17235, Marion, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 62.47 percent of the residents in 17235 has some form of health insurance. 44.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.25 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 17235 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 275 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17235. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 157 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13,531 health care providers accessible to residents in 17235, Marion, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17235 & Marion Primary Care

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP Code 17235 and assessing primary care availability in Marion requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers several key factors, moving beyond simple metrics to paint a more nuanced picture of healthcare access and quality. We will evaluate physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, gauge telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive hypertension care.

ZIP Code 17235, located within Marion County, is the primary focus. Understanding the demographic makeup of this area is the first step. Age distribution, socioeconomic factors, and prevalence of chronic conditions like diabetes all influence the hypertension burden. Data from the US Census Bureau, alongside local health department reports, will provide crucial insights. This demographic context is essential for interpreting the effectiveness of primary care services.

Physician-to-patient ratios represent a fundamental measure of access. A low ratio, indicating a high number of patients per physician, can strain the healthcare system, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less time dedicated to each patient. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of State, along with information from insurance providers and hospital systems, will be used to calculate this ratio within 17235. This calculation needs to differentiate between general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, and cardiologists, as each plays a vital role in hypertension management.

Identifying standout practices within 17235 requires a deeper dive. This involves examining patient satisfaction scores, clinic infrastructure, and adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment. Practices with a strong focus on patient education, lifestyle modification counseling, and medication management protocols will likely demonstrate better outcomes. Reviewing publicly available data, such as patient reviews and quality reports from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can help identify these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption has significantly impacted healthcare delivery, especially in rural or underserved areas. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services within 17235 is crucial. Does the practice offer virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication refills, and blood pressure monitoring? Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Information about telemedicine offerings can be obtained by surveying local practices and hospitals, and by reviewing their websites and patient portals.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate high blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive hypertension care. This analysis must consider the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the primary care practices or nearby. Information on mental health resources can be obtained by examining local hospital directories, mental health provider listings, and community health resources.

Primary care availability in Marion, beyond the specific ZIP code, is also essential. Patients may seek care outside of their immediate area. A broader view of healthcare access in Marion County, including the distribution of primary care physicians and specialists, will provide a more comprehensive picture. This analysis will consider the geographic distribution of healthcare facilities and the availability of transportation options.

To determine a 'Hypertension Score' for 17235, each factor will be weighted based on its relative importance. Physician-to-patient ratios, for example, may carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, depending on the specific needs of the community. The final score will be a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension care within the ZIP code.

This score will be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents. It can highlight areas of strength and areas needing improvement, guiding resource allocation and targeted interventions. For example, if physician-to-patient ratios are low, efforts can be made to attract more physicians to the area. If telemedicine adoption is low, resources can be invested in training and infrastructure.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community resources, such as support groups for individuals with hypertension and educational programs on healthy lifestyles. These resources can play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their condition effectively. Information on these resources can be gathered from local health organizations, community centers, and hospitals.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) by primary care practices. EHRs can facilitate care coordination, improve medication management, and enable more efficient data collection and analysis. Practices with robust EHR systems are often better equipped to provide high-quality hypertension care.

The final 'Hypertension Score' will not be a static number. It should be viewed as a dynamic measure, reflecting the ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access and quality. Regular updates and revisions are essential to ensure that the score remains relevant and useful.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of hypertension management in ZIP Code 17235 and the broader Marion area. By considering a wide range of factors, from physician-to-patient ratios to mental health resources, this analysis will offer valuable insights for improving the health and well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of this data and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Marion and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can help you visualize physician locations, hospital access, and other critical data points, providing a powerful tool for understanding and improving hypertension care in your community.