17267, Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17267, Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.73 percent of the residents in 17267 has some form of health insurance. 38.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.12 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 17267 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 566 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17267. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 607 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 361 health care providers accessible to residents in 17267, Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Warfordsburg, PA (ZIP Code 17267)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management in Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17267) requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the broader ecosystem of resources that contribute to effective blood pressure control. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and explore the presence of mental health resources – all crucial components of a comprehensive hypertension care strategy.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Warfordsburg, a predominantly rural area, the availability of primary care physicians is likely a significant concern. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests a potential shortage of providers, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, including hypertension screening and management. Investigating the exact ratio requires data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, cross-referenced with physician directories. A low ratio necessitates strategies to improve access, such as attracting new physicians to the area, expanding telehealth services, or leveraging the skills of advanced practice providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Identifying standout practices is essential to understand best practices and identify potential models for improvement. This requires a deep dive into the operational characteristics of the existing primary care providers. Are there practices that actively participate in value-based care models, incentivizing them to improve patient outcomes, including hypertension control? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, monitor blood pressure readings, and implement evidence-based treatment protocols? Do they have dedicated staff, such as nurses or medical assistants, who specialize in hypertension management and patient education? Practices demonstrating these characteristics, such as those with dedicated hypertension clinics or those actively involved in community outreach programs focused on cardiovascular health, would be considered standout performers.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly crucial, especially in rural areas where geographic barriers can hinder access to care. The availability of telehealth services for hypertension management, including remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management, can significantly improve patient outcomes. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires evaluating the technological infrastructure of local practices. Do they have the necessary equipment and internet connectivity to support telehealth visits? Are they utilizing secure platforms for virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring? Are they providing patients with the necessary training and support to effectively use these technologies? Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it seamlessly into their workflow are better positioned to provide accessible and convenient care to patients with hypertension.

The often-overlooked aspect of mental health resources plays a critical role in hypertension management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly elevate blood pressure and interfere with adherence to treatment plans. Evaluating the availability of mental health services in Warfordsburg is therefore essential. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) practicing in the area? Are these providers integrated into the primary care practices, facilitating collaborative care and seamless referrals? Do primary care providers screen patients for mental health conditions and provide appropriate referrals? The presence of robust mental health resources and integrated care models is a significant indicator of a well-rounded approach to hypertension management.

A comprehensive hypertension score for doctors in ZIP code 17267 would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in contributing to effective hypertension management. The score would provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to assess the quality of care and identify areas for improvement.

The assessment of primary care availability in Warfordsburg requires a nuanced understanding of the local context. The population demographics, the prevalence of hypertension, and the socioeconomic factors influencing access to care all contribute to the overall picture. For instance, the presence of a large elderly population or a high prevalence of diabetes, a condition often associated with hypertension, would necessitate a greater focus on preventative care and chronic disease management. Understanding the specific needs of the community is essential for developing targeted interventions to improve hypertension control.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the role of community resources. Are there local pharmacies that offer blood pressure screenings or medication counseling? Are there community health centers or outreach programs that provide education and support to patients with hypertension? The presence of these resources can supplement the care provided by primary care physicians and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to hypertension management.

Analyzing the performance of individual practices requires careful consideration of various metrics. Beyond the physician-to-patient ratio, factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and the frequency of follow-up appointments should be evaluated. Practices that demonstrate high performance across these metrics should be recognized and serve as models for other providers in the area.

In conclusion, improving hypertension management in Warfordsburg requires a multi-pronged approach. Addressing the physician-to-patient ratio, promoting telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health resources, and supporting the development of standout practices are all critical components of a comprehensive strategy.

For a visual representation of the physician landscape and resource availability in Warfordsburg and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and community health centers, explore the power of **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data discussed in this analysis, providing a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the local healthcare environment and identify areas for improvement.