17742, Lairdsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17742, Lairdsville, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17742 has some form of health insurance. 79.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.31 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 17742 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 14 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17742. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 15 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,372 health care providers accessible to residents in 17742, Lairdsville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17742 and Primary Care Availability in Lairdsville

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care and hypertension management within ZIP code 17742, encompassing Lairdsville, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. We aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to manage hypertension, a significant public health concern, by evaluating the accessibility, quality, and integration of care within this specific geographic context. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of comprehensive hypertension management.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a foundational metric for assessing healthcare access. In rural areas like Lairdsville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is often limited. A low ratio, meaning a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, compromised continuity of care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more proactive and personalized hypertension management. Determining the exact ratio within 17742 requires accessing data from state licensing boards, insurance providers, and potentially local healthcare networks. This data would need to be cross-referenced to determine the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population served. A concerning ratio would necessitate strategies to improve access, such as physician recruitment incentives, expanded telehealth services, or the utilization of nurse practitioners and physician assistants to augment the primary care workforce.

Standout practices in the area, if any, could be identified through a combination of factors. Reviews from patients, peer recognition, and performance data related to hypertension control rates are all valuable indicators. Practices demonstrating excellence in hypertension management might be characterized by several features. These could include: a dedicated team of healthcare professionals focused on hypertension, including physicians, nurses, and potentially pharmacists; a proactive approach to screening and diagnosis, utilizing standardized protocols and regular blood pressure monitoring; the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines, including both pharmacological and lifestyle interventions; and a commitment to patient education and empowerment, providing patients with the knowledge and skills to actively manage their condition. Identifying these practices would be crucial to highlight best practices and offer potential models for other providers.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural settings. Telehealth can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and patient education, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The level of telemedicine adoption within 17742 is a critical factor in assessing the accessibility of hypertension management. Factors to consider include the availability of telehealth platforms, the willingness of physicians to embrace telemedicine, the availability of reliable internet access for patients, and the reimbursement policies of insurance providers. Practices with robust telemedicine programs could offer more convenient and timely care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. The analysis should identify providers actively utilizing telemedicine for hypertension management and assess the effectiveness of these programs.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in the context of hypertension management, yet they play a crucial role. Chronic conditions like hypertension can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. These mental health challenges can, in turn, negatively affect adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within 17742 is a vital component of comprehensive hypertension care. This includes assessing the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, as well as the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Ideally, primary care providers should have access to mental health professionals to facilitate referrals and provide integrated care. The analysis should identify any collaborative care models or integrated mental health services offered in the area.

The analysis should also explore the availability of resources for lifestyle modifications, which are a cornerstone of hypertension management. This includes access to registered dietitians, exercise programs, and smoking cessation support. The presence of community resources, such as local health departments or community centers, that offer educational programs or support groups for individuals with hypertension is also important. Assessing the availability and accessibility of these resources provides a more complete picture of the support systems available to patients in 17742.

Furthermore, the analysis should evaluate the degree to which practices are utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) and data analytics to improve hypertension management. EHRs can facilitate the tracking of patient data, the identification of patients at risk, and the implementation of population health management strategies. Practices that leverage data analytics to monitor blood pressure control rates, identify gaps in care, and personalize treatment plans are likely to achieve better outcomes. The analysis should assess the extent to which EHRs and data analytics are being used to improve hypertension management in the area.

Finally, it is important to consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence hypertension management. These include income levels, access to healthy food, and the availability of safe and affordable housing. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial to improving health outcomes for all residents of 17742. The analysis should consider these factors and identify any community-based initiatives that are working to address these challenges.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension management within ZIP code 17742 requires a multi-faceted approach. By examining physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, assessing mental health resources, and considering the availability of lifestyle modification support and socioeconomic factors, a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape can be developed. This assessment can then inform strategies to improve access, quality, and outcomes for individuals with hypertension in Lairdsville and its surrounding areas.

For a visual representation of healthcare resources and demographics within ZIP code 17742, including physician locations, patient demographics, and socioeconomic indicators, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and facilitating informed decision-making. Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain a comprehensive understanding of hypertension management resources in your area.