16440, Venango, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16440, Venango, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.27 percent of the residents in 16440 has some form of health insurance. 45.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.55 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 16440 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 173 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16440. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 212 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 397 health care providers accessible to residents in 16440, Venango, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 16440 & Venango County

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP Code 16440 and its connection to primary care availability in Venango County requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to assess the landscape of hypertension care, focusing on physician resources, practice characteristics, and access to related support services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state and identify potential areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. Venango County, and specifically the area encompassed by 16440, needs to be assessed for its physician-to-patient ratio. This crucial metric indicates the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) available per a certain population size. A low ratio could suggest potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and inadequate follow-up care, ultimately impacting hypertension control rates. Conversely, a higher ratio generally indicates better access, potentially allowing for more proactive and preventative care strategies. Data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards would be essential to calculate this ratio accurately.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are physicians clustered in a central location, or are they dispersed throughout the area, ensuring accessibility for all residents, including those in rural or underserved communities? Geographic accessibility is a key factor. A practice located in a central area might be easily accessible for some, but challenging for those with limited transportation options or residing in remote areas. This can influence patient adherence to treatment plans and regular check-ups.

Identifying standout practices within 16440 is crucial. These practices often demonstrate exemplary hypertension management strategies. This requires an investigation into their specific protocols. Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment? Are they proactive in identifying patients at risk, for example, through routine blood pressure screenings? Do they implement comprehensive patient education programs, empowering individuals to understand their condition and actively participate in their care? Practices employing electronic health records (EHRs) with built-in clinical decision support tools may also be more effective in managing hypertension.

The integration of telemedicine into hypertension care is another critical aspect to assess. Telemedicine offers numerous advantages, especially in rural areas. It can improve access to care by reducing the need for in-person visits, particularly for routine follow-ups and medication adjustments. Telemedicine can also facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, allowing physicians to track patient progress and intervene promptly if needed. The analysis should determine the extent of telemedicine adoption by local practices, the types of services offered, and the patient populations served. Barriers to adoption, such as lack of internet access or patient comfort with technology, must also be considered.

Furthermore, the availability of mental health resources is an important factor. Hypertension and mental health are often intertwined. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder adherence to treatment plans. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and provide access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referral networks, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The analysis should examine the availability of these resources within the practices and the broader community, including the availability of mental health professionals, support groups, and educational materials.

Another key element to consider is the use of ancillary services. These include access to registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and other specialists who can provide support and education related to lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise. Practices that collaborate with these professionals can offer patients a more comprehensive approach to managing their hypertension. The analysis should assess the availability of these services and the extent to which they are integrated into the practices' care models.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the practices in 16440. Hypertension disproportionately affects certain populations, such as older adults, African Americans, and individuals with a family history of the condition. Practices that are aware of these disparities and tailor their care to meet the specific needs of their patients are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This involves considering cultural sensitivity and language proficiency.

Finally, the analysis should consider the use of data analytics to improve hypertension management. Practices that collect and analyze data on their patients' blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and other relevant factors can identify trends, track progress, and make data-driven decisions to improve care. This involves the use of EHRs and other tools to monitor patient outcomes and identify areas for improvement.

In conclusion, the hypertension score for physicians in 16440 and the primary care landscape in Venango County is complex. It's determined by a combination of factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the utilization of ancillary services. A thorough understanding of these factors is essential for developing strategies to improve hypertension management and promote better health outcomes for residents of this region.

For a visual representation of this complex landscape, including geographic distribution of physicians, access to care, and other relevant data, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a dynamic and insightful view of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to explore the data in a user-friendly and visually engaging way.