17322, Felton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.31 percent of the residents in 17322 has some form of health insurance. 31.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.48 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 17322 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,176 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17322. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 905 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,606 health care providers accessible to residents in 17322, Felton, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Felton, PA (ZIP Code 17322)

Analyzing hypertension management capabilities within Felton, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17322) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), evaluates their practices regarding hypertension care, and considers the supporting infrastructure, including telemedicine and mental health resources. This analysis is not a definitive ranking but rather a comprehensive overview to inform residents and healthcare providers.

The foundation of hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio in Felton is crucial. Publicly available data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or the Pennsylvania Department of Health can provide estimates. However, these figures often represent county-level averages, not the hyper-local perspective needed. A more accurate assessment requires examining the number of active PCPs within the 17322 ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. A lower ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely care, especially for routine checkups and follow-up appointments essential for hypertension management.

Once the physician-to-patient ratio is established, the next step is evaluating individual practices. This involves assessing their approach to hypertension care. Key indicators include the frequency of blood pressure screenings during routine visits, the use of standardized protocols for diagnosis and treatment (e.g., adherence to the latest guidelines from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology), and the availability of patient education materials. Practices that proactively identify and manage hypertension patients are better equipped to control blood pressure levels.

Identifying standout practices within Felton is essential. These practices often demonstrate superior performance in hypertension management. This could be through patient outcomes (e.g., percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure), the implementation of innovative technologies (e.g., automated blood pressure monitoring systems), or a patient-centered approach that emphasizes lifestyle modifications and medication adherence. These practices serve as models for others to emulate.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Felton. Telemedicine offers several advantages for hypertension management. It enables remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management, all of which can improve patient access to care and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care, which can lead to better outcomes. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of platforms used and the scope of services offered, is crucial.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Felton is a critical consideration. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their hypertension care programs are better positioned to address the holistic needs of their patients. Evaluating the presence of on-site mental health providers, referral pathways to external mental health services, and the integration of mental health screening into routine care is essential.

Furthermore, consider the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and pharmacists who can provide medication counseling. These professionals play a vital role in patient education and support, which are essential for managing hypertension effectively. Evaluating the presence of these services and their integration into the primary care practices is crucial.

Another crucial aspect of the analysis is the accessibility of medication. Ensuring that patients have access to affordable medications is paramount. This includes evaluating the availability of generic medications, the practice's participation in patient assistance programs, and the presence of pharmacies within the community. Practices that proactively address medication access issues are better positioned to support their patients.

The infrastructure surrounding the primary care practices is also important. This includes the availability of transportation options, especially for patients who may have limited mobility or live in remote areas. It also includes the presence of community health centers and other resources that can provide support and education to patients.

Data gathering is a significant challenge. Obtaining granular data on physician practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources often requires direct outreach to the practices themselves. Publicly available data sources, such as insurance provider directories and online reviews, can provide some insights, but they may not be comprehensive. Patient surveys can also provide valuable feedback on their experiences with hypertension care.

Finally, consider the demographics of the community. Understanding the prevalence of hypertension within the 17322 ZIP code and the specific needs of the population (e.g., age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) can inform the analysis and highlight areas where targeted interventions are needed. This demographic data, combined with data on physician practices and resources, will paint a comprehensive picture of hypertension management capabilities in Felton.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension management capabilities in Felton, PA, requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, practice protocols, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and supporting infrastructure. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system within the community.

To visualize the location of these doctors and the associated resources, visit CartoChrome maps.