17005, Berrysburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17005, Berrysburg, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.90 percent of the residents in 17005 has some form of health insurance. 44.14 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.48 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 17005 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 63 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17005. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 62 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,503 health care providers accessible to residents in 17005, Berrysburg, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17005 and Primary Care Availability in Berrysburg

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 17005, encompassing a portion of the Harrisburg metropolitan area, and the more rural community of Berrysburg, examining factors relevant to hypertension management, including physician availability, resource utilization, and the integration of modern healthcare delivery methods. The goal is to create a "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the landscape for patients seeking care for this prevalent condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management is access to a primary care physician (PCP). In ZIP Code 17005, the concentration of healthcare facilities and specialists is generally higher than in Berrysburg. However, simply having a greater number of doctors doesn’t guarantee optimal care. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A high ratio, indicating a smaller number of patients per doctor, allows for more individualized attention, more frequent check-ups, and better adherence to treatment plans. Accurate physician-to-patient ratio data requires complex calculations, incorporating factors like physician specialty, patient demographics, and insurance coverage. Publicly available data sources may provide some insights, but a comprehensive analysis would necessitate accessing proprietary databases or conducting direct surveys.

In Berrysburg, primary care availability is likely a significant challenge. Rural areas often experience physician shortages, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially limited access to specialists. The distance patients must travel to receive care can also be a barrier, especially for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options. Telemedicine, therefore, becomes a critical component of care in Berrysburg.

Telemedicine adoption rates are a key indicator of a healthcare system's adaptability. In 17005, the presence of larger healthcare systems may facilitate greater investment in telemedicine infrastructure. This could include virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals for medication refills and communication. The adoption of telemedicine also depends on physician willingness, patient comfort with technology, and insurance coverage for virtual services. Berrysburg, with its potential for greater reliance on telemedicine, presents a different set of challenges. Limited broadband access and the digital literacy of the patient population may pose significant hurdles to widespread adoption.

Mental health plays a crucial role in hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can elevate blood pressure, and untreated mental health conditions can hinder adherence to treatment plans. Assessing mental health resources requires examining the availability of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors within the region. In 17005, the presence of hospitals and larger medical centers may indicate a greater concentration of mental health professionals. Berrysburg, again, might face significant challenges. Limited access to mental health services could necessitate partnerships with telehealth providers or the establishment of mobile mental health clinics. Integration of mental health services into primary care practices, where PCPs can screen for and address mental health concerns, is a best practice.

Identifying standout practices in both areas involves looking for those that demonstrate a commitment to hypertension management best practices. This includes practices that:

* Employ evidence-based treatment guidelines.
* Regularly monitor patient blood pressure.
* Provide patient education on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise.
* Offer comprehensive medication management.
* Have high patient satisfaction scores.

These practices may have achieved recognition through awards, accreditations, or positive patient reviews. A careful review of these factors can help to pinpoint practices that are excelling in hypertension care.

The integration of technology is another key area of evaluation. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, send automated reminders for appointments and medication refills, and offer online patient portals are likely to provide more efficient and patient-centered care. The use of remote patient monitoring devices, such as blood pressure cuffs that transmit readings directly to the physician, can also improve care, especially for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

To determine the "Hypertension Score," we need to consider several weighted factors. Physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource availability, and the presence of standout practices would each contribute to the overall score. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension control. For example, physician availability might be weighted more heavily in Berrysburg, where access is a primary concern.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a number; it's a tool for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in a given area. This information can be used to inform public health initiatives, guide healthcare providers in improving their practices, and empower patients to make informed decisions about their care. The score could also be used to identify areas where additional resources are needed, such as funding for telemedicine infrastructure or the recruitment of primary care physicians.

In summary, the evaluation of hypertension care in 17005 and Berrysburg reveals distinct challenges and opportunities. While 17005 may benefit from a higher concentration of healthcare resources, Berrysburg's rural setting necessitates innovative solutions like telemedicine. The "Hypertension Score" framework allows for a comparative analysis, highlighting areas for improvement and guiding the development of targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in these areas, including the geographic distribution of physicians, healthcare facilities, and patient demographics, consider using interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas of high need, assess access to care, and make data-driven decisions to improve the health of the community.