17224, Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17224, Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.82 percent of the residents in 17224 has some form of health insurance. 39.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.60 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 17224 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 215 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17224. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 382 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,696 health care providers accessible to residents in 17224, Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17224 and Primary Care Availability in Fort Loudon

Evaluating the landscape of healthcare, specifically concerning hypertension management and primary care access in the Fort Loudon area (ZIP Code 17224), requires a nuanced approach. This analysis delves into various factors, culminating in a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score is not a real, standardized metric but rather a composite judgment based on available data and observations regarding physician availability, quality of care, and resources.

The foundation of this assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Fort Loudon, a rural community, this ratio is likely a critical determinant of access. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, directly impacts the ability of patients to secure timely appointments, follow-up care, and preventative screenings essential for hypertension management. This is compounded by the fact that many patients in this area are likely older, with chronic conditions, and require more frequent care. The availability of primary care physicians, including family medicine and internal medicine specialists, is particularly crucial. These physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with hypertension and play a vital role in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring.

Beyond physician numbers, the quality of care provided by available practices is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. This includes the use of the latest medications, lifestyle counseling, and regular blood pressure monitoring. A practice’s commitment to patient education is also vital, empowering patients to take an active role in managing their condition. Practices that offer comprehensive patient education programs, including dietary guidance and exercise recommendations, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

Standout practices within the Fort Loudon area would be those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in hypertension care. This could include practices with a high percentage of patients achieving blood pressure control, those offering extended hours or weekend appointments to improve accessibility, and those actively involved in community outreach programs promoting healthy lifestyles. These practices would likely have a well-established system for patient follow-up, ensuring that patients receive regular check-ups and medication adjustments as needed. They would also prioritize clear communication with patients, providing them with the information and support they need to manage their condition effectively.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in this rural setting. Telemedicine can enhance access to care, particularly for patients who face transportation barriers or live in remote areas. Virtual consultations can facilitate medication management, provide remote monitoring of blood pressure, and offer educational resources. However, the successful implementation of telemedicine requires reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the availability of trained staff to support virtual visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine effectively, integrating it seamlessly into their existing workflows, are likely to improve patient outcomes.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial factor. Hypertension and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, often co-occur. Stress and emotional distress can significantly impact blood pressure levels and complicate hypertension management. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric care, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. This could involve partnerships with local mental health providers or the integration of behavioral health specialists into the primary care team.

The availability of resources to support lifestyle modifications is also important. Hypertension management often requires lifestyle changes, including dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and smoking cessation. Practices that provide access to registered dietitians, certified personal trainers, and smoking cessation programs can significantly improve patient outcomes. The presence of community resources, such as walking trails, farmers' markets, and support groups, can further enhance the ability of patients to adopt healthy behaviors.

The "Hypertension Score" for doctors in ZIP Code 17224 would be a composite of these factors. A high score would reflect a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, a commitment to evidence-based care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of lifestyle modification support. Conversely, a low score would indicate challenges in these areas, potentially leading to poorer health outcomes for patients with hypertension.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape in Fort Loudon requires a multifaceted approach. Evaluating physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources is critical. While this analysis provides a general overview, a more in-depth investigation, including data from patient surveys and clinical outcomes, would be needed for a definitive assessment.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fort Loudon and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations and community health resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the accessibility and availability of care in your area.