17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 58.17 percent of the residents in 17004 has some form of health insurance. 27.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.12 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 17004 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,873 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17004. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 956 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 17004, Belleville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Belleville, PA (ZIP Code 17004)

This analysis provides a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment for primary care physicians and related resources within Belleville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17004). The score considers factors crucial for effective hypertension management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health support. The ultimate goal is to offer a data-driven perspective on the accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing hypertension in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in access to primary care physicians. In Belleville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially diminished opportunities for proactive hypertension management. Researching the current ratio within 17004 is essential. This analysis would require data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and private healthcare databases to ascertain the exact number of practicing primary care physicians and the total population within the ZIP code.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of physicians within the area is important. Are the available physicians concentrated in one location, or are they spread throughout the community, making access easier for residents in different parts of Belleville? This geographical distribution significantly impacts access, particularly for individuals with limited transportation options or mobility challenges. Furthermore, the age and experience levels of the physicians should be considered. Are there a sufficient number of experienced physicians to guide patients, or is the practice dominated by newer physicians?

Standout practices in the area are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension care. This includes practices that consistently monitor blood pressure, offer patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and proactively manage medication regimens. These practices often utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient progress, flag concerning trends, and facilitate communication between patients and providers. They may also employ specialized staff, such as registered dietitians or certified diabetes educators, to provide targeted support. Identifying these standout practices requires reviewing patient reviews, assessing practice websites for detailed information on services offered, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their hypertension management protocols.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased accessibility, reduced travel time for patients, and the potential for more frequent monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, are likely to score higher in the hypertension management assessment. The analysis should investigate the extent to which practices in 17004 have adopted telemedicine, the types of telemedicine services they offer, and the patient satisfaction levels with these services.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Practices that recognize this connection and integrate mental health support into their care models are better equipped to help patients achieve optimal health outcomes. This analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices themselves (e.g., on-site therapists or counselors) or through referrals to external mental health providers. It will also consider the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals in the area.

The presence of community resources is also a factor. Are there local programs that offer support for hypertension management, such as free blood pressure screenings, support groups, or educational workshops? The availability of these resources can complement the care provided by primary care physicians and empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition. The analysis should identify and assess the accessibility and effectiveness of these community-based programs.

The analysis also needs to consider the insurance landscape within 17004. The acceptance of various insurance plans by primary care practices can significantly impact access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, are likely to be more accessible to a broader segment of the population. The analysis should determine the insurance coverage accepted by each practice and identify any potential barriers to care related to insurance coverage.

Finally, the analysis should consider patient education and communication. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing clear and concise information about hypertension, its management, and potential complications, are more likely to achieve positive patient outcomes. This includes the availability of educational materials in multiple languages, as needed, and the use of effective communication strategies to ensure patients understand their treatment plans and are actively involved in their care. The analysis should assess the practices' approach to patient education and communication.

This comprehensive assessment, encompassing all the elements mentioned, will provide a robust 'Hypertension Score' for each primary care practice in ZIP code 17004. The score will be based on a weighted system, reflecting the relative importance of each factor. The final score will provide a valuable tool for individuals seeking primary care in Belleville, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare and empowering them to find the best possible care for their hypertension.

For a detailed, visually engaging map illustrating the distribution of physicians, practice locations, and related resources in Belleville, PA (ZIP Code 17004), we encourage you to explore the powerful mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform this data into actionable insights, helping you visualize the landscape of hypertension care in your community.