16901, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 16901, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.70 percent of the residents in 16901 has some form of health insurance. 43.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.96 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 16901 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,989 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 16901. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,708 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 826 health care providers accessible to residents in 16901, Wellsboro, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Wellsboro, PA (ZIP Code 16901)

Analyzing hypertension management within Wellsboro, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 16901) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, specific practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources – all factors significantly impacting hypertension control. The goal is to provide a nuanced 'Hypertension Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of hypertension care lies in accessible primary care. Wellsboro, a relatively rural community, faces inherent challenges in this regard. Assessing primary care availability involves considering the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs), their patient load, and the ease with which residents can secure timely appointments. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, alongside insights from local healthcare providers, are crucial for this initial evaluation. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a larger patient burden per PCP, would negatively impact the 'Hypertension Score'. Conversely, a favorable ratio, coupled with readily available appointment slots, would contribute positively.

Specific practice characteristics significantly influence hypertension management. Practices that prioritize preventative care, including routine blood pressure screenings, lifestyle counseling, and medication adherence support, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. The presence of certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and other allied health professionals within a practice's network would be a significant advantage. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, generate automated reminders for medication refills and follow-up appointments, and facilitate communication with specialists would also score higher. These features contribute to proactive, patient-centered care.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly vital role, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to care. Practices actively utilizing telehealth platforms for hypertension management, including virtual blood pressure monitoring and remote patient monitoring, would receive a higher score. The ease of access to these telemedicine services, including the availability of technical support and the integration of these services into the patient’s overall care plan, is also crucial.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension. Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. The availability of mental health resources within the community, including access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups, is therefore a critical factor in the 'Hypertension Score' assessment. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, provide referrals to mental health professionals, and integrate mental health services into their care plans would be viewed favorably. This holistic approach to patient care is essential for effective hypertension management.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves examining patient reviews, analyzing publicly available quality data (if available), and potentially conducting interviews with local healthcare providers and community members. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive management, and the use of technology to enhance care would be considered high-performing. Practices with strong patient satisfaction scores, reflecting positive patient experiences and improved health outcomes, would be prioritized.

The 'Hypertension Score' for Wellsboro, PA (ZIP Code 16901) would be a composite of these factors. It would reflect the overall capacity of the healthcare system to effectively manage hypertension within the community. A high score would indicate readily available primary care, favorable physician-to-patient ratios, proactive practice characteristics, robust telemedicine adoption, and readily accessible mental health resources. A low score would suggest the opposite: limited access to care, a high patient burden on PCPs, a lack of proactive management strategies, limited telemedicine integration, and inadequate mental health support.

The process of generating this score would involve gathering data from multiple sources, including public health agencies, healthcare providers, and community organizations. This data would be analyzed and weighted based on its relative importance to hypertension management. The final score would provide a valuable snapshot of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The analysis would also need to consider the demographic characteristics of the population in ZIP Code 16901. Factors like age, socioeconomic status, and access to healthy food options can significantly impact hypertension prevalence and management. Understanding these factors is crucial for tailoring interventions and improving patient outcomes. The analysis would also identify potential disparities in care, ensuring that all residents have equal access to quality hypertension management.

The ultimate goal of this 'Hypertension Score' analysis is to inform and empower. It can assist healthcare providers in identifying areas for improvement, guide patients in selecting the best care options, and inform public health initiatives aimed at reducing the burden of hypertension within the community. The score should be viewed as a dynamic tool, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new data becomes available.

This assessment is not a static ranking. It is a dynamic evaluation of a complex system. The 'Hypertension Score' would need to be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, new data, and evolving best practices. This continuous monitoring is essential for ensuring that the score remains a relevant and valuable tool for improving hypertension management in Wellsboro.

Are you interested in visually exploring the healthcare landscape of Wellsboro and surrounding areas? CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and data-rich visualization of healthcare resources, demographics, and other relevant factors. **Contact CartoChrome today to learn more about how their mapping solutions can enhance your understanding of hypertension management and other health-related issues.**