16731, Eldred, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16731, Eldred, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.58 percent of the residents in 16731 has some form of health insurance. 45.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.58 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 16731 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 431 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16731. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 559 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 393 health care providers accessible to residents in 16731, Eldred, Pennsylvania.

This analysis focuses on hypertension management within ZIP code 16731, specifically evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Eldred, Pennsylvania, to assess the local capacity for hypertension control. This is crucial because effective hypertension management hinges on consistent access to primary care, where regular monitoring, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling can occur.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Eldred and the surrounding areas of ZIP code 16731 is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially poorer outcomes for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be essential to determine the precise physician-to-population ratio. This data would need to be carefully analyzed to account for the number of active PCPs, their patient panel sizes, and the overall population demographics within the specified geographic area.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the community is also vital. Are the existing physicians clustered in one area, or are they geographically dispersed, offering reasonable access to care for all residents? This is particularly relevant in a rural area like Eldred, where transportation challenges and limited public transit options can exacerbate access disparities. Analyzing the location of practices relative to population centers, and considering factors like accessibility for elderly or disabled patients, is essential for a comprehensive assessment.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code requires an evaluation of several factors. This includes the availability of comprehensive services, such as on-site laboratory testing, which can expedite diagnosis and treatment adjustments. Practices that actively engage in patient education, offering resources on healthy eating, exercise, and stress management, are also highly valued. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals is crucial for facilitating communication, medication management, and remote monitoring, all of which contribute to improved hypertension control.

Telemedicine adoption is another key indicator of quality and accessibility. The ability to offer virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans, especially for those with mobility limitations or residing in remote areas. Examining which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the patient satisfaction levels with these services is crucial. Practices that have embraced telehealth demonstrate a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, which is particularly beneficial for managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

The integration of mental health resources within primary care settings is increasingly recognized as essential for comprehensive hypertension management. Stress and anxiety are significant contributors to elevated blood pressure, and addressing these issues can improve treatment outcomes. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. Evaluating the availability of these resources, and the level of collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers, is a crucial aspect of this analysis.

The availability of specialized resources, such as certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians, is also important. Hypertension often coexists with other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, and having access to specialists who can provide tailored guidance on lifestyle modifications can significantly improve patient outcomes. Examining the presence of these specialists within the practices, or their availability through referral networks, is vital.

To assess the overall quality of care, it is necessary to consider patient outcomes data, such as the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure. This data can be obtained from various sources, including health insurance providers or through publicly available reports. However, it is important to note that this data may not always be readily available and requires careful interpretation, considering factors like patient demographics and socioeconomic status.

Analyzing the local healthcare landscape also involves understanding the payer mix. Does the area have a high concentration of Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries? This can impact the resources available to the practices. Practices that participate in value-based care models, where reimbursement is tied to quality metrics, are often more focused on preventative care and chronic disease management.

The overall assessment of hypertension management in Eldred (ZIP code 16731) must consider the challenges inherent in rural healthcare settings. These include physician shortages, limited access to specialized services, and transportation barriers. The strategies to improve hypertension control include strengthening the primary care infrastructure, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health services into primary care.

To conclude, a thorough analysis of hypertension management in Eldred (ZIP code 16731) involves a multifaceted approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient outcomes. This analysis is essential for identifying areas for improvement and ensuring that residents have access to the high-quality care they need to manage their hypertension effectively.

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