17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.90 percent of the residents in 17255 has some form of health insurance. 49.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.27 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 17255 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 279 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17255. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 314 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,791 health care providers accessible to residents in 17255, Shade Gap, Pennsylvania.

This analysis explores the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 17255, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians and related resources in Shade Gap, Pennsylvania. We aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem's capacity to address hypertension, a significant public health concern. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in successful hypertension control.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational element of healthcare accessibility. In the context of hypertension management, a lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments, more frequent monitoring, and ultimately, improved patient outcomes. Data specific to ZIP Code 17255 is crucial. Publicly available information, such as data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide insights into the number of primary care physicians serving the area. This data must then be compared to the population of Shade Gap and the surrounding areas within the ZIP code. A high physician-to-patient ratio might indicate a shortage of primary care providers, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, less frequent follow-up appointments, and poorer adherence to treatment plans for individuals with hypertension.

Identifying standout practices is critical to understanding the quality of care available. These practices often demonstrate excellence in hypertension management through various means. They might employ evidence-based guidelines, have a dedicated team of nurses and support staff, or utilize innovative technologies to improve patient care. Practices that consistently achieve high rates of blood pressure control, as measured by patient outcomes data, should be considered exemplary. Reviewing patient testimonials, online ratings, and conducting targeted outreach to local healthcare providers can help identify these standout practices. These practices often serve as models for other providers and can contribute to raising the overall standard of hypertension care in the region.

The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to revolutionize hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Shade Gap. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely monitor their blood pressure, receive virtual consultations with their physicians, and access educational resources from the comfort of their homes. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who live far from healthcare facilities, have mobility issues, or struggle to take time off work for appointments. Examining the extent to which local primary care practices offer telemedicine services, including virtual visits, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and online patient portals, is essential. Practices that embrace telemedicine are better positioned to provide timely and convenient care, leading to improved patient adherence to treatment plans and better blood pressure control.

Mental health resources play a vital, often overlooked, role in hypertension management. Stress and anxiety are known contributors to elevated blood pressure. Patients with hypertension often experience emotional distress related to their condition, including fear, worry, and frustration. Access to mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, can help patients manage these stressors, improve their coping mechanisms, and ultimately, improve their blood pressure control. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the ZIP code is critical. Identifying practices that integrate mental health services into their hypertension care programs, either directly or through referrals, is also essential. This integrated approach can lead to more holistic and effective treatment plans.

The specific characteristics of Shade Gap, a rural community, present unique challenges and opportunities. Rural areas often face shortages of healthcare providers, limited access to specialized services, and challenges related to transportation and internet connectivity. Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve hypertension management. This includes promoting telehealth, increasing access to primary care, and providing education and support to patients.

To accurately assess the landscape of hypertension management in Shade Gap, it's important to gather data from multiple sources. This includes public health data, information from healthcare providers, and patient feedback. Analyzing this data will provide a comprehensive picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This analysis should include data on blood pressure control rates, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction.

The presence of community health initiatives and support groups can also significantly impact hypertension management. These initiatives often provide education, resources, and support to patients, helping them to manage their condition effectively. Identifying and assessing the effectiveness of these programs is important. This includes evaluating the reach of these programs, the types of services they offer, and the impact they have on patient outcomes.

In conclusion, understanding the landscape of hypertension management in ZIP Code 17255, and specifically in Shade Gap, requires a multifaceted approach. This includes evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. The specific challenges and opportunities presented by the rural setting must also be considered. By gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This knowledge can then be used to develop targeted interventions to improve hypertension management and ultimately, improve the health and well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Shade Gap, including physician locations, practice types, and access to resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the data discussed, allowing you to visualize the information and gain deeper insights into the healthcare ecosystem.