17737, Hughesville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17737, Hughesville, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.89 percent of the residents in 17737 has some form of health insurance. 40.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.90 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 17737 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,583 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17737. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,293 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,653 health care providers accessible to residents in 17737, Hughesville, Pennsylvania.

The evaluation of hypertension management within the Hughesville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17737) area necessitates a multifaceted approach, considering both the availability of primary care physicians and the quality of care they provide. This analysis, a “Hypertension Score” assessment, will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in effective hypertension control.

Hughesville, a small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, including potential physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. While precise figures fluctuate, the national average hovers around 2.5 primary care physicians per 1,000 residents. A ratio significantly below this in Hughesville would indicate a potential strain on existing resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially impacting the ability of patients to receive timely care for hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a more favorable environment for patients seeking primary care. The data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and local healthcare providers would need to be analyzed to establish the specific ratio for ZIP Code 17737.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care offered. This assessment considers several factors. First, the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, is critical. Practices that consistently adhere to these guidelines, including regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and appropriate medication management, would score higher. Second, patient outcomes are a key indicator. Analyzing data on blood pressure control rates (the percentage of patients with hypertension who have their blood pressure under control) provides a tangible measure of effectiveness. Third, patient satisfaction surveys offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including the accessibility of care, the communication skills of providers, and the overall quality of the patient-physician relationship. Local hospitals and clinics, such as UPMC Susquehanna, would be key sources of this information.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to increase access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and medication management through online portals, would receive a higher score. This would require an assessment of the availability of telemedicine platforms, the training of physicians in telemedicine techniques, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow. The extent to which practices have adopted these technologies and the patient uptake of these services are critical considerations.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and conversely, managing hypertension can be more challenging for individuals struggling with mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources, both within primary care practices and in the broader community, is therefore a vital component of effective hypertension management. Practices that have integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, would be considered more patient-centered and receive a higher score. The proximity and accessibility of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the Hughesville area is also crucial.

The assessment of these factors allows for the creation of a “Hypertension Score” for the primary care practices in ZIP Code 17737. This score would be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, patient outcomes, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Practices would be ranked based on their scores, providing a comparative analysis of their performance in hypertension management. The score would be a dynamic measure, subject to change as practices improve their services and as new data becomes available.

The analysis would also identify areas for improvement within the Hughesville healthcare landscape. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and strengthening the integration of mental health services. Furthermore, the analysis could highlight best practices, showcasing the strategies and initiatives that are proving successful in managing hypertension within the community.

The final “Hypertension Score” would be a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare providers. For patients, it would provide information to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. For providers, it would offer insights into their performance and identify areas for improvement. The score could also be used to advocate for resources and policies that support improved hypertension management in the Hughesville community. The creation and maintenance of this score would be an ongoing process, requiring regular data collection, analysis, and updates. This iterative approach ensures the score remains relevant and reflective of the evolving healthcare landscape.

The data gathered and analyzed for this “Hypertension Score” provides a detailed view of the healthcare landscape in Hughesville, PA. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities within the community is critical for improving hypertension management. This data can be used to inform policy decisions, guide resource allocation, and empower patients to make informed choices about their healthcare. The goal is to create a healthier community by promoting effective hypertension control.

To visualize the data and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hughesville, PA, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of the data, allowing you to identify patterns and trends that might not be apparent in tabular form.