthesis of available information, potential data gaps, and informed assumptions.

The availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A shortage of physicians can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in hypertension diagnosis and treatment. The physician-to-patient ratio provides a general indication of access, but it does not capture the nuances of individual practice availability, insurance acceptance, or patient preferences.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into quality metrics. Practices that consistently achieve optimal blood pressure control rates, demonstrate high patient satisfaction scores, and actively engage patients in their care are likely to be considered leaders in hypertension management. These metrics, however, may not be readily available for all practices.

Telemedicine adoption is a dynamic area. The use of telehealth platforms, remote monitoring devices, and virtual consultations can significantly enhance access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires a review of practice websites, patient testimonials, and potentially, interviews with local healthcare providers.

The integration of mental health resources is essential for holistic hypertension care. Practices that offer on-site behavioral health services, provide referrals to mental health specialists, or incorporate mental health screening into routine visits are better positioned to address the complex interplay between mental and physical health. This integration can be assessed by reviewing practice websites, examining patient records, and potentially, interviewing healthcare professionals.

Ford City's healthcare landscape, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges related to physician shortages, limited access to specialized services, and potential disparities in care. However, the community may also possess strengths, such as strong community ties, dedicated healthcare professionals, and a willingness to embrace innovative solutions.

The ability to visualize and analyze healthcare data geographically is essential for understanding access and identifying areas for improvement. Mapping tools can help identify areas with limited access to primary care, visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, and assess the impact of telemedicine adoption.

For a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ford City and other areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers advanced mapping and data visualization capabilities, enabling you to explore healthcare data geographically, identify trends, and make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps today to gain a clearer picture of your community's healthcare needs.