16507, Erie, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16507, Erie, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.50 percent of the residents in 16507 has some form of health insurance. 51.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.36 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 16507 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,860 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16507. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,023 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,019 health care providers accessible to residents in 16507, Erie, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Erie, PA (ZIP Code 16507) and Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the hypertension management landscape within Erie, Pennsylvania, particularly focusing on ZIP code 16507, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers factors crucial for effective hypertension control, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and access to supporting mental health resources. We aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses in this specific geographic area, ultimately informing strategies to improve patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective hypertension care lies in readily accessible primary care physicians (PCPs). In Erie, and specifically within the 16507 ZIP code, determining the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with publicly available information on physician practices, provides a starting point. However, this data needs refinement. We must consider the number of actively practicing PCPs, their patient panel sizes, and whether those panels are accepting new patients. A high physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with limited appointment availability, creates a significant barrier to timely diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a favorable ratio, with readily accessible appointments, is a positive indicator of a strong foundation for hypertension management. We would need to consider the specific number of PCPs, the patient population within 16507, and the average patient load per physician.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices significantly influence hypertension management. Practices that prioritize preventative care, including routine blood pressure screenings and patient education, are crucial. We would need to investigate the presence of dedicated hypertension clinics or programs within the 16507 area. Do practices utilize evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, such as those from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology? Are there protocols in place for medication management, including regular follow-up appointments and medication reconciliation? The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and their effective utilization is also a critical factor. EHRs facilitate the tracking of patient data, medication adherence, and blood pressure trends, allowing for proactive intervention and personalized care. We would need to assess the EHR systems in place and how they are utilized to manage hypertension patients.

The integration of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, particularly in areas with limited access to care. Telemedicine allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication adjustments. The adoption of telemedicine within primary care practices in 16507 is therefore a crucial factor in our analysis. We would need to determine which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the patient population that utilizes these services. Barriers to telemedicine adoption, such as lack of internet access or patient comfort with technology, should also be considered.

Hypertension often co-exists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact medication adherence, lifestyle choices, and overall health outcomes. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the 16507 area is a critical component of our analysis. We would need to assess the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, and their proximity to primary care practices. Do practices have integrated behavioral health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Access to mental health support, especially for patients with co-morbid conditions, is vital for comprehensive hypertension care.

Identifying standout practices within the 16507 ZIP code is a key objective. These practices may demonstrate superior hypertension control rates, patient satisfaction, or innovative approaches to care delivery. We would need to gather data on patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates, medication adherence, and hospital readmission rates. Patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into patient experiences. Practices that actively engage in patient education, promote healthy lifestyles, and utilize technology effectively should be highlighted as models of best practice. We would also need to consider practices that are actively participating in quality improvement initiatives related to hypertension management.

The availability of community resources also plays a role in hypertension control. Access to healthy food options, safe places for physical activity, and community health programs can support patients in making lifestyle changes that improve their blood pressure. We would need to assess the availability of these resources within the 16507 area and how primary care practices connect their patients with these resources. Partnerships between primary care practices and community organizations can be particularly effective in promoting healthy behaviors.

In conclusion, a comprehensive hypertension score analysis for doctors in ZIP code 16507 and primary care availability in Erie requires a detailed assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health and community resources. By evaluating these factors, we can identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in hypertension management within this specific geographic area. This analysis should inform strategies to improve patient outcomes, such as increasing access to care, promoting evidence-based treatment guidelines, and integrating mental health support.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of resources and the overall landscape of hypertension care in Erie, we recommend exploring the data with CartoChrome maps.