17210, Amberson, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17210, Amberson, Pennsylvania is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17210 has some form of health insurance. 26.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 17210 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 55 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17210. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 41 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,398 health care providers accessible to residents in 17210, Amberson, Pennsylvania.

Here's an analysis focusing on hypertension management for doctors in ZIP code 17210, with a secondary focus on primary care access in Amberson, Pennsylvania, incorporating the requested elements:

The challenge of effectively managing hypertension, a silent killer, demands a comprehensive approach. This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 17210, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians, a critical factor in early detection and ongoing management. We'll also briefly consider the primary care access issues in the nearby Amberson area, a smaller community that might face unique challenges.

ZIP code 17210, encompassing Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, presents a varied healthcare environment. The success of hypertension management hinges on several key factors. First and foremost is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time each patient receives for education, monitoring, and personalized care plans. Data on this ratio is crucial. Public health agencies, like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, often maintain this data, allowing for a baseline understanding of access.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is vital. Are they clustered in specific areas, potentially creating access deserts for some residents? Analyzing geographical data, perhaps through tools like CartoChrome maps (mentioned later), can reveal these patterns. Identifying underserved areas is the first step toward addressing disparities in care.

Several practices within 17210 likely stand out in their approach to hypertension management. These "standout practices" often excel in several areas. They may prioritize patient education, providing clear and concise information about lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring. They might utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress meticulously, allowing for data-driven adjustments to treatment plans. Some practices could also incorporate nurse navigators or dedicated care coordinators to support patients through the complexities of hypertension management.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication refills can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration within practices in 17210 is essential. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., video visits, remote monitoring), the platforms used, and patient satisfaction with these services.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of hypertension, but they are integral. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure. Practices that integrate mental health screening and provide access to mental health professionals (therapists, psychiatrists) can offer a more holistic approach to patient care. This might involve on-site mental health services or established referral networks.

Turning our attention to Amberson, Pennsylvania, the situation might be different. Amberson is a smaller community, and primary care access can be a significant hurdle. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely lower than in Chambersburg. Residents may need to travel further for appointments, potentially impacting their ability to receive timely care. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, would likely be more limited.

Addressing primary care access in Amberson might require innovative solutions. This could include mobile health clinics, telehealth programs, or partnerships with larger healthcare systems in nearby urban areas. Community health workers could play a role in providing education and support to residents.

To assess the quality of hypertension care, we must consider various metrics. These include the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, the rates of medication adherence, the frequency of blood pressure monitoring, and the utilization of preventive services (e.g., cholesterol screening, diabetes screening). Data on these metrics can often be obtained from insurance claims data, electronic health records, and patient surveys.

The analysis should also consider the demographic characteristics of the patient population. Are there disparities in care based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status? Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensuring equitable access to high-quality hypertension management.

Furthermore, understanding the insurance landscape is critical. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, can impact access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are more likely to serve a diverse patient population.

In conclusion, effectively managing hypertension requires a multi-faceted approach. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the utilization of data-driven metrics are all essential components. Understanding the specific circumstances within ZIP code 17210, and considering the challenges faced in areas like Amberson, is crucial for developing targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the physician distribution, access to care, and the potential for health disparities in 17210 and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare resources, allowing for a more comprehensive analysis of the landscape and the identification of areas needing improvement.