16426, Mc Kean, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16426, Mc Kean, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.31 percent of the residents in 16426 has some form of health insurance. 43.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.83 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 16426 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 596 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16426. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 844 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 635 health care providers accessible to residents in 16426, Mc Kean, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16426 and Primary Care in McKean County

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the provision of primary care services in McKean County, specifically examining the availability of physicians within ZIP code 16426 and assessing factors relevant to hypertension management. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, identification of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The first critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 16426 is the initial step. This data, combined with the population of the area, allows for a crude calculation of the ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can suggest potential access challenges, including longer wait times for appointments and increased pressure on existing resources. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Census Bureau, coupled with professional databases, are essential for gathering this information.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is crucial. Are the physicians concentrated in a single location, or are they spread across the area, improving access for those in more remote locations? The presence of multiple practices, including those affiliated with larger healthcare systems or independent groups, also influences access. The size of the practices, the number of support staff (nurses, medical assistants), and the availability of extended hours or weekend appointments all contribute to the overall accessibility and quality of care.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, particularly hypertension management, should be recognized. This includes the consistent use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, regular blood pressure screenings, and patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, offering resources like self-monitoring tools, dietary advice, and exercise recommendations, are often more successful in controlling hypertension.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial aspect of this analysis. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like McKean County. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer more convenient appointments, reduce travel burdens, and provide ongoing support for patients managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The availability of telehealth platforms, the training of staff in telehealth technologies, and the reimbursement policies of insurance providers all influence the success of telemedicine adoption.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a critical component of comprehensive healthcare, especially for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This may include access to therapists, psychiatrists, or support groups. The availability of these resources, along with the willingness of physicians to address mental health concerns, is a key indicator of quality of care.

Assessing the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, endocrinology, and nephrology, is also important. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension often require the expertise of specialists. The proximity of these specialists, the ease of referral processes, and the ability to coordinate care between primary care physicians and specialists are all critical factors. Practices that have established strong relationships with specialists and have efficient referral systems are better positioned to provide comprehensive care.

Another factor to consider is the socioeconomic status of the population within ZIP code 16426. Poverty, limited access to healthy food options, and lack of transportation can all contribute to poor health outcomes, including uncontrolled hypertension. Practices that are aware of these social determinants of health and actively address them, perhaps through community outreach programs or partnerships with social service agencies, are more likely to achieve positive results.

Evaluating the quality of care also involves examining patient outcomes. Data on blood pressure control rates, rates of complications related to hypertension (e.g., stroke, heart attack), and patient satisfaction scores can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of healthcare services. While obtaining this type of data can be challenging due to privacy regulations and data collection limitations, it is a critical component of a comprehensive analysis.

Furthermore, the presence of a robust healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, pharmacies, and diagnostic facilities, is essential. The availability of these resources within a reasonable distance can significantly impact access to care. The quality of these facilities, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools, and the responsiveness of emergency services all contribute to the overall healthcare environment.

Finally, the level of health literacy within the community is an important factor. Patients who are well-informed about their health conditions, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications are more likely to actively participate in their care and achieve positive outcomes. Practices that prioritize patient education, provide clear and concise information, and offer culturally sensitive services are better equipped to empower their patients.

In conclusion, a comprehensive ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis for doctors in ZIP code 16426 and primary care availability in McKean County requires a detailed examination of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the availability of specialized services. It also necessitates consideration of socioeconomic factors, patient outcomes, healthcare infrastructure, and health literacy. This multifaceted approach provides a more complete picture of the healthcare landscape and highlights areas for improvement.

For a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and healthcare facilities within ZIP code 16426 and the surrounding areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of this data, allowing you to easily identify areas with high or low access to care and to analyze the relationships between various healthcare resources.