17223, Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17223, Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.61 percent of the residents in 17223 has some form of health insurance. 40.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.55 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 17223 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 64 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17223. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 31 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,341 health care providers accessible to residents in 17223, Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17223 and Fort Littleton Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within ZIP Code 17223, encompassing the area around Fort Littleton, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into factors impacting hypertension management, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Fort Littleton, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges in this regard. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories, can provide an initial estimate of this ratio within the 17223 ZIP code. However, this data needs to be further refined. It is vital to consider the actual number of patients each physician actively manages, accounting for factors like retirement, specialization, and practice size.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is crucial. Are practices clustered in a central location, or are they geographically dispersed, potentially creating access barriers for residents in more remote areas of Fort Littleton? The proximity of primary care facilities to public transportation routes and the availability of parking are also important considerations, particularly for elderly patients or those with mobility limitations. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve a higher proportion of underserved populations, would significantly impact the overall 'Hypertension Score'.

Identifying standout practices within 17223 requires examining several quality indicators. Patient satisfaction surveys, available through sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices with consistently high patient satisfaction scores, particularly regarding communication, appointment scheduling, and perceived quality of care, should be recognized. Furthermore, data on clinical outcomes, such as the percentage of patients with controlled hypertension, offers a direct measure of practice effectiveness. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), demonstrate a commitment to providing evidence-based care and should be viewed favorably.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, especially in rural areas like Fort Littleton. Telehealth can reduce geographical barriers to care, allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely for medication adjustments, blood pressure monitoring guidance, and lifestyle counseling. The availability of telemedicine services among primary care practices in 17223 should be assessed. This includes the types of services offered (e.g., video visits, phone consultations, remote patient monitoring), the ease of access (e.g., user-friendly platforms, technical support), and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care workflow. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their hypertension management programs, demonstrating improved patient outcomes and satisfaction, deserve recognition.

The intricate relationship between hypertension and mental health necessitates the integration of mental health resources into primary care. Patients with hypertension often experience anxiety, depression, and stress, which can negatively impact their adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health services within primary care practices in 17223 is a critical factor in the 'Hypertension Score'. This includes the presence of on-site behavioral health specialists, the availability of mental health referrals, and the implementation of screening tools for depression and anxiety. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to addressing the mental health needs of their patients, through integrated care models or collaborative partnerships with mental health providers, should be highly valued.

To determine a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score', each of these factors must be weighted and combined. The physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of primary care practices, and the presence of safety-net providers would contribute to an 'Accessibility' score. Patient satisfaction scores, clinical outcomes data, and participation in quality improvement initiatives would contribute to a 'Quality' score. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources would contribute to an 'Innovation' score. A composite score, combining these sub-scores, would provide a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 17223.

The final 'Hypertension Score' is not a static number. It is a snapshot in time, reflecting the current state of healthcare access and quality. Regular monitoring and updates are necessary to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that residents of Fort Littleton have access to the best possible care for managing hypertension. The ongoing evaluation should consider changes in physician availability, the implementation of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the community.

For a visual representation of this data, including the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and demographic information, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a powerful tool for understanding the healthcare landscape in 17223 and identifying areas for improvement.