17344, Mc Sherrystown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17344, Mc Sherrystown, Pennsylvania is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.97 percent of the residents in 17344 has some form of health insurance. 29.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.23 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 17344 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 937 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17344. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 732 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,868 health care providers accessible to residents in 17344, Mc Sherrystown, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: McSherrystown, PA (ZIP Code 17344)

This analysis provides a preliminary assessment of hypertension management resources and primary care availability within McSherrystown, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17344), focusing on factors relevant to a "Hypertension Score." The goal is to understand the landscape for patients seeking care for high blood pressure, considering physician access, practice characteristics, and the availability of supporting services. The analysis considers the limitations of publicly available data and the need for further, more granular investigation.

The core of a strong Hypertension Score lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). McSherrystown, like many rural or suburban communities, faces potential challenges in this area. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. National averages can be misleading; local ratios, reflecting the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and surrounding areas, are crucial. A high ratio (more patients per physician) indicates potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access. Determining this ratio requires data on the number of practicing PCPs, which can be gleaned from online physician directories, insurance provider lists, and healthcare system websites. The population of 17344 also needs to be considered.

Beyond raw numbers, the types of practices available matter. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger, integrated healthcare systems? Larger systems often have more resources, including access to specialists (cardiologists, nephrologists), diagnostic equipment, and electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs are essential for managing chronic conditions like hypertension, enabling efficient data collection, medication tracking, and patient communication. The presence of a robust EHR system within practices in 17344 would positively impact the Hypertension Score.

Standout practices in the area should be identified. This requires looking beyond just the number of doctors. Factors like patient reviews, practice accreditations (e.g., National Committee for Quality Assurance), and participation in quality improvement programs (e.g., those focused on hypertension management) are important. Practices that actively monitor patient blood pressure, provide patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and offer regular follow-up appointments are vital. Investigating which practices are accepting new patients is also critical, as this directly impacts access.

Telemedicine adoption is a modern game-changer. The ability to conduct virtual consultations for medication management, follow-up appointments, and patient education can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically remote areas. Assessing the extent of telemedicine availability within the practices in 17344 is essential. Do practices offer virtual visits? Are these visits covered by local insurance plans? The ease of use of the telemedicine platforms is also a factor.

The link between hypertension and mental health is increasingly recognized. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and patients with hypertension may experience anxiety related to their condition. The availability of mental health resources within the community or integrated within primary care practices significantly impacts the Hypertension Score. Are there mental health professionals (psychiatrists, therapists, counselors) accepting new patients in the area? Does the primary care practice have an on-site behavioral health specialist, or does it offer referrals to mental health services? Integrated care, where mental and physical health are treated collaboratively, is ideal.

Another important aspect is the availability of resources for patient education. Does the practice offer educational materials on hypertension, including information on diet, exercise, and medication adherence? Are there support groups or community programs available for patients with hypertension? Patient empowerment through education and support is key to successful hypertension management.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the practices in 17344. Are there significant disparities in healthcare access or outcomes based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status? Addressing health equity is crucial for improving the overall Hypertension Score.

Finally, the analysis must consider the cost of care. The affordability of medications, diagnostic tests, and specialist visits directly impacts a patient's ability to manage their hypertension effectively. Are there resources available to help patients afford their medications, such as patient assistance programs or generic drug options? The acceptance of various insurance plans is also important.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Hypertension Score" for McSherrystown (17344) requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices with robust EHR systems and quality improvement programs, evaluating the adoption of telemedicine, and assessing the availability of mental health resources and patient education materials. Further, it requires considering the demographics of the patient population, the affordability of care, and the presence of any disparities in access or outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for developing strategies to improve hypertension management within the community.

For a more detailed, interactive, and visually rich understanding of the healthcare landscape in McSherrystown, and to explore the data discussed in this analysis spatially, we encourage you to utilize the mapping and data visualization capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Explore the physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability in a dynamic and insightful way.