17740, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17740, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.98 percent of the residents in 17740 has some form of health insurance. 35.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.54 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 17740 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,994 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17740. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,230 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,814 health care providers accessible to residents in 17740, Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" assessment for primary care physicians in Jersey Shore, PA (ZIP Code 17740), considering factors relevant to hypertension management. This score is not an official metric but a constructed evaluation based on publicly available information and hypothetical scenarios. The goal is to highlight strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement in local healthcare access and quality related to hypertension care.

The Hypertension Score, as applied here, considers several key elements. First, it examines physician-to-patient ratios. Second, it assesses the availability of resources for hypertension management, including access to specialists, diagnostic equipment, and educational materials. Third, it evaluates the adoption of telemedicine and its impact on patient access. Fourth, it explores the integration of mental health resources, recognizing the strong link between mental well-being and blood pressure control. Finally, the analysis identifies standout practices and their contributions to hypertension care within the Jersey Shore community.

Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, a borough nestled along the West Branch Susquehanna River, presents a unique healthcare landscape. The area's population, while not exceptionally large, faces the typical challenges of rural healthcare, including potential limitations in access to specialists and advanced medical technologies. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. A lower ratio, indicating fewer primary care physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder timely hypertension diagnosis and management. Data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential to accurately determine the physician-to-patient ratio within 17740. A high ratio would negatively impact the Hypertension Score.

The availability of specialists, particularly cardiologists and nephrologists, is another critical factor. Hypertension often requires a multidisciplinary approach, and easy access to specialists is vital for comprehensive care. Ideally, a well-integrated network of specialists within the local hospital or a nearby regional center would significantly improve the Hypertension Score. The presence of advanced diagnostic equipment, such as 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring devices, is also crucial for accurate diagnosis and monitoring. The availability of patient education materials, including brochures, online resources, and support groups, further enhances the score. The presence of bilingual resources would be a bonus, considering the diversity of the population.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living far from medical facilities. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine for hypertension management, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management, would receive a higher score. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform and the integration with the patient’s existing electronic health record (EHR) system are also important considerations.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. Practices that integrate mental health services into their hypertension care, such as offering on-site counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, would receive a higher score. This integration could include screening for anxiety and depression, providing stress-management techniques, and coordinating care with mental health providers. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the Jersey Shore community, is therefore an important component of the Hypertension Score.

Identifying standout practices within Jersey Shore requires a closer look at their specific offerings and approaches to hypertension care. These practices might be recognized for their commitment to patient education, their use of innovative technologies, or their integration of mental health services. For example, a practice that has implemented a comprehensive hypertension management program, including regular blood pressure checks, medication management, lifestyle counseling, and patient education, would likely receive a high score. Similarly, a practice that actively uses remote blood pressure monitoring and telemedicine to manage patients' hypertension would be considered a standout.

The quality of care extends to the responsiveness of the practice. Practices that are easily accessible, offer flexible appointment times, and provide clear communication with patients will receive a higher score. The overall patient experience, including the friendliness of staff, the cleanliness of the office, and the ease of navigating the healthcare system, also contributes to the score. The practice’s commitment to patient satisfaction, as measured by patient surveys and feedback, is also a relevant factor.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for primary care physicians in Jersey Shore (17740) is a complex assessment that considers various factors related to access, quality, and comprehensive care. A high score would reflect a healthcare system that is patient-centered, technologically advanced, and committed to providing comprehensive care for individuals with hypertension. The score would highlight the strengths of the local healthcare system while identifying areas for improvement. This hypothetical analysis underscores the importance of a multifaceted approach to hypertension management, including access to primary care, specialist consultations, telemedicine, and mental health resources.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Jersey Shore and explore the distribution of physicians, specialists, and resources, we encourage you to use CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's mapping capabilities can help you visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare providers, identify areas with limited access to care, and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem. This can inform your healthcare decisions and support efforts to improve hypertension care in the Jersey Shore community.