17048, Lykens, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17048, Lykens, Pennsylvania is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.97 percent of the residents in 17048 has some form of health insurance. 34.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.28 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 17048 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 988 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17048. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 650 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,112 health care providers accessible to residents in 17048, Lykens, Pennsylvania.

The analysis presented below assesses the landscape of hypertension management and primary care access in Lykens, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17048), focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem to inform both patient and provider decision-making.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In Lykens, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial factor determining access. Data on the precise ratio requires constant updating, as physician numbers change. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio. This metric indicates the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population size. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can create challenges in securing timely appointments, managing chronic conditions like hypertension, and receiving preventative care.

Standout practices within Lykens demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. These practices typically exhibit several key characteristics. They likely have robust systems for patient monitoring, including regular blood pressure checks, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. They may employ certified hypertension specialists or nurses with specialized training. Furthermore, these practices are likely to have adopted electronic health records (EHRs) to streamline patient data management and improve care coordination. They may also participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), to demonstrate their commitment to providing high-quality care.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for managing hypertension, especially in rural areas like Lykens. Its adoption rate among local practices is a critical indicator of access to care. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely monitor their blood pressure, consult with their physicians via video calls, and receive medication refills. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can expand their reach, improve patient convenience, and enhance medication adherence. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration involves examining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and patient portals.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is increasingly recognized as essential for effective hypertension management. The connection between mental health and cardiovascular health is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can elevate blood pressure and negatively impact treatment adherence. Practices that offer or connect patients to mental health services are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This includes on-site mental health professionals, referrals to therapists or psychiatrists, and screening tools for mental health conditions. The degree of integration is a key factor in assessing the overall quality of hypertension management.

The availability of primary care within Lykens is not just about the number of physicians; it also encompasses the accessibility of care. This includes factors such as office hours, appointment availability, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Practices that offer extended hours, same-day appointments, and accept a wide range of insurance plans are more accessible to patients. Additionally, the presence of ancillary services, such as on-site labs or pharmacies, can improve convenience and streamline care delivery.

The specific practices within Lykens should be evaluated based on the criteria mentioned above. This involves gathering information from multiple sources, including patient reviews, insurance provider directories, and practice websites. The evaluation should assess each practice's physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized staff, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and overall accessibility. The goal is to identify practices that are well-equipped to provide comprehensive and effective hypertension management.

Assessing the availability of primary care in Lykens also involves considering the broader healthcare landscape. This includes the presence of hospitals, specialty clinics, and other healthcare facilities in the surrounding areas. The availability of these resources can influence the overall quality of care and the ability of patients to access specialized services when needed. The proximity of these resources, and the ease of transportation, are also important factors.

The effectiveness of hypertension management is directly related to patient education and engagement. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing information on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This can include educational materials, group classes, and one-on-one counseling sessions. Patient engagement is enhanced through the use of patient portals, text message reminders, and other communication tools.

In conclusion, the evaluation of hypertension management and primary care availability in Lykens (ZIP code 17048) requires a multi-faceted approach. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the integration of mental health resources are all critical components. A comprehensive analysis will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

To gain a visual understanding of healthcare accessibility in Lykens and surrounding areas, including the location of practices, physician density, and the availability of resources, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare data, allowing you to visualize patterns and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.