17090, Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17090, Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.47 percent of the residents in 17090 has some form of health insurance. 40.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.95 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 17090 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,092 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 124 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17090. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 988 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 24,084 health care providers accessible to residents in 17090, Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on assessing the quality of hypertension care within ZIP code 17090, specifically examining the landscape of primary care physicians in Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania. This evaluation considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of effective hypertension management. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to residents managing or at risk of developing hypertension.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. In Shermans Dale, a rural community, this ratio is a critical factor. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from the American Medical Association, would be necessary to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 17090 ZIP code. This data would then be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care physicians.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating various aspects of their operations. This includes examining the patient's experience, the adoption of best practices in hypertension management, and the use of technology to improve patient outcomes. Practices employing certified hypertension specialists, adhering to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, and actively participating in quality improvement initiatives would be considered exemplary. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate strong patient education programs, providing clear and concise information about lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques, deserve recognition.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Shermans Dale. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and costs for patients, allowing for remote consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine platforms into their workflow, offering virtual visits and remote patient monitoring, can significantly improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. The analysis would assess the availability of telemedicine options, the types of services offered, and the patient experience with these technologies.

The crucial link between hypertension and mental health cannot be overstated. Chronic conditions like hypertension often coincide with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Effective hypertension management requires addressing these co-occurring conditions. The analysis would investigate the availability of mental health resources within the 17090 ZIP code. This includes identifying the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors available, as well as the accessibility of these services. Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their hypertension care programs are particularly valuable.

Assessing the overall quality of hypertension care in Shermans Dale also involves evaluating the availability of support services. These include access to registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and other healthcare professionals who can provide specialized guidance and support. The analysis would consider the availability of these services and the extent to which they are integrated into the primary care practices within the ZIP code.

The analysis would also examine the availability of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes access to exercise programs, healthy food options, and educational materials. Practices that collaborate with community organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and provide resources to patients demonstrate a commitment to holistic care.

The evaluation would consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and how they are utilized. EHRs can improve care coordination, facilitate data sharing, and allow for more efficient monitoring of patient progress. Practices that effectively utilize EHRs to track patient data, monitor medication adherence, and send reminders for appointments and screenings are better positioned to provide high-quality care.

The analysis would also consider the patient perspective. Gathering feedback from patients about their experiences with their primary care physicians, their satisfaction with the care they receive, and their perceived barriers to accessing care is essential. This feedback can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Shermans Dale.

The analysis would also investigate the availability of after-hours care options. Hypertension management often requires ongoing monitoring and support, and access to care outside of regular business hours is crucial. Practices that offer extended hours, on-call services, or access to urgent care facilities can improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.

The final 'Hypertension Score' would be a composite metric, incorporating all the above factors. It would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality of hypertension care available in Shermans Dale, Pennsylvania. The score would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the availability of support services. This score would provide a valuable tool for residents seeking to manage their hypertension and for healthcare providers seeking to improve their services.

For a visual representation of the data and a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shermans Dale and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that visualize healthcare data, allowing users to explore physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability in a user-friendly format. Contact CartoChrome today to see how their mapping solutions can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.