17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.13 percent of the residents in 17776 has some form of health insurance. 40.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.11 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 17776 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17776. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 47 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 791 health care providers accessible to residents in 17776, Waterville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Waterville, PA (ZIP Code 17776)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension care within Waterville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17776), focusing on primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, and resources relevant to managing this prevalent condition. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the system and highlighting opportunities for improvement. This is not a formal medical evaluation, but rather an assessment of available resources and their potential impact on hypertension management.

The foundation of effective hypertension control lies in accessible and quality primary care. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is a crucial first step. While precise, up-to-the-minute figures are often proprietary, publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, coupled with information from the American Medical Association, can be used to estimate the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas. This information, combined with population data, provides a rough approximation of the patient-to-physician ratio. A higher ratio can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care, which are critical for monitoring and managing hypertension.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is equally important. Are physicians concentrated in a single practice or dispersed across multiple locations? The presence of multiple practices increases the likelihood of patient choice and access. The proximity of practices to residential areas is also a factor. Practices located in easily accessible areas, with adequate parking and public transportation options, are more convenient for patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves examining factors such as the practice's accreditation status, patient satisfaction ratings (where available), and the adoption of evidence-based hypertension management protocols. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), are often better equipped to provide comprehensive care. Analyzing patient reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including the ease of scheduling appointments, the responsiveness of the staff, and the quality of communication between physicians and patients.

The integration of technology is increasingly important in hypertension management. Telemedicine, for example, offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and patient portals for secure communication are better positioned to provide proactive and convenient care. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) also plays a crucial role. EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information between providers, improve care coordination, and enable the tracking of blood pressure readings and medication adherence.

Hypertension often co-exists with other health conditions, including mental health disorders. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is therefore an important consideration. Practices that have integrated behavioral health services, such as counseling or therapy, can provide a more holistic approach to patient care. Access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referral networks, is crucial for addressing the psychological factors that can influence blood pressure control, such as stress and anxiety.

Another critical aspect is patient education. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing clear and concise information about hypertension, lifestyle modifications, and medication management, are more likely to empower patients to take an active role in their care. This includes providing educational materials, offering group classes, and utilizing online resources to support patient understanding and adherence to treatment plans. The availability of bilingual resources is particularly important in areas with diverse populations.

The presence of specialized care, such as cardiology, is also relevant. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, access to cardiology specialists is essential for patients with complex cases or those who require advanced diagnostic testing or interventions. The proximity of cardiology practices or hospitals with cardiology departments is a factor in assessing the overall healthcare landscape.

Finally, the role of community resources should be considered. The availability of community-based programs, such as support groups, exercise classes, and healthy eating initiatives, can complement the care provided by primary care physicians. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations can create a more comprehensive and supportive environment for patients with hypertension.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of hypertension care in Waterville, PA (17776) requires a multifaceted approach. Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community support systems provides a comprehensive view of the healthcare landscape. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local system, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members can work together to improve access to care, enhance the quality of treatment, and ultimately, improve the health outcomes of individuals with hypertension.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Waterville, including the location of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in your area.