17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.92 percent of the residents in 17728 has some form of health insurance. 40.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.65 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 17728 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 769 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17728. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,096 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,932 health care providers accessible to residents in 17728, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis provides a hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP Code 17728 (Cogan Station, Pennsylvania), focusing on factors relevant to hypertension management and control. This score is not a real-world metric but a conceptual framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care related to this specific health condition. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, all crucial elements in effective hypertension management.

Cogan Station, a small community in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, presents a unique healthcare landscape. The availability of primary care physicians is a fundamental factor in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer patients per doctor, generally allows for more individualized care, more frequent check-ups, and better patient education – all critical for hypertension control. Conversely, a low ratio can lead to longer wait times, less time spent with each patient, and potentially, a compromised ability to proactively manage the condition. The specific physician-to-patient ratio in 17728 is difficult to ascertain without real-time data, but this analysis will consider how this ratio impacts the overall quality of care.

The practices within Cogan Station likely vary in their approach to hypertension management. Some may be part of larger healthcare networks, offering a wider range of resources and specialists. Others may be independent practices, potentially providing more personalized care but potentially lacking access to advanced technologies or specialized programs. Standout practices would demonstrate a proactive approach, including robust patient education programs, readily available blood pressure monitoring tools, and efficient systems for medication management and follow-up appointments. These practices would likely utilize evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment and have a proven track record of achieving positive patient outcomes.

Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, plays an increasingly important role in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Its adoption in Cogan Station can significantly impact the 'Hypertension Score'. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication refills, improving patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The degree of telemedicine integration, including the types of platforms used and the frequency of virtual visits, will be key determinants of a practice's score.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health resources will receive a higher score. This might include on-site counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, or the integration of mental health screenings into routine check-ups. The availability of these resources is crucial for holistic patient care and improved hypertension control.

The 'Hypertension Score' would consider the following aspects:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A favorable ratio (fewer patients per doctor) would positively impact the score.
* **Practice Characteristics:** Practices affiliated with larger networks, offering comprehensive services, and demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based care would score higher.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Practices that actively utilize telemedicine for blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management would receive a higher score.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Practices that provide access to mental health services or integrate mental health screenings into their care would receive a higher score.
* **Patient Education:** The availability of patient education materials, classes, and support groups related to hypertension management would be a positive factor.
* **Medication Management:** Practices with efficient systems for medication refills, reconciliation, and patient education about medications would score higher.
* **Data Tracking and Reporting:** Practices that actively track patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates, and use this data to improve care would receive a higher score.
* **Accessibility:** Factors like appointment availability, wait times, and ease of communication with the practice would also be considered.

The hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' would be a composite measure, reflecting the relative strengths and weaknesses of each practice in Cogan Station concerning hypertension management. A higher score would indicate a practice that provides a more comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care, with a greater likelihood of achieving positive patient outcomes. A lower score would suggest areas where improvements could be made, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, or integrating mental health resources.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Cogan Station would need to consider the geographic distribution of practices, the demographics of the population, and the accessibility of transportation. Areas with limited access to primary care physicians, particularly for vulnerable populations, would be identified as needing improvement. This evaluation would also consider the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, who play a critical role in managing complex hypertension cases.

In conclusion, the 'Hypertension Score' analysis for primary care physicians in Cogan Station (17728) would provide a valuable assessment of the quality and accessibility of hypertension care. It would highlight the strengths of individual practices and identify areas where improvements could be made. This analysis, while hypothetical, underscores the importance of considering multiple factors when evaluating healthcare quality and the need for a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to chronic disease management.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cogan Station and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations and patient demographics, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Their platform allows you to analyze geographic data and identify areas of need, helping you make informed decisions about your healthcare.