17043, Lemoyne, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17043, Lemoyne, Pennsylvania is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.48 percent of the residents in 17043 has some form of health insurance. 21.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.60 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 17043 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,094 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 87 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17043. An estimate of 13 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 716 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 23,662 health care providers accessible to residents in 17043, Lemoyne, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lemoyne, PA (ZIP Code 17043)

This analysis provides a hypertension score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP code 17043, Lemoyne, Pennsylvania, focusing on their ability to manage and treat hypertension, alongside an evaluation of primary care availability in the area. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in hypertension management.

The foundation of a strong hypertension score lies in accessible and readily available primary care. Lemoyne, being a relatively small community, presents a unique challenge and opportunity. A crucial factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, inadequate follow-up care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access and more personalized attention, which is crucial for effective hypertension management. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires a detailed examination of practice sizes, patient demographics, and the number of actively practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, along with private databases, would be required to calculate this ratio accurately.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care significantly impacts the hypertension score. This involves assessing the practices' adherence to established clinical guidelines for hypertension diagnosis and treatment. This includes regular blood pressure screenings, comprehensive patient histories, and appropriate use of diagnostic tests to rule out underlying conditions. Practices that consistently incorporate these elements into their routine care protocols would receive a higher score. Furthermore, the utilization of evidence-based pharmacological and lifestyle interventions is critical. This means prescribing appropriate medications, educating patients on the importance of a healthy diet (low in sodium, rich in potassium), regular exercise, and weight management. Practices that actively promote these lifestyle modifications will be viewed favorably.

Several practices within Lemoyne may stand out in terms of their hypertension management. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a deep dive into their specific offerings and patient outcomes. This would include examining patient satisfaction surveys, reviewing their electronic health records (with appropriate privacy protections), and potentially conducting interviews with patients and physicians. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offer convenient appointment scheduling, and have a proven track record of successfully controlling hypertension among their patient population would be considered top performers. These practices often employ dedicated nurses or medical assistants who specialize in hypertension management, providing ongoing support and education to patients.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly vital role in healthcare, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, often receive a higher score. Telemedicine can significantly improve patient access to care, especially for those with mobility issues or limited transportation options. It also allows for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure readings, enabling physicians to adjust treatment plans more effectively. The availability of telemedicine services is particularly relevant in Lemoyne, where geographic factors may impact access to care for some residents.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is an important factor in the hypertension score. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, offer on-site counseling services, or have strong referral networks to mental health professionals will be viewed more positively. This integrated approach to care recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being, leading to better patient outcomes.

Assessing the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is another crucial element of the analysis. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense in hypertension management, patients with complex cases or uncontrolled hypertension may require specialized care. Practices that have strong referral relationships with specialists in the surrounding areas, ensuring timely access to expert consultation and treatment, will receive a higher score. This collaborative approach to care is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Evaluating the practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs) is essential. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, allowing physicians to track patient progress, monitor medication adherence, and identify potential complications. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively, including features such as automated reminders for appointments and medication refills, will be viewed favorably. The ability to share patient information securely with other healthcare providers is also a key consideration.

Finally, the overall patient experience is a critical component of the hypertension score. This includes factors such as wait times for appointments, the ease of scheduling, the clarity of communication from the physician and staff, and the overall level of patient satisfaction. Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, providing a supportive and empathetic environment, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes in hypertension management. This involves actively soliciting patient feedback and using it to improve the quality of care.

This detailed assessment provides a framework for evaluating the quality of hypertension management within ZIP code 17043. It highlights the importance of accessible primary care, adherence to clinical guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall patient experience. The final hypertension score would be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of each practice and the overall healthcare landscape in Lemoyne.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lemoyne, including the location of physician practices, specialist availability, and demographic data, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility of care and help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.