17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania is 4 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.54 percent of the residents in 17213 has some form of health insurance. 51.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.93 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 17213 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 101 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17213. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 173 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 37 health care providers accessible to residents in 17213, Blairs Mills, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17213 and Primary Care in Blairs Mills

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 17213 and the availability of primary care services, specifically focusing on the rural community of Blairs Mills. The goal is to assess the accessibility and quality of care related to hypertension, considering factors like physician density, innovative healthcare practices, and the integration of mental health resources. This information will provide a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities in managing this widespread health condition.

ZIP Code 17213, encompassing Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, presents a diverse demographic profile. Understanding the specific needs of this population is crucial for tailoring healthcare strategies. The prevalence of hypertension, like many chronic conditions, is influenced by factors such as age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle choices. Assessing the availability of primary care physicians is the first step in evaluating the community's capacity to address this public health concern.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Data from reliable sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health or publicly available databases, is essential to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio within 17213. This ratio should be compared to both state and national averages to gauge the relative adequacy of the local physician supply.

Primary care availability in Blairs Mills, a more rural area, warrants specific attention. Rural communities often face greater challenges in accessing healthcare due to geographic isolation, limited transportation options, and a smaller pool of healthcare professionals. Assessing the number of primary care practices, their operating hours, and their acceptance of various insurance plans is vital. Furthermore, evaluating the distance patients must travel to reach a primary care provider is crucial for understanding accessibility. This can involve mapping the locations of practices and analyzing the travel times for residents of Blairs Mills.

Identifying standout practices within 17213 that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management is important. This requires examining factors like patient satisfaction scores, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, and the use of innovative approaches to patient care. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for efficient data collection and analysis, are often better equipped to manage chronic conditions like hypertension. Examining the practice’s patient education materials and programs focused on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, can further assess their effectiveness.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in improving access to care, especially in rural areas. Practices that offer telehealth consultations can extend their reach to patients who may face barriers to in-person visits. This includes providing remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual check-ups, and medication management support. Evaluating the adoption rate of telemedicine within 17213 and the specific services offered by local practices is critical. Investigating patient satisfaction with telemedicine services and their impact on blood pressure control can provide valuable insights.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is crucial for comprehensive hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels, and addressing these issues is essential for achieving optimal health outcomes. Assessing whether primary care practices within 17213 have mental health professionals on staff, offer mental health screenings, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists is important. Examining the availability of resources like support groups or educational programs related to stress management can also contribute to a more holistic approach to patient care.

Data on medication adherence is a vital indicator of effective hypertension management. Analyzing the percentage of patients prescribed antihypertensive medications who consistently take their medications as prescribed provides insights into the effectiveness of treatment plans. This involves examining prescription refill rates, medication reconciliation practices, and patient education efforts. Practices that actively address medication adherence through strategies like medication reminders or pharmacist consultations often achieve better outcomes.

Analyzing the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension within the community is a key indicator of the effectiveness of current healthcare practices. This involves assessing the percentage of patients with hypertension who have blood pressure readings above the recommended target levels. This data can be obtained through a review of patient records or through community health surveys. Identifying the factors contributing to uncontrolled hypertension, such as lack of access to care, medication non-adherence, or inadequate lifestyle modifications, is crucial for developing targeted interventions.

The integration of community resources into hypertension management can improve patient outcomes. This involves identifying local programs that support healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercise classes, nutrition counseling, and smoking cessation programs. Assessing the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with these community resources and refer patients to them is essential. This collaborative approach can create a more supportive environment for patients and promote long-term health.

Finally, assessing the effectiveness of patient education materials and programs is important. These materials should be clear, concise, and culturally appropriate. Evaluating the readability and comprehension of these materials is essential. Practices that regularly assess patient understanding and provide ongoing education are often more successful in helping patients manage their hypertension.

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of hypertension management in ZIP Code 17213 and primary care availability in Blairs Mills requires a multifaceted approach. This includes assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, examining mental health resources, and understanding the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing this widespread health condition and improve patient outcomes.

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 17213, including physician locations, patient demographics, and community resource locations, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, enabling a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility and resource allocation.