17220, Dry Run, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17220, Dry Run, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.55 percent of the residents in 17220 has some form of health insurance. 34.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.57 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 17220 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 98 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17220. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 78 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,116 health care providers accessible to residents in 17220, Dry Run, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the quality of hypertension management within the 17220 ZIP code, encompassing Dry Run, Pennsylvania, and assessing the availability of primary care services. This evaluation, framed as a "Hypertension Score," considers several key factors influencing patient outcomes: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Dry Run, 17220, is a critical starting point. A high ratio, meaning a relatively small number of physicians serving a large population, can strain resources and potentially limit access to timely appointments and comprehensive care. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from the US Census Bureau, allows for an estimate of this ratio. This analysis will specifically look at the ratio of primary care physicians, as they are the gatekeepers for hypertension management. The lower the ratio, the higher the potential for delays in diagnosis, treatment initiation, and follow-up care, all of which negatively impact the "Hypertension Score."

Standout practices are those demonstrating excellence in hypertension management. This involves several criteria. Firstly, the practice must have a documented system for routinely screening patients for hypertension, adhering to current guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Secondly, these practices should have robust protocols for initiating and adjusting antihypertensive medications, based on individual patient needs and responses. Thirdly, the practice should have a strong emphasis on patient education, empowering patients to understand their condition, manage their lifestyle factors, and adhere to their medication regimens. Finally, the practice should demonstrate a commitment to continuous quality improvement, regularly monitoring patient outcomes and making adjustments to their processes to optimize care. Identifying these practices requires examining publicly available data, patient reviews, and potentially contacting practices directly to gather information.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can also facilitate more frequent monitoring of blood pressure and medication adherence. The "Hypertension Score" will assess the extent to which primary care practices in 17220 have embraced telemedicine. This involves evaluating whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and secure patient portals for communication and medication refills. The more comprehensive the telemedicine offerings, the higher the score.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial factor. Hypertension is often associated with stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can impact blood pressure control. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services are better positioned to provide holistic care. This includes assessing whether practices have integrated mental health professionals on staff, offer referrals to mental health specialists, or have implemented screening tools for mental health conditions. The availability of these resources significantly contributes to a higher "Hypertension Score."

Dry Run, being a relatively small community, might present unique challenges and opportunities. The proximity of patients to their primary care providers is a factor. The availability of pharmacies within the ZIP code is also relevant, as it affects patients' ability to conveniently access their medications. The presence of community health initiatives, such as free blood pressure screenings or educational programs, also positively influences the "Hypertension Score."

Evaluating each of these factors requires a multi-faceted approach. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the US Census Bureau provides a foundation. Patient reviews on websites such as Healthgrades and Zocdoc can offer insights into patient experiences. Contacting practices directly to gather information about their services and protocols is also necessary. The final "Hypertension Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of each factor.

The "Hypertension Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 17220, encompassing Dry Run, will be a numerical value, reflecting the overall quality of hypertension management. The score will be based on a scale, allowing for comparison among practices and highlighting areas for improvement. The analysis will identify practices that excel in specific areas, such as telemedicine adoption or patient education, serving as models for other practices. The analysis will also pinpoint areas where improvement is needed, such as increasing physician-to-patient ratios or enhancing mental health integration.

For example, a practice demonstrating a low physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine offerings, and a strong commitment to patient education would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine capabilities, and a lack of mental health resources would receive a lower score.

The analysis will also consider the specific needs of the Dry Run community. This includes factors such as the demographics of the population, the prevalence of hypertension, and the socioeconomic factors that may impact access to care. Understanding these factors is essential for tailoring recommendations and identifying opportunities to improve the "Hypertension Score."

The final report will summarize the findings, providing a clear and concise overview of the state of hypertension management in Dry Run, 17220. It will include a list of recommended practices and areas for improvement. The report will be a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders, providing actionable insights to improve hypertension care.

The analysis will also consider the impact of insurance coverage on access to care. The prevalence of different insurance types, such as Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, within the Dry Run population will be examined. The analysis will also consider whether practices accept a wide range of insurance plans, ensuring that patients have access to affordable care.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the role of community resources in supporting hypertension management. This includes the availability of support groups, educational programs, and access to healthy food options. The presence of these resources can empower patients to take control of their health and improve their blood pressure control.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the landscape of healthcare providers and resources in the 17220 ZIP code, consider exploring the area with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the "Hypertension Score" and other relevant data, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of the factors influencing hypertension management in Dry Run.