17754, Montoursville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17754, Montoursville, Pennsylvania is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.64 percent of the residents in 17754 has some form of health insurance. 34.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.09 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 17754 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,658 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17754. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,453 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,040 health care providers accessible to residents in 17754, Montoursville, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Montoursville, PA (ZIP Code 17754)**

Analyzing hypertension care within Montoursville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17754) requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided, and the accessibility of resources for managing hypertension. This analysis will provide a "Hypertension Score" framework, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective hypertension management is a robust primary care system. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to appointment delays, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less comprehensive care. We would need to analyze the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 17754 ZIP code and compare it to the local population to determine this ratio. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or similar sources could provide this information.

Beyond sheer numbers, the types of primary care practices available are significant. Are there solo practitioners, group practices, or larger healthcare systems represented? Group practices often offer the benefit of multiple providers, potentially increasing appointment availability and providing a wider range of expertise. The presence of integrated healthcare systems, which may include specialists, pharmacies, and diagnostic services, can streamline care and improve patient outcomes.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several factors. This includes patient reviews, physician ratings, and the practice's commitment to evidence-based hypertension management guidelines. Practices actively involved in programs like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) recognition often demonstrate a commitment to coordinated, patient-focused care, which can significantly improve hypertension control. We would need to analyze public data, online reviews, and potentially, conduct direct outreach to practices to gather this information.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires identifying which practices offer these services and how frequently they are utilized. This information could be gathered through practice websites, patient surveys, or direct inquiries.

Mental health resources play a vital role in hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is therefore essential. We need to determine the proximity and accessibility of mental health providers within the 17754 ZIP code. This includes assessing the number of mental health professionals, their acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of telehealth options for mental health services.

The "Hypertension Score" itself would be a composite metric, incorporating the physician-to-patient ratio, the types of practices available, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a weighted score, reflecting its relative importance in hypertension management. For example, a higher physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the score, while the presence of a PCMH-recognized practice would positively influence it.

The analysis would also consider the availability of patient education resources. Access to information about healthy lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, and stress management techniques, is crucial for empowering patients to manage their hypertension effectively. The presence of patient education materials, support groups, and educational programs within local practices would be considered.

Furthermore, we would examine the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) and their integration with other healthcare systems. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information, improving care coordination and reducing the risk of medical errors. The extent to which practices use EHRs and integrate them with other healthcare providers would be factored into the score.

The analysis should also assess the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology and nephrology, within a reasonable distance. Patients with complex hypertension may require the expertise of these specialists. The proximity and accessibility of these specialists would contribute to the overall score.

Finally, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact hypertension management. These include access to healthy food options, safe environments for physical activity, and transportation options for accessing healthcare services. Areas with higher rates of poverty or limited access to resources may require targeted interventions to address health disparities.

The culmination of this analysis would be a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for Montoursville (ZIP code 17754). This score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality and accessibility of hypertension care within the community. The score could also be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform the development of targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

This analysis, however, is just the beginning. To truly visualize the healthcare landscape, including the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, a geographic information system (GIS) is essential.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Montoursville and beyond, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize healthcare data, enabling you to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in care. Explore the power of data visualization and unlock a deeper understanding of your community's healthcare resources.