16401, Albion, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16401, Albion, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.64 percent of the residents in 16401 has some form of health insurance. 47.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.75 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 16401 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 949 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16401. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 754 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 367 health care providers accessible to residents in 16401, Albion, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Albion, PA (ZIP Code 16401)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management capabilities within Albion, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16401), focusing on primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to assess the community's readiness to effectively manage hypertension and to identify areas for improvement. This analysis is not a medical recommendation.

Albion, a small borough in Erie County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural setting often translates to limited access to specialized medical care and a potentially aging population, both factors influencing hypertension prevalence and management effectiveness.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The foundation of hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio in Albion is crucial. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from the American Medical Association (AMA) and other relevant sources, is required to calculate this ratio accurately. A low ratio (meaning fewer physicians per capita) can indicate potential access barriers, such as longer wait times for appointments and increased patient load per physician. This can lead to less frequent monitoring and follow-up, which are critical for successful hypertension control.

Furthermore, analyzing the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is essential. Are practices concentrated in one area, or are they geographically dispersed? This impacts access for residents, particularly those with limited transportation options or mobility challenges. The availability of after-hours and weekend care is another critical factor. Hypertension management requires consistent monitoring, and the ability to access care outside of regular business hours can significantly improve patient outcomes.

**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices:**

The operational characteristics of primary care practices in Albion are vital. This includes the size of the practice, the types of services offered, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs). Larger practices may have more resources, such as dedicated nurses, medical assistants, and support staff, which can enhance hypertension management. EHR systems are essential for tracking patient data, monitoring blood pressure readings, and facilitating communication between healthcare providers.

Identifying standout practices involves looking for those that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management. This might include practices that:

* Employ standardized protocols for blood pressure measurement and follow-up.
* Offer patient education programs on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise.
* Utilize medication management strategies, including regular medication reviews and adjustments.
* Actively monitor and track patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates.
* Are participating in any quality improvement initiatives.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers significant potential to improve hypertension management in rural areas like Albion. It can reduce travel burdens, increase access to specialists, and facilitate remote monitoring of blood pressure. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices is essential. This includes determining:

* Whether practices offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments or medication refills.
* If they utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices.
* The availability of telehealth platforms that are HIPAA-compliant and easy for patients to use.

Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to be more accessible and responsive to patient needs, particularly for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

**Mental Health Resources Integration:**

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can elevate blood pressure and interfere with adherence to treatment plans. Integrating mental health resources into primary care is therefore crucial. This includes:

* The availability of on-site behavioral health providers, such as therapists or counselors.
* Referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community.
* Screening for mental health conditions as part of routine checkups.
* Educational materials on stress management techniques.

Practices that prioritize mental health integration are better equipped to provide holistic care and support patients in managing their hypertension.

**Overall Hypertension Score and Recommendations:**

Based on the analysis of the above factors, an overall 'Hypertension Score' can be assigned to the Albion community. This score would reflect the community's overall readiness to effectively manage hypertension. The score would be based on the quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration.

Recommendations for improvement might include:

* Increasing the number of primary care physicians in the area.
* Encouraging practices to adopt telemedicine technologies.
* Expanding access to mental health services.
* Implementing patient education programs.
* Promoting community-based initiatives to improve lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Albion, including the location of primary care practices, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the detailed mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's interactive maps can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and resource distribution, empowering you to make informed decisions about your health and the well-being of your community.