17239, Neelyton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17239, Neelyton, Pennsylvania is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.55 percent of the residents in 17239 has some form of health insurance. 31.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.48 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 17239 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 57 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17239. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 36 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,348 health care providers accessible to residents in 17239, Neelyton, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing the cardiovascular health landscape within ZIP Code 17239, encompassing the town of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, and assessing primary care accessibility in the nearby community of Neelyton, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will focus on developing a “Hypertension Score” ranking for local physicians, taking into account factors beyond simple patient volume. The score will incorporate physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall patient experience. This is a complex undertaking, and the lack of comprehensive data publicly available creates limitations. However, we can use available information to formulate an informed assessment.

The foundation of any hypertension management program is the availability of primary care physicians. Within 17239, and particularly in the more rural area of Neelyton, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. A high ratio, indicating a larger number of patients per doctor, can strain resources and potentially limit the time available for comprehensive hypertension management. This includes not only medication management but also patient education, lifestyle counseling, and regular monitoring. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) provides estimates of primary care physician availability, but this information often lags and may not reflect the current reality. Further investigation into the specific practices within the area is required to determine the true physician-to-patient ratios.

Standout practices, those that excel in hypertension management, often demonstrate several key characteristics. They typically employ a team-based approach, involving not only physicians but also nurses, medical assistants, and potentially pharmacists and dietitians. This allows for a more holistic approach to patient care, with each member of the team contributing their expertise. These practices are also likely to have robust systems for patient follow-up and medication adherence. They may utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, send reminders for appointments and medications, and facilitate communication between patients and providers. The identification of these practices would require detailed research into the operational procedures of each clinic.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Neelyton. Telemedicine can facilitate remote monitoring of blood pressure, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations. This can improve access to care for patients who may have difficulty traveling to a clinic, especially those with mobility issues or limited transportation options. The “Hypertension Score” would need to consider the extent to which each practice utilizes telemedicine platforms, including the types of services offered, the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telemedicine data into the EHR.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure, and addressing these issues is crucial for overall health. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through referrals to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The "Hypertension Score" would incorporate the availability of these resources, including the types of mental health services offered, the ease of access for patients, and the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers.

Patient experience is another critical factor. A positive patient experience can lead to better adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes. This includes factors such as the ease of scheduling appointments, the wait times in the waiting room, the communication skills of the healthcare providers, and the overall feeling of being cared for. Gathering this information can be challenging, but patient reviews, surveys, and feedback from community organizations can provide valuable insights. The “Hypertension Score” would incorporate these factors to reflect the patient’s perspective on the quality of care received.

Developing a robust “Hypertension Score” requires a systematic approach. It starts with identifying all primary care physicians within ZIP Code 17239, and assessing their practices. Next, gather data on physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and patient experience. This information is then weighted and combined to create a composite score for each physician. The weighting of each factor should be based on its relative importance in hypertension management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, reflecting its impact on access to care. Telemedicine adoption might be weighted moderately, recognizing its potential to improve access and convenience. Mental health resources and patient experience should also be given significant weight, as they play a crucial role in overall patient well-being and adherence to treatment plans.

The application of this scoring system to Neelyton specifically, given its rural setting, would place a premium on access to care. The score would emphasize factors like telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health services, recognizing the challenges of providing care in a geographically isolated area. The ultimate goal of the “Hypertension Score” is to provide a transparent and objective assessment of the quality of hypertension management in the region. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The creation of this score is an ongoing process. It is not a static assessment, and it should be updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare practices and patient needs. The score should also be transparent and accessible, so that patients and other stakeholders can understand the methodology and the results. This level of data collection and analysis is often complex and requires sophisticated tools.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 17239 and Neelyton, including the geographic distribution of physicians, patient demographics, and the availability of resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the local healthcare environment.