17084, Reedsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17084, Reedsville, Pennsylvania is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.88 percent of the residents in 17084 has some form of health insurance. 24.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.67 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 17084 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,336 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17084. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 906 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,002 health care providers accessible to residents in 17084, Reedsville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Reedsville, PA (ZIP Code 17084)

Reedsville, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled within Mifflin County, presents a unique landscape for assessing hypertension management and primary care accessibility. This analysis, focusing on ZIP code 17084, aims to provide a "Hypertension Score" ranking for local physicians and evaluate the overall availability of primary care services. The score will consider factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices demonstrating exemplary hypertension care.

Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is a crucial first step. In Reedsville, the availability of primary care physicians is a significant concern. The rural nature of the area, coupled with potential physician shortages, likely results in a higher patient-to-physician ratio compared to more urban environments. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised preventative care. A higher ratio will negatively impact the Hypertension Score.

Assessing the practices themselves requires a nuanced approach. We need to identify the key players in primary care within the ZIP code. Are there established practices with multiple physicians, or is the landscape dominated by solo practitioners? The size and structure of a practice often influence its capacity to provide comprehensive care. Larger practices may have the resources to offer specialized services and employ support staff, such as registered dietitians or certified diabetes educators, which are critical in hypertension management.

Standout practices would be those that demonstrate a proactive approach to hypertension management. This includes consistently measuring blood pressure, implementing evidence-based treatment guidelines, and actively educating patients about lifestyle modifications. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for data tracking and population health management, would also score highly. A practice's commitment to patient education, including providing resources on diet, exercise, and stress management, is another key indicator of quality.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges or limited mobility. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals will receive a higher score. Telemedicine can facilitate more frequent check-ins with patients, allowing for timely adjustments to medication and lifestyle recommendations.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as essential in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure control. Practices that screen for mental health issues, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will be viewed favorably. A holistic approach to care, addressing both physical and mental well-being, is crucial for long-term success.

Analyzing specific practices within Reedsville requires gathering data on their practices, patient demographics, and outcomes. This involves reviewing publicly available information, such as physician directories and practice websites, as well as potentially conducting surveys or interviews with local healthcare providers and patients. The goal is to assess each practice based on the criteria outlined above, assigning a score for each factor and then combining these scores to arrive at an overall Hypertension Score.

The Hypertension Score would be a relative measure, comparing the performance of practices within the 17084 ZIP code. The highest-scoring practices would be recognized as leaders in hypertension management, while lower-scoring practices would be encouraged to identify areas for improvement. The score would not only be a ranking but also a tool for informing patients about their healthcare options.

The assessment of primary care availability in Reedsville extends beyond the performance of individual practices. It involves evaluating the overall capacity of the healthcare system to meet the needs of the community. This includes considering the number of primary care physicians per capita, the availability of specialists, and the accessibility of urgent care services. A shortage of primary care providers, coupled with limited access to specialized care, would negatively impact the overall assessment of primary care availability.

To improve the availability of primary care, several strategies could be considered. Recruiting and retaining physicians in rural areas is a significant challenge, but offering financial incentives, such as loan repayment programs, and creating a supportive practice environment can help. Expanding the role of nurse practitioners and physician assistants can also increase access to care. Furthermore, promoting telehealth services can bridge the gap between patients and providers, especially for those living in remote locations.

The final Hypertension Score would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving landscape of healthcare in Reedsville. It should be updated regularly to track progress and identify areas where further improvements are needed. The score can serve as a valuable tool for healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers, helping to improve the quality of care and promote better health outcomes for the community.

The analysis would also benefit from considering the demographics of the population in 17084. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of other chronic conditions can influence hypertension management and primary care needs. Understanding these factors is crucial for tailoring interventions and resources to the specific needs of the community.

The analysis would aim to identify best practices and disseminate information to healthcare providers in the area. This could involve sharing data on successful hypertension management strategies, providing training opportunities, and facilitating collaboration among providers. The goal is to create a culture of continuous improvement and to ensure that all residents of Reedsville have access to high-quality primary care.

Ultimately, the Hypertension Score analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of hypertension management and primary care availability in Reedsville, Pennsylvania. It identifies strengths and weaknesses, offers insights for improvement, and empowers both patients and providers to make informed decisions.

For a visual representation of physician locations, practice details, and related health data, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a spatial understanding of healthcare resources in Reedsville, allowing for a more intuitive and comprehensive analysis.