16423, Lake City, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16423, Lake City, Pennsylvania is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.01 percent of the residents in 16423 has some form of health insurance. 41.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.44 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 16423 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,119 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16423. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 666 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 582 health care providers accessible to residents in 16423, Lake City, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Lake City, PA (ZIP Code 16423)**

This analysis assesses the landscape of hypertension management within the Lake City, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16423) area, focusing on primary care availability, physician practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, assigning a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" based on the availability and quality of resources crucial for effectively managing this prevalent condition. This score is a composite, reflecting various factors, and is not a formal medical rating.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Lake City, a relatively small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: potential shortages of primary care physicians and specialists. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially impact appointment availability and the time doctors can dedicate to each patient. Publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), would be essential to determine the actual physician-to-patient ratio within the 16423 ZIP code. If the ratio is unfavorable, it could negatively impact the Hypertension Score.

The quality of care provided by individual practices is also critical. We need to evaluate the practices within the area. Are there any standout practices? Are they accepting new patients? Do they have a reputation for patient-centered care? This would involve researching online reviews, patient testimonials (if available), and any public recognition or awards the practices may have received. Practices that prioritize preventive care, offer comprehensive blood pressure monitoring, and provide patient education would likely receive a higher rating. Conversely, practices with a history of poor patient reviews or limited services would detract from the overall score.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its adoption within the Lake City primary care landscape is a crucial factor. Does the area's primary care infrastructure offer telemedicine options for follow-up appointments, medication management, or even initial consultations? Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living far from the clinic. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine would contribute positively to the Hypertension Score. Limited or no telemedicine options would be a significant drawback.

Effective hypertension management often requires a holistic approach, acknowledging the influence of mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore a vital component of our analysis. Are there local therapists, counselors, or psychiatrists? Are these resources accessible and affordable? Do primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health services? The presence of readily available mental health support would significantly enhance the Hypertension Score. A lack of such resources would be a major concern.

To assign a hypothetical Hypertension Score, we would need to consider each of these factors and assign them weighted values. For example, physician-to-patient ratio could account for 20% of the score, practice quality 30%, telemedicine adoption 25%, and mental health resources 25%. Each factor would then be evaluated based on available data. A high physician-to-patient ratio would reduce the score, while a low ratio would increase it. Practices with excellent reviews and comprehensive services would receive a higher score, while those with limited services would receive a lower score. Practices with robust telemedicine programs would score higher than those without. The availability of mental health resources would also contribute to the score.

For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio in Lake City is significantly higher than the national average, this would negatively impact the score. If the primary care practices have mixed reviews, this would have a neutral effect. If some practices offer telemedicine options, this would provide a small boost. If there are limited mental health resources, this would significantly reduce the score.

The final Hypertension Score would reflect the overall picture of hypertension management resources in the 16423 ZIP code. This score is not a definitive measure of the quality of care, but it can be used to identify areas where improvements are needed.

This analysis would need to be updated periodically, as the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The availability of physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources can change rapidly. Regular updates would ensure that the Hypertension Score remains relevant and useful.

This analysis, while aiming for specificity, is limited by the absence of real-time, granular data. A true assessment requires access to comprehensive information on physician practices, patient demographics, insurance coverage, and other relevant factors.

This analysis highlights the importance of having accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible information about healthcare resources. Such data is crucial for patients seeking care, healthcare providers, and policymakers working to improve community health.

This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management within Lake City, Pennsylvania. It underscores the importance of accessible primary care, the benefits of telemedicine, and the crucial role of mental health support.

For a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and demographic data within the 16423 ZIP code, consider exploring interactive maps and data visualizations.