17015, Carlisle, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17015, Carlisle, Pennsylvania is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.16 percent of the residents in 17015 has some form of health insurance. 29.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.61 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 17015 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,727 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 46 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17015. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,340 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 16,677 health care providers accessible to residents in 17015, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Carlisle, PA (ZIP Code 17015)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Carlisle, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17015) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care, focusing on factors impacting hypertension management. We delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight exemplary practices, examine telemedicine integration, and explore the presence of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive hypertension care. This evaluation aims to generate a 'Hypertension Score' for the area, providing a snapshot of the local resources available to residents.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Assessing primary care availability in Carlisle necessitates examining the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can be utilized to calculate this ratio. Furthermore, the analysis must account for the types of primary care physicians available: family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric specialists. The presence of specialists in cardiology and nephrology, although not strictly primary care, is also a valuable asset, as they often collaborate in managing complex hypertension cases.

Standout practices within Carlisle are identified by considering several criteria. These include patient reviews, which provide insight into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care. The adoption of evidence-based hypertension management protocols, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, is another crucial factor. Practices that actively monitor patient blood pressure, encourage lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and proactively address medication adherence are likely to perform better. The utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data tracking and communication between providers is also a significant advantage. Practices that consistently demonstrate these characteristics will likely receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly relevant in healthcare delivery, especially in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments can improve patient access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The availability of virtual platforms for medication refills and patient education further enhances the telemedicine experience. The 'Hypertension Score' will reflect the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine to improve patient care and convenience.

The intricate link between mental health and hypertension management cannot be overlooked. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is critical. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, offer counseling services, or have established partnerships with mental health providers will receive a higher score. This integrated approach recognizes the holistic needs of patients and supports comprehensive hypertension management.

Evaluating the 'Hypertension Score' also involves considering the presence of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes access to local pharmacies, support groups, and educational programs. Pharmacies that offer medication counseling and blood pressure monitoring services contribute positively to the overall score. The availability of support groups for individuals with hypertension and their families provides valuable peer support and education. Educational programs that promote healthy lifestyle choices, such as healthy eating and regular exercise, are also beneficial.

Data collection for this analysis would involve several steps. First, publicly available data sources, such as the HRSA and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, would be consulted to determine physician-to-patient ratios and identify primary care providers in ZIP code 17015. Second, patient reviews from online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews would be analyzed to assess patient satisfaction and identify standout practices. Third, practice websites and phone calls would be used to gather information about telemedicine adoption, hypertension management protocols, and mental health resources. Fourth, local pharmacies, support groups, and educational programs would be identified through online searches and community outreach.

The 'Hypertension Score' itself would be a composite metric, incorporating the various factors discussed above. Each factor would be assigned a weighted value based on its importance in hypertension management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of evidence-based protocols might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The final score would be calculated by summing the weighted values for each factor. This score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and availability of hypertension care in Carlisle, PA (ZIP Code 17015).

This analysis is not designed to be a definitive ranking. It is intended to provide a general overview of the current state of hypertension care in the specified area. The 'Hypertension Score' will fluctuate as the healthcare landscape evolves. Factors such as changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the availability of community resources will all impact the score over time. This analysis provides a valuable starting point for residents seeking hypertension care and for healthcare providers seeking to improve their services.

To visualize the geographic distribution of these healthcare resources and understand their proximity to residents, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to see the locations of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant resources in relation to your location. This visual approach can help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and identify the resources that are most accessible to you.