16546, Erie, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16546, Erie, Pennsylvania is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.60 percent of the residents in 16546 has some form of health insurance. 3.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 98.49 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 16546 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 327 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16546. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,027 health care providers accessible to residents in 16546, Erie, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Erie, PA (ZIP Code 16546)**

Analyzing the availability of quality primary care, specifically for managing hypertension within Erie, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. Focusing on ZIP Code 16546, a detailed assessment must consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses in addressing this critical public health concern.

The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 16546 and the broader Erie area is a fundamental indicator of access. Unfortunately, precise, real-time data on this metric is often difficult to obtain due to constant fluctuations in physician availability and patient demographics. However, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from healthcare provider directories, allows for estimations. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally signifies better access to care. The challenge lies in the uneven distribution of physicians. Some areas may be underserved, while others are oversupplied.

Within Erie, and specifically within 16546, several primary care practices stand out. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This includes regular blood pressure monitoring, medication management, lifestyle counseling (diet and exercise), and patient education. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively are often better equipped to track patient data, identify at-risk individuals, and provide timely interventions. Some practices may also have specialized programs or certifications focused on hypertension management, further enhancing their capabilities.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly crucial, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and monitoring of blood pressure readings. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient access, particularly for those with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or geographical limitations. The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the integration of telemedicine platforms with existing EHR systems. Practices that offer virtual visits alongside in-person appointments often provide a more flexible and patient-centered approach.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is essential. This can take several forms, including on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and the use of screening tools to identify patients with mental health concerns. Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their patients are better positioned to provide holistic care and improve hypertension outcomes.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources requires examining the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the ease of referral to external mental health providers, and the availability of mental health support groups or educational programs. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide access to appropriate resources are better equipped to address the complex needs of patients with hypertension.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for physicians in ZIP Code 16546 would be a composite measure, factoring in the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate better access to care, a greater emphasis on evidence-based practices, and a more patient-centered approach.

The physician-to-patient ratio would be a foundational element, influencing the accessibility of care. The presence of standout practices, with their comprehensive hypertension management programs, would significantly boost the score. The adoption of telemedicine would also be a positive factor, enhancing patient access and convenience. Finally, the integration of mental health resources would be a crucial component, reflecting the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of hypertension management.

To improve the "Hypertension Score," healthcare providers in Erie, particularly those within 16546, should focus on several key areas. They should strive to increase the physician-to-patient ratio through recruitment and retention efforts. They should adopt evidence-based hypertension management guidelines and invest in EHR systems to improve data tracking and patient care coordination.

Furthermore, they should expand their telemedicine capabilities to reach a wider patient population. Finally, they should prioritize the integration of mental health resources, either through on-site professionals or strong referral networks. These efforts would collectively contribute to a more robust and effective healthcare system for managing hypertension.

Analyzing this data requires a visual representation. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive platform to visualize physician density, practice locations, and the distribution of resources related to hypertension management. By using CartoChrome maps, healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers can gain a clearer understanding of the healthcare landscape, identify areas of need, and make informed decisions to improve access to care and hypertension outcomes.