17758, Muncy Valley, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17758, Muncy Valley, Pennsylvania is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.63 percent of the residents in 17758 has some form of health insurance. 54.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.84 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 17758 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 102 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17758. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 266 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 727 health care providers accessible to residents in 17758, Muncy Valley, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17758 & Primary Care Availability in Muncy Valley

The assessment of healthcare access and quality, specifically concerning hypertension management, requires a nuanced understanding of the local landscape. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 17758 (Muncy, Pennsylvania) and the availability of primary care physicians, crucial for effective hypertension control. We will delve into the physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and examine the availability of mental health resources, all factors that contribute to a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for this area.

Muncy, nestled within the Muncy Valley, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Rural communities often face disparities in healthcare access compared to their urban counterparts. This analysis will attempt to quantify these disparities and highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for ZIP Code 17758 requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the US Department of Health & Human Services. This data would include the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code, as well as the estimated population. A ratio above the national or state average for rural areas would raise concerns.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management are key. This includes adherence to national guidelines for blood pressure control, regular patient monitoring, and the proactive use of medication when necessary. Practices that offer comprehensive services, such as on-site pharmacies, laboratory testing, and specialized nurses dedicated to chronic disease management, would also be considered high-performing. Furthermore, patient reviews and testimonials provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely. This includes virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel time, and potentially improve adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption within ZIP Code 17758 involves examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practice workflow.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment regimens. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension care. Assessing the mental health landscape in Muncy Valley involves evaluating the number of mental health providers, the accessibility of mental health services, and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals collaborate with PCPs, are particularly beneficial for patients with hypertension.

A comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 17758 would incorporate all these factors. The score would likely be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the level of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension control.

For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio but excellent patient outcomes and robust telemedicine capabilities might still receive a favorable score, although the score would be tempered by the limited access to care. Conversely, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio but poor patient outcomes and limited resources would receive a lower score.

The assessment of individual practices would involve a detailed review of their services, patient outcomes, and adherence to national guidelines. This would include examining patient records, reviewing treatment protocols, and assessing the availability of resources for patient education and support. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide personalized treatment plans, and offer ongoing support for lifestyle modifications would be recognized as high-performing.

The mental health component of the score would assess the availability of mental health services within the community, the integration of mental health care into primary care practices, and the availability of resources for patients with co-occurring mental health conditions. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals and offer integrated care models would receive higher scores.

The final "Hypertension Score" would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Muncy Valley. It would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure and provide insights into areas where improvements are needed. This information could be used to inform healthcare planning, resource allocation, and the development of targeted interventions to improve hypertension control.

The analysis would also consider the impact of social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and housing conditions. These factors can significantly influence blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment regimens. Practices that address these social determinants of health, such as by providing resources for food security or housing assistance, would be recognized for their commitment to comprehensive patient care.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 17758 is a complex metric that reflects the interplay of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the level of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources all play a crucial role in achieving optimal hypertension control. A thorough analysis of these factors, combined with an understanding of the social determinants of health, is essential for developing effective strategies to improve healthcare access and outcomes in Muncy Valley.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Muncy Valley, consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides powerful tools for analyzing healthcare data and identifying areas of need.