17265, Upperstrasburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17265, Upperstrasburg, Pennsylvania is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.15 percent of the residents in 17265 has some form of health insurance. 47.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.66 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 17265 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 102 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17265. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 111 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,628 health care providers accessible to residents in 17265, Upperstrasburg, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 17265 and Upperstrasburg Primary Care

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 17265, encompassing Upperstrasburg, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the physician-to-patient ratio, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the presence of mental health resources, all contributing to a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for the area. This score, though not a numerical value in this context, represents a qualitative assessment of the community's capacity to effectively address and manage hypertension.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Upperstrasburg, a rural community, faces inherent challenges in this regard. The geographic dispersion of the population, coupled with potential limitations in transportation, can restrict access to care. Determining the actual number of primary care physicians actively serving the 17265 ZIP code is the first crucial step. This information, ideally obtained from local healthcare directories, insurance provider databases, and potentially the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is essential.

The next step involves calculating the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio provides a critical indicator of access. A lower ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and consistent care. Publicly available demographic data, such as census information, is needed to determine the population of the 17265 ZIP code. Comparing this population figure to the number of available primary care physicians allows for the calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio, revealing a key factor in the hypertension score.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These practices, through their demonstrated commitment to hypertension management, serve as models for others in the community. This requires a deeper dive, exploring specific practices within the ZIP code. Are there practices that actively promote hypertension screening? Do they employ evidence-based treatment protocols, adhering to guidelines established by organizations like the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology? Do they have dedicated staff, such as nurses or certified medical assistants, focused on patient education and support related to hypertension?

Furthermore, the presence of patient-centered care is vital. This includes assessing the availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, and same-day appointments for urgent needs. Practices that offer these services demonstrate a commitment to removing barriers to access and improving patient adherence to treatment plans. Another important factor is the practice’s use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs streamline data management, facilitating better communication between providers and allowing for more efficient monitoring of patient progress.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of the hypertension score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Are local primary care physicians utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management? Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with hypertension, allowing for frequent monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans without the need for frequent in-person visits.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate hypertension and hinder adherence to treatment. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health resources within the community is essential. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, readily accessible within the 17265 ZIP code? Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services, allowing patients to address both their physical and mental health needs in a coordinated manner?

The availability of mental health resources can significantly influence the hypertension score. Practices that prioritize integrated care, addressing both physical and mental health needs, are better equipped to support their patients. This can involve on-site mental health professionals, referrals to local mental health providers, or partnerships with community organizations that offer mental health services.

Analyzing the availability of resources for patient education is also critical. Do practices provide educational materials on hypertension, including information on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques? Do they offer group classes or individual counseling sessions to help patients understand their condition and manage it effectively? Patient education is essential for empowering individuals to take control of their health and improve their outcomes.

The overall hypertension score for 17265, and specifically Upperstrasburg, is determined by the interplay of all these factors. A high score suggests a community with strong primary care access, effective practices, telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources. A lower score indicates areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, enhancing telemedicine capabilities, and expanding access to mental health services.

The analysis of the 17265 ZIP code, as a whole, will then provide a snapshot of the community's preparedness to address hypertension. The goal is to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This information can be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and community outreach efforts.

Understanding the geographical distribution of these factors is also essential. Where are the primary care practices located? Where are the mental health resources concentrated? Mapping this information can reveal areas of high need and identify potential disparities in access to care.

To visualize these complex data and gain a more complete understanding of the healthcare landscape in 17265, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can integrate geographical data with healthcare information, allowing you to visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, providing a comprehensive and interactive view of the hypertension landscape.