Health Scores Near 16340, Pittsfield, Pennsylvania
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The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16340, Pittsfield, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 96.00 percent of the residents in 16340 has some form of health insurance. 36.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.70 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 16340 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 403 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16340. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 364 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 529 health care providers accessible to residents in 16340, Pittsfield, Pennsylvania.
Health Scores in 16340, Pittsfield, Pennsylvania
| Hypertension Score | 29 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 41 |
| Provider Score | 44 |
| Hospital Score | 37 |
| Travel Score | 39 |
| 16340 | Pittsfield | Pennsylvania | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Hypertension Score Analysis: Pittsfield, PA (ZIP Code 16340)
This analysis assesses the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP Code 16340, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) and related resources in Pittsfield, Pennsylvania. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for effective hypertension management. This score will reflect the accessibility, quality, and integration of care elements within the community.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**
The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is consistent primary care. In Pittsfield, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. Accurate data on this ratio requires accessing publicly available databases and potentially contacting local healthcare providers. However, we can make some assumptions based on available information. Warren County, where Pittsfield is located, may face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially impacting the PCP-to-patient ratio negatively. A lower ratio indicates a higher patient load per physician, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced individual patient attention. This directly impacts the ability to monitor and manage hypertension effectively.
**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**
Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include: the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and patient tracking, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment (e.g., those from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology), and patient satisfaction scores. Practices demonstrating a commitment to these elements would likely receive a higher "Hypertension Score." Further, practices that offer comprehensive care, including lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise) and medication management, are essential.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**
Telemedicine offers significant advantages in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. It allows for remote monitoring of blood pressure, medication adherence checks, and virtual consultations. Practices actively embracing telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, would likely receive a higher score. This is especially important in rural areas like Pittsfield, where geographical barriers can limit access to care. The availability of secure and user-friendly telemedicine platforms is crucial for successful implementation.
**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**
Hypertension often co-exists with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. These conditions can significantly impact blood pressure control and overall patient well-being. Practices that integrate mental health services or have strong referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive a higher score. This could include on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health providers, or the use of validated screening tools for mental health conditions. This integrated approach is vital for holistic patient care.
**Medication Access and Affordability:**
The affordability and accessibility of medications are critical determinants of hypertension management success. Practices that assist patients in navigating medication costs, such as through generic drug prescriptions, patient assistance programs, or collaborations with local pharmacies, would receive a higher score. This includes addressing any potential barriers to medication adherence.
**Community Resources and Support:**
Beyond direct medical care, the availability of community resources plays a significant role. This includes access to healthy food options, exercise programs, and support groups for individuals with hypertension. Practices that actively connect patients with these resources, such as by providing referrals or offering educational materials, would receive a higher score.
**"Hypertension Score" Methodology and Assessment:**
The "Hypertension Score" for a practice or the overall community within ZIP Code 16340 would be based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weight reflecting its relative importance in hypertension management. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and adherence to clinical guidelines might receive higher weights than the availability of exercise programs. The score would be calculated based on data gathered from various sources, including public health data, practice websites, patient surveys (if available), and potentially direct contact with healthcare providers.
**Specific Challenges in Pittsfield:**
Pittsfield, as a rural community, may face specific challenges. These could include a limited number of healthcare providers, transportation difficulties for patients, and potential socioeconomic barriers to accessing care. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including efforts to recruit and retain physicians, expand telemedicine services, and connect patients with community resources.
**Data Sources and Limitations:**
Gathering accurate data for this analysis can be challenging. Publicly available data sources, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provide valuable demographic and health information. However, specific data on physician-to-patient ratios and practice-level details may require contacting healthcare providers directly. Limitations include the potential for incomplete data, the need to rely on self-reported information from practices, and the dynamic nature of healthcare services.
**Conclusion and Call to Action:**
Effective hypertension management is a complex undertaking, requiring a coordinated effort from healthcare providers, patients, and the community. This "Hypertension Score" analysis provides a framework for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension care within ZIP Code 16340. By understanding these factors, healthcare providers and community stakeholders can work together to improve access to care, enhance the quality of treatment, and ultimately improve the health outcomes for individuals with hypertension in Pittsfield.
To visualize the healthcare landscape in Pittsfield and identify areas of opportunity for improved access and care, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, resource availability, and other relevant data points.
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