17253, Saltillo, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17253, Saltillo, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.98 percent of the residents in 17253 has some form of health insurance. 32.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.91 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 17253 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 92 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17253. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 45 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 231 health care providers accessible to residents in 17253, Saltillo, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below focuses on hypertension management capabilities of primary care physicians in ZIP code 17253, encompassing the town of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, and assessing primary care availability in the nearby community of Saltillo. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension, a significant public health concern.

The physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP code 17253, and by extension Shippensburg, is a crucial starting point. Publicly available data, such as those from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates. However, these figures often represent broader geographical areas and may not accurately reflect the specific needs of Shippensburg. A low physician-to-patient ratio could indicate limited access to care, potentially impacting the ability of patients to receive timely hypertension screenings, diagnosis, and ongoing management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater availability, although this alone does not guarantee quality.

Primary care availability in Saltillo, a smaller community, presents a different set of challenges. Rural areas often face shortages of healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances, and potential delays in receiving essential medical care. The impact on hypertension management is significant, as consistent follow-up and medication adherence are critical for controlling blood pressure and preventing complications.

Evaluating the performance of individual practices within ZIP code 17253 requires a deeper dive. Identifying standout practices involves considering several factors. These include the percentage of patients screened for hypertension, the rate of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients, the use of evidence-based guidelines in treatment, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these metrics are likely to provide superior care. Analyzing publicly available data, such as those from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can provide insights into quality measures, but this information may not be available for all practices.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management can significantly improve access to care for patients with hypertension. Practices in Shippensburg that have embraced telemedicine may be better positioned to serve a wider patient population and provide more convenient care options. The availability of reliable internet access, however, remains a significant barrier in some areas.

Mental health resources are also critical in hypertension management. The relationship between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult for patients to manage their condition. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through in-house providers or referrals to external specialists, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can lead to improved outcomes and patient well-being.

Specific practices within ZIP code 17253 should be assessed individually. Identifying practices that excel in hypertension management requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes evaluating their infrastructure, their use of technology, and their commitment to patient education. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide clear and concise information, and offer support for lifestyle modifications are likely to achieve better results.

The challenges in Saltillo are compounded by its rural setting. The lack of readily available primary care physicians, coupled with the potential for limited access to specialists and support services, can create significant barriers to effective hypertension management. Community initiatives, such as mobile health clinics or partnerships with larger healthcare systems, may be necessary to address these challenges.

Data analysis should include specific details of the practices in Shippensburg. This would include the number of physicians, the types of services offered, and the availability of specialized care. The practices' commitment to patient education, including providing information on diet, exercise, and stress management, should be assessed.

The availability of pharmacies and access to affordable medications are also critical factors. Patients need to be able to easily obtain the medications prescribed by their physicians. Practices that work closely with local pharmacies to ensure medication adherence and affordability are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

The role of patient education is paramount. Practices that provide comprehensive education on hypertension, including its causes, complications, and management strategies, empower patients to take an active role in their care. This includes providing information on healthy eating habits, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques.

The impact of social determinants of health should also be considered. Factors such as income, education, and access to healthy food can significantly influence a patient's ability to manage their hypertension. Practices that are aware of these factors and provide support to address them are better positioned to improve patient outcomes.

The overall goal is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in ZIP code 17253 and Saltillo concerning hypertension management. This analysis should provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients.

For a visual representation of this data, including geographic distribution of resources and patient demographics, explore CartoChrome maps.