17052, Mapleton Depot, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17052, Mapleton Depot, Pennsylvania is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.93 percent of the residents in 17052 has some form of health insurance. 36.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.13 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 17052 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 326 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17052. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 264 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 59 health care providers accessible to residents in 17052, Mapleton Depot, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical ‘Hypertension Score’ for primary care physicians in ZIP Code 17052 and assesses primary care availability in the nearby Mapleton Depot area. This score is conceptual, built upon publicly available data and assumptions, and is not a definitive ranking. It aims to highlight potential strengths and weaknesses related to hypertension management, access to care, and related resources.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ considers several factors. These include the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of specific services like blood pressure monitoring and medication management, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score is a composite, with each factor contributing a weighted value to the overall assessment.

**ZIP Code 17052: Physician Landscape and Hypertension Management**

ZIP Code 17052, encompassing a portion of the region, likely presents a varied landscape of primary care practices. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially impact the quality of care, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. Publicly available data from sources such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates of this ratio. A lower ratio, indicating a more favorable distribution of physicians, would positively influence the ‘Hypertension Score’.

Within 17052, practices demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management would score higher. This includes practices that offer readily accessible blood pressure monitoring, either in-office or through home monitoring programs. The availability of medication management services, such as medication reconciliation and pharmacist consultations, is also critical. Practices that proactively address medication adherence and side effects would receive favorable consideration. The presence of certified diabetes educators, given the frequent comorbidity of diabetes and hypertension, would further enhance the score.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education would be rated favorably. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. It also allows for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure readings and facilitates timely intervention. The ease of access to virtual consultations and the integration of remote patient monitoring technologies would positively impact the ‘Hypertension Score’.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as essential for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, would receive a higher score. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists who can address the psychological aspects of hypertension management. The availability of educational materials and support groups related to stress management and healthy lifestyle choices would also be considered.

Standout practices within 17052 might distinguish themselves through several key features. These include longer appointment times, allowing for more in-depth patient discussions. They might also utilize patient portals for easy access to medical records, appointment scheduling, and communication with physicians. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on hypertension control, would also stand out. Furthermore, practices that have implemented patient-centered medical home models, emphasizing care coordination and proactive disease management, would likely achieve a higher ‘Hypertension Score’.

**Mapleton Depot: Primary Care Availability**

Assessing primary care availability in Mapleton Depot requires a different approach. The primary concern is access to care. The distance patients must travel to reach a primary care physician is a key factor. The presence of any primary care practices within Mapleton Depot itself, or in close proximity, would significantly improve the score. The availability of transportation options, such as public transportation or ride-sharing services, also influences accessibility.

The capacity of existing practices to accommodate new patients is another crucial consideration. Are practices accepting new patients, or are wait times for appointments excessively long? This information can be gleaned from online directories, patient reviews, and direct inquiries to the practices. Practices with shorter wait times and a willingness to accept new patients would contribute positively to the score.

The availability of after-hours care is also important. Hypertension management requires consistent monitoring and access to medical advice. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or on-call services would be rated favorably. The availability of urgent care clinics or emergency rooms in the vicinity of Mapleton Depot also contributes to the overall access to care assessment.

The demographic characteristics of Mapleton Depot should also be considered. Are there specific populations, such as the elderly or low-income individuals, who may face greater barriers to accessing care? The availability of culturally competent healthcare providers, who can effectively communicate with diverse patient populations, would enhance the score. The presence of programs that address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity or housing instability, would also be considered.

The integration of telemedicine is especially relevant in assessing primary care availability in Mapleton Depot. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and expand access to care. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals would be rated more favorably. This is particularly important for residents of Mapleton Depot who may face transportation challenges or limited access to in-person appointments.

**Conclusion**

The ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis is a hypothetical framework for evaluating primary care practices and access to care in the specified areas. The score reflects the importance of physician-to-patient ratios, comprehensive hypertension management services, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The availability of primary care in Mapleton Depot is assessed based on proximity, capacity, and access to care. The actual scores would vary depending on the availability of data and the specific weighting assigned to each factor.

To further explore the primary care landscape in ZIP Code 17052 and the surrounding areas, including Mapleton Depot, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data, facilitating a more informed assessment of primary care availability and access to hypertension management resources.