16734, James City, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16734, James City, Pennsylvania is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.04 percent of the residents in 16734 has some form of health insurance. 44.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.98 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 16734 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 31 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16734. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 51 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 64 health care providers accessible to residents in 16734, James City, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: James City, PA (ZIP Code 16734)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within James City, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 16734) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider several key metrics, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, to formulate a "Hypertension Score" for the area. This score, though not a single numerical value, will represent a holistic assessment of the community's capacity to effectively manage and treat hypertension.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In James City, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A high ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians relative to the population, can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent follow-up appointments, and ultimately, poorer control of hypertension. Researching the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards provides valuable insights. A low ratio, meaning a sufficient number of primary care physicians, suggests a stronger foundation for hypertension care. Conversely, a high ratio necessitates strategies to improve access, such as expanding telehealth services or recruiting more physicians.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the existing primary care practices are crucial. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient schedules? Do they participate in value-based care models that incentivize improved patient outcomes? Practices that embrace these features are more likely to provide proactive and comprehensive hypertension care. Identifying standout practices within James City is essential. This involves researching practices known for their commitment to hypertension management. Are they using evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment? Do they have dedicated staff, such as nurses or pharmacists, to support patients with hypertension? Are they actively monitoring patient blood pressure and adjusting medications as needed? A practice that excels in these areas would receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Hypertension Score. Telehealth can bridge geographical barriers, improve access to care for patients with mobility limitations, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of blood pressure. The extent to which primary care practices in James City utilize telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management, significantly impacts the score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly those offering remote blood pressure monitoring programs, are better positioned to provide effective hypertension management.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in hypertension care, yet it plays a vital role. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health services within the community, and the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with mental health providers, are essential considerations. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists will receive a higher score. The integration of mental health support enhances the overall effectiveness of hypertension management.

The availability of resources for patient education and self-management also contributes to the Hypertension Score. Practices that provide patients with educational materials about hypertension, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence are more likely to see improved patient outcomes. This includes access to educational materials in multiple languages, if needed, and the use of patient portals or mobile apps to facilitate communication and information sharing.

Furthermore, the presence of community resources, such as support groups or exercise programs specifically designed for individuals with hypertension, can supplement the care provided by primary care physicians. The availability of these resources, and the extent to which practices promote them, are important factors in the overall score.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the James City population. The prevalence of hypertension varies across different demographic groups. Understanding the specific needs of the community, including factors like age, race, and socioeconomic status, is crucial for tailoring hypertension management strategies.

The final assessment will consider the collective strength of these factors. A high Hypertension Score would indicate a community with a robust primary care infrastructure, a high degree of telemedicine adoption, strong integration of mental health resources, and a commitment to patient education and self-management. Conversely, a low score would highlight areas where improvements are needed to enhance hypertension care.

This analysis, focusing on the key elements, provides a comprehensive assessment of the hypertension care landscape in James City, PA. It identifies strengths and weaknesses, providing a foundation for targeted interventions and improvements. The goal is to improve the overall health and well-being of the community by optimizing hypertension management.

For visualizing the data and understanding the geographical distribution of these factors, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize physician locations, access to telemedicine, and other relevant data points, providing a clear and concise overview of the hypertension care landscape in James City, PA, and beyond.