17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 17020 has some form of health insurance. 36.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.48 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 17020 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,661 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 47 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17020. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,798 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17,394 health care providers accessible to residents in 17020, Duncannon, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Duncannon, PA (ZIP Code 17020)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Duncannon, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17020) requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, their practices regarding hypertension management, the adoption of telehealth solutions, and the integration of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact patient outcomes. This analysis will culminate in a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the overall quality of care available.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. Duncannon, a small community, likely faces challenges in physician-to-patient ratios. While precise figures require detailed data acquisition, we can infer potential limitations. A higher patient-to-physician ratio might lead to shorter appointment times, potentially impacting the thoroughness of patient assessments and follow-up care. This could negatively affect the Hypertension Score.

Investigating the specific practices within Duncannon is crucial. This involves examining the treatment protocols employed by primary care physicians. Are they adhering to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology? Do they routinely screen patients for hypertension, and are they employing lifestyle modifications, such as dietary recommendations and exercise prescriptions, alongside pharmacological interventions? Practices that proactively engage patients in their care and emphasize preventative measures will contribute positively to the Hypertension Score.

Telemedicine, particularly in rural areas, offers a valuable tool for improving access to healthcare. Its adoption by primary care physicians in Duncannon is a key factor. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote patient monitoring. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms can potentially improve patient adherence to treatment plans, provide more frequent follow-ups, and offer greater convenience, all of which will positively impact the Hypertension Score.

The interplay between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate hypertension and hinder treatment adherence. The availability of mental health resources, either integrated within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is therefore critical. Practices that recognize and address the mental health needs of their patients will demonstrate a more holistic approach to care, contributing significantly to a higher Hypertension Score. The presence of on-site counselors or readily accessible referrals to mental health specialists would be a positive indicator.

To arrive at a Hypertension Score, we would need to evaluate several specific criteria. First, the physician-to-patient ratio in Duncannon. A lower ratio, indicating better access, would score higher. Second, the adherence of primary care physicians to established hypertension treatment guidelines. Practices that consistently follow these guidelines would receive a higher score. Third, the adoption of telemedicine. Practices that utilize telemedicine for consultations, monitoring, and medication management would score higher. Finally, the integration of mental health resources. Practices that offer or readily refer patients to mental health services would score higher.

The analysis of "standout practices" would depend on identifying those demonstrating superior performance across these criteria. This could involve practices with a particularly low patient-to-physician ratio, those demonstrating exceptional adherence to treatment guidelines, those actively using telemedicine, or those with integrated mental health resources. Identifying these practices would be a crucial step in improving the overall Hypertension Score for the community.

Data collection is essential for a comprehensive assessment. This would involve gathering information from various sources, including physician directories, insurance providers, and patient surveys. Analyzing this data would allow us to assign specific scores to each practice based on the criteria outlined above. The overall Hypertension Score for Duncannon would be a composite of these individual practice scores, reflecting the overall quality of hypertension care available in the community.

The challenges faced by Duncannon, like many rural communities, include limited resources and potential geographic barriers to care. The Hypertension Score can highlight these challenges and inform targeted interventions. For instance, if the physician-to-patient ratio is high, efforts could be made to recruit more physicians or expand telehealth services. If adherence to guidelines is inconsistent, educational programs could be implemented. Addressing these issues is crucial to improving the health outcomes of residents with hypertension.

The final Hypertension Score will provide a snapshot of the current state of hypertension care in Duncannon. It will also serve as a baseline for future improvement. By monitoring the score over time, we can track progress and identify areas where further investment and intervention are needed. This ongoing assessment is crucial to ensuring that residents of Duncannon receive the best possible care for hypertension.

This analysis has highlighted the key elements that contribute to a strong Hypertension Score. The availability of primary care, the adherence to established treatment guidelines, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all vital components. The specific practices within Duncannon must be assessed individually to determine their contribution to the overall score.

To visualize and analyze the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and mental health services, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you understand the spatial relationships between healthcare providers and the population they serve. Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Duncannon and other communities.