17355, Railroad, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17355, Railroad, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.45 percent of the residents in 17355 has some form of health insurance. 36.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.84 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 17355 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 78 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17355. An estimate of 43 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 62 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 14,421 health care providers accessible to residents in 17355, Railroad, Pennsylvania.

The evaluation of hypertension management within the 17355 ZIP code, specifically focusing on primary care availability in Railroad, requires a multifaceted approach. We aim to develop a 'Hypertension Score' analysis, considering various factors influencing patient care and disease control. This analysis will not be a simple ranking but a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

The first crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can strain access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and less frequent monitoring of hypertension. Conversely, a lower ratio, suggesting greater physician availability, should ideally translate to better patient outcomes. Data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would be necessary to determine the exact ratio within the 17355 ZIP code. This data, however, needs to be contextualized.

The presence of standout practices significantly impacts the overall quality of hypertension care. These practices may demonstrate superior patient outcomes, innovative treatment approaches, or a strong emphasis on patient education and preventative care. Identifying these practices requires analyzing patient reviews, assessing the availability of specialized services (e.g., cardiology consultations), and evaluating their adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives or are recognized for their patient-centered care would score favorably in this assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and online educational resources can greatly improve hypertension management, especially for patients in rural areas or those with limited mobility. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow, providing accessible and convenient care options, would receive a higher score. The extent of telemedicine adoption would be evaluated by examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of patient portals for communication and education.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, but they are critical. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is a crucial indicator of comprehensive care. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists would be considered more patient-centered and receive a higher score.

Beyond these core elements, other factors contribute to the 'Hypertension Score.' The availability of on-site pharmacies, which simplifies medication access, would be a positive factor. The presence of bilingual staff, catering to a diverse patient population, would also be considered. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in community outreach programs, promoting healthy lifestyles and hypertension awareness, would be viewed favorably.

The Railroad area, within the 17355 ZIP code, presents unique challenges and opportunities. The rural nature of the area might necessitate a greater reliance on telemedicine to overcome geographical barriers to care. Primary care availability in Railroad specifically needs to be assessed. Are there enough primary care physicians serving the population of Railroad? What is the patient load of these physicians? Are there any plans to increase primary care availability in the area?

The 'Hypertension Score' would not be a static number but a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. It would be regularly updated to account for changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and improvements in patient outcomes. The score would be based on a combination of quantitative data (e.g., physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption rates) and qualitative data (e.g., patient reviews, practice characteristics).

A comprehensive analysis would also include an assessment of the local hospital's capabilities. Does the hospital have a cardiology department? Are there specialists available for consultation? Are there any specialized programs for hypertension management? The hospital's role in providing emergency care and follow-up services is crucial for patients with uncontrolled hypertension.

The assessment of standout practices would involve a detailed review of their patient outcomes. This would include analyzing data on blood pressure control rates, medication adherence, and the incidence of cardiovascular events. Practices with consistently high rates of blood pressure control and low rates of complications would be recognized as leaders in hypertension management.

The analysis would also consider the cost of care. Practices that offer affordable treatment options, participate in insurance networks, and provide financial assistance to patients would be viewed favorably. The affordability of medications and the availability of generic alternatives are also important considerations.

The evaluation of mental health resources would extend beyond the mere presence of services. It would assess the integration of mental health care into primary care, the training of primary care physicians in mental health screening, and the availability of mental health specialists who are familiar with the unique challenges faced by patients with hypertension.

In conclusion, creating a robust 'Hypertension Score' for doctors in the 17355 ZIP code, specifically considering primary care availability in Railroad, is a complex endeavor. It requires a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape, a commitment to data-driven analysis, and a focus on patient-centered care. The analysis must consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the cost of care. The ultimate goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions and improve hypertension management within the community.

To visualize the healthcare landscape and gain deeper insights into the distribution of resources and the availability of care within the 17355 ZIP code, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps offer a powerful tool for analyzing geographic data and identifying areas of need.