17094, Thompsontown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17094, Thompsontown, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.18 percent of the residents in 17094 has some form of health insurance. 39.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.37 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 17094 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 651 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 9 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17094. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 566 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,550 health care providers accessible to residents in 17094, Thompsontown, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 17094 & Thompsontown Primary Care

This analysis assesses the quality of primary care, focusing on hypertension management, within ZIP code 17094 (Thompsontown, PA) and the surrounding area. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" framework, evaluating key factors that impact patient access to care and the likelihood of successful hypertension control. This score is not a single numerical value but rather a comprehensive assessment based on several criteria.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. This includes a sufficient number of physicians relative to the population, convenient appointment scheduling, and a commitment to evidence-based treatment protocols. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial starting point. Determining the exact ratio within a specific ZIP code requires accessing proprietary data sources, such as those maintained by healthcare analytics firms. However, we can infer general availability based on publicly available information and regional trends. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially leading to higher patient-to-physician ratios compared to urban centers. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments and reduced opportunities for regular check-ups, both of which are detrimental to hypertension management.

Standout practices are those that excel in providing patient-centered care. This includes factors such as the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, proactive patient outreach for appointment reminders and follow-up care, and a commitment to patient education. Practices that actively monitor patient blood pressure, provide personalized treatment plans, and offer readily available resources for lifestyle modifications (e.g., dietary counseling, exercise programs) are likely to achieve superior hypertension control rates. A practice demonstrating a commitment to these elements would receive a higher score within our framework.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the assessment. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies and integrated them seamlessly into their workflows are better positioned to provide convenient and timely care. The availability of virtual appointments can reduce the burden on patients, allowing for more frequent check-ins and medication adjustments, ultimately leading to better blood pressure control.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of hypertension management, but they play a vital role. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, and untreated mental health conditions can hinder a patient's ability to adhere to treatment plans. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either directly or through referrals to qualified providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, all of which can contribute to improved patient outcomes.

Specific practices within ZIP code 17094 would be evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. This includes assessing the availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telehealth services, the integration of mental health resources, and the practice's overall commitment to patient-centered care. The "Hypertension Score" would reflect the practice's performance across these key areas. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a robust telemedicine program, and integrated mental health services would receive a higher score than a practice with limited resources and a less patient-focused approach.

Primary care availability in Thompsontown, as a whole, is a crucial factor in the overall "Hypertension Score" for the area. If the region faces a shortage of primary care physicians, this will negatively impact the score, regardless of the quality of care provided by individual practices. Analyzing the number of primary care providers within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas is essential to understand the accessibility of care. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the American Medical Association (AMA) can be used to determine the number of physicians, their specialties, and their geographic distribution.

The analysis also includes assessing the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, who are essential for managing complex cases of hypertension. The proximity to these specialists and the ease of referral processes are important factors in the overall score. Furthermore, the availability of diagnostic services, such as blood pressure monitoring devices and laboratory testing, is also considered. Practices that have access to these resources and can provide timely and accurate diagnoses are more likely to achieve successful hypertension control.

The "Hypertension Score" is dynamic and should be updated regularly. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment guidelines, and patient needs emerging. Regular updates to the score ensure its relevance and accuracy. Furthermore, the score should be transparent and accessible to the public. This allows patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and encourages practices to continuously improve their services.

Finally, the "Hypertension Score" is not intended to be a definitive ranking of practices or a substitute for professional medical advice. It is a tool to assess the quality of primary care and identify areas for improvement. Patients should always consult with their healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment for their individual needs.

For a detailed, interactive map visualizing physician locations, practice details, and access to care metrics within ZIP code 17094 and surrounding areas, please explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Uncover the data and make informed decisions about your healthcare.