16745, Rixford, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16745, Rixford, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.94 percent of the residents in 16745 has some form of health insurance. 45.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.42 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 16745 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 144 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16745. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 235 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 397 health care providers accessible to residents in 16745, Rixford, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 16745 and Primary Care in Rixford

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area, such as ZIP code 16745 (which encompasses Rixford, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on hypertension management, a critical public health concern, and assesses the availability and quality of primary care services, crucial for early detection and effective treatment. The goal is to provide a ‘Hypertension Score’ assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately offering insights into the landscape of care in this region.

The initial assessment begins with physician-to-patient ratios. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, presents a significant challenge to accessing timely care. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and relevant professional organizations would be necessary to determine the precise ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) within 16745. This data would then be compared against state and national averages. A ratio significantly exceeding the state average would negatively impact the Hypertension Score. This is because fewer PCPs translate to longer wait times for appointments, hindering the proactive management of hypertension.

The availability of specialists, particularly cardiologists and nephrologists, is also crucial. Hypertension often requires a multi-disciplinary approach, and access to these specialists is essential for complex cases or when initial treatments prove ineffective. The presence of these specialists within a reasonable commuting distance, or through established referral networks, would positively influence the Hypertension Score. The lack of such specialists would be a significant detriment.

Evaluating the practices themselves is the next step. Identifying ‘standout practices’ involves assessing several factors. Does the practice offer comprehensive hypertension management programs, including regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling (diet and exercise), and medication management? Are they utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for seamless data sharing and improved patient care coordination? Do they have a dedicated care team, including nurses, medical assistants, and potentially, a certified diabetes educator or registered dietitian? Practices excelling in these areas would contribute positively to the overall Hypertension Score. Conversely, practices lacking these features would negatively impact the score.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access care remotely. This includes virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management. The extent to which practices in 16745 have adopted telemedicine would significantly influence the Hypertension Score. Practices embracing telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, and utilizing remote monitoring devices would receive a higher score. Those with limited or no telemedicine capabilities would receive a lower score, potentially hindering access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of hypertension management, but they are critically important. Chronic conditions like hypertension can significantly impact mental well-being, and conversely, mental health challenges can exacerbate hypertension. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, within the community is therefore a crucial factor. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices would be particularly beneficial, allowing for a more holistic approach to patient care. The lack of accessible mental health resources would negatively affect the Hypertension Score, as it could hinder patients' ability to manage their condition effectively.

The specific location, Rixford, Pennsylvania, within the 16745 ZIP code, requires further consideration. Rixford is a small community, and the availability of primary care services within the town itself might be limited. This would necessitate an assessment of the distance patients need to travel to access primary care. The availability of public transportation or other transportation assistance programs would also be relevant. Longer travel times and limited transportation options would negatively impact the Hypertension Score, potentially leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

To arrive at a final Hypertension Score, a weighted scoring system would be used. Each of the factors discussed – physician-to-patient ratio, specialist availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score for each factor would be determined based on the specific data collected. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might receive a low score, while a practice with a comprehensive hypertension management program and robust telemedicine capabilities might receive a high score. The overall Hypertension Score would then be calculated by summing the weighted scores for each factor.

This score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in 16745, specifically regarding hypertension management. A higher score would indicate better access to care, higher quality services, and a more supportive environment for patients with hypertension. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed. This could include efforts to recruit more PCPs, expand telemedicine capabilities, improve access to mental health services, and support practices in implementing comprehensive hypertension management programs.

The analysis also considers the role of insurance coverage. The percentage of the population with adequate health insurance coverage, including coverage for preventive care and medications, is crucial. This data would be obtained from sources like the US Census Bureau and state-level insurance agencies. A high percentage of insured individuals would positively influence the Hypertension Score, as it would improve access to care. Conversely, a high percentage of uninsured or underinsured individuals would negatively impact the score.

Finally, the analysis should include a review of community health initiatives related to hypertension. Are there any local programs focused on hypertension awareness, screening, or education? The existence of such programs would positively influence the Hypertension Score, demonstrating a commitment to community health. The absence of such programs would negatively affect the score.

This comprehensive analysis provides a framework for assessing the quality and accessibility of hypertension care in the 16745 ZIP code, including Rixford. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors, a meaningful ‘Hypertension Score’ can be generated. This score can then be used to identify areas for improvement and guide efforts to enhance hypertension management in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 16745 and surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, specialists, and healthcare facilities, explore the power of spatial data visualization with CartoChrome maps. Their interactive maps can provide valuable insights into healthcare accessibility and help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis.