17062, Millerstown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17062, Millerstown, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.73 percent of the residents in 17062 has some form of health insurance. 30.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.81 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 17062 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,047 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 45 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17062. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 702 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,189 health care providers accessible to residents in 17062, Millerstown, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Millerstown, PA (ZIP Code 17062)**

The analysis below provides a nuanced assessment of hypertension management capabilities within Millerstown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17062), focusing on primary care physician availability, resource accessibility, and the overall landscape for patients managing hypertension. This assessment is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare environment.

**Primary Care Physician Availability & Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Millerstown, a primarily rural community, faces challenges common to many areas with similar demographics. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor in hypertension management. Regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling are essential components of successful hypertension control. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a baseline understanding of the potential burden on existing healthcare providers. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, may suggest longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to care.

Data collection on physician counts and patient demographics is crucial for calculating an accurate physician-to-patient ratio. Publicly available sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, along with information from local hospitals and medical practices, are essential for compiling this data. Further, it is important to consider the specialty of the physicians. Are they general practitioners, internists, or family medicine doctors? This specialization impacts the care provided.

**Standout Practices & Hypertension Management Protocols**

Identifying standout practices within the 17062 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into their operational protocols. This involves investigating the following:

* **Patient Education:** Do practices provide comprehensive patient education materials on hypertension, including dietary guidelines, exercise recommendations, and medication adherence strategies?
* **Blood Pressure Monitoring:** Are practices equipped with accurate and regularly calibrated blood pressure monitoring devices? Do they offer home blood pressure monitoring programs with patient education and support?
* **Medication Management:** How effectively do practices manage medication regimens? Are they proactive in adjusting medications based on patient response and blood pressure readings? Do they have protocols for addressing medication side effects?
* **Referral Networks:** Do practices have established referral networks with specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, for patients with complex cases or complications?

The practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas are more likely to achieve superior outcomes in hypertension control.

**Telemedicine Adoption & Its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas like Millerstown. Its adoption by primary care practices in 17062 is a key indicator of improved hypertension management. The benefits of telemedicine include:

* **Increased Access:** Telemedicine can reduce travel time and costs for patients, making it easier to attend appointments.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Remote blood pressure monitoring devices can transmit readings directly to the physician, allowing for more frequent and proactive monitoring.
* **Medication Management:** Telemedicine can facilitate medication refills and adjustments, improving medication adherence.
* **Specialist Consultations:** Telemedicine can connect patients with specialists for consultations and second opinions.

Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption involves identifying practices that offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring programs, and secure communication platforms.

**Mental Health Resources & Their Role**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and medication adherence. The availability of mental health resources within Millerstown is therefore a crucial factor in hypertension management.

Assessing this involves:

* **Identifying Mental Health Providers:** Determining the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available within the community.
* **Integration with Primary Care:** Evaluating whether primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health providers.
* **Access to Mental Health Services:** Assessing the availability of mental health services, including the ability to accept insurance, and the availability of telehealth options.

Practices that integrate mental health support into their hypertension management programs are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

**Specifics & Nuances within 17062**

The specific healthcare landscape within 17062 requires a granular examination. This includes identifying the major healthcare providers, their service offerings, and their commitment to hypertension management. It's essential to examine the following:

* **Hospital Affiliations:** What hospitals serve the Millerstown area? Do these hospitals have dedicated cardiology departments or hypertension clinics?
* **Insurance Coverage:** What insurance plans are accepted by local practices? Access to care can be significantly impacted by insurance coverage.
* **Community Health Initiatives:** Are there any community health programs or initiatives focused on hypertension prevention and management?

**Conclusion**

Effective hypertension management in Millerstown requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates a robust primary care infrastructure, the adoption of telemedicine technologies, the integration of mental health services, and a commitment to patient education and support. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current state of hypertension management in 17062.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Millerstown, including physician locations, resource availability, and demographic data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.