17040, Landisburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17040, Landisburg, Pennsylvania is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.57 percent of the residents in 17040 has some form of health insurance. 29.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.28 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 17040 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 598 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 49 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17040. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 449 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,678 health care providers accessible to residents in 17040, Landisburg, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17040 and Primary Care Availability in Landisburg

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 17040, encompassing the town of Landisburg, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. We will assess the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), examine factors influencing hypertension control, and evaluate the resources available to patients, culminating in a proposed "Hypertension Score" ranking. This score considers various aspects of care, including physician accessibility, practice characteristics, and supportive services.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Landisburg, being a relatively rural area, likely faces challenges in physician distribution. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-physician interaction, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care, allowing for more frequent monitoring and timely intervention. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be crucial to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 17040.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are the existing physicians clustered in a single location, or are they spread throughout the area, making access easier for residents in different parts of Landisburg and the surrounding communities? The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics can significantly improve access for underserved populations. These clinics often offer sliding-scale fees and comprehensive services, including hypertension screening and management. Their presence, or lack thereof, would significantly influence the Hypertension Score.

The characteristics of individual practices are also important. Practices that prioritize preventative care, offer extended hours, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) are generally better equipped to manage chronic conditions like hypertension. EHRs facilitate efficient data tracking, medication management, and communication between providers. Practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practices and improved patient outcomes. These practices would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and online patient portals can facilitate more frequent check-ins, medication adjustments, and patient education. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine technologies would be awarded higher scores. The availability of telehealth services, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can greatly improve hypertension control, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure. Patients with these conditions may find it difficult to adhere to medication regimens and lifestyle modifications. The availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to external providers, is therefore a critical component of comprehensive care. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would receive higher scores. The presence of support groups, educational programs, and access to mental health counseling are all factors to consider.

Furthermore, patient education plays a vital role in hypertension control. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about their condition, medication, and lifestyle modifications are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This includes providing resources on healthy eating, exercise, and stress management. The availability of educational materials in multiple languages, if applicable to the patient population, is also important. Practices that actively engage patients in their care through education and shared decision-making would be awarded higher scores.

To formulate the Hypertension Score, we would assign weighted values to each of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant factor, with a higher ratio leading to a higher score. The presence of FQHCs and community health clinics would also positively influence the score. Practice characteristics, such as the use of EHRs, participation in quality improvement initiatives, and the availability of extended hours, would contribute to the overall score. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health services would be given considerable weight. Finally, patient education efforts would be factored into the score.

The final Hypertension Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension care in ZIP code 17040. The score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the current state of care and identifying areas for improvement. It could also be used to compare the quality of care in Landisburg to other communities.

The analysis would not only identify strengths but also pinpoint areas needing improvement. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, efforts could be made to recruit more physicians to the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, initiatives could be implemented to encourage its use. Addressing any gaps in mental health services would also be crucial.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis and the resulting Hypertension Score is to improve the health and well-being of residents in Landisburg and the surrounding areas. By understanding the current state of hypertension care, we can work towards creating a healthier community.

Want to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics in ZIP code 17040? Explore these factors and more with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and make data-driven decisions.