17820, Catawissa, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17820, Catawissa, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.00 percent of the residents in 17820 has some form of health insurance. 38.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.76 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 17820 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,126 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17820. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,345 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,466 health care providers accessible to residents in 17820, Catawissa, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Catawissa, PA (ZIP Code 17820)**

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Catawissa, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17820) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability and quality of primary care physicians, focusing on factors crucial for effective hypertension management. These factors include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, offering insights for residents seeking quality care.

The core of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Physician-to-patient ratios offer a critical starting point. A high ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time available for comprehensive patient care. Data on physician-to-patient ratios in Catawissa, and the surrounding Columbia County area, is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) would provide these ratios. The ideal scenario involves a lower ratio, ensuring physicians have the capacity to dedicate sufficient time to each patient for thorough assessments, lifestyle counseling, and medication management.

Identifying standout practices is another key aspect of this analysis. These practices would demonstrate a commitment to best practices in hypertension care. This involves factors like the consistent use of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American College of Cardiology (ACC). These guidelines provide specific recommendations for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up. Standout practices would actively monitor blood pressure readings, implement structured medication management protocols, and provide patient education on lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, and stress management. The practices should also have a good record of patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Catawissa. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. This includes virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management follow-ups. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and can potentially improve adherence to treatment plans. The analysis should assess the availability of telemedicine options among the primary care physicians in the area.

The often-overlooked link between hypertension and mental health is critical. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a crucial component of effective hypertension management. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, are better positioned to address the holistic needs of their patients. The analysis should explore the availability of mental health support within the primary care practices in Catawissa. This includes assessing whether they have mental health specialists, or if they have a robust referral system.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not a single number, but a composite evaluation. It considers the physician-to-patient ratios, the adherence to evidence-based guidelines, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management. This score would be valuable for residents seeking primary care, as it provides a relative ranking of the practices in the area.

Specific practices in Catawissa would then be assessed. These assessments would include the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The analysis would involve reviewing publicly available information, such as practice websites, patient reviews, and information from insurance providers. The goal is to identify practices that are excelling in providing comprehensive hypertension care.

Data collection is a critical step. Gathering information from multiple sources is essential for a thorough analysis. This includes data on physician-to-patient ratios, the services offered by each practice, and the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources. This data can be obtained from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the HRSA, practice websites, and insurance provider directories.

The analysis would then be synthesized to create the 'Hypertension Score'. This score would provide a relative ranking of the primary care practices in Catawissa, based on the factors discussed above. This score would be a valuable resource for residents seeking to find a primary care physician.

The final product is a comprehensive assessment of the hypertension care landscape in Catawissa, PA (ZIP Code 17820). This includes an evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, the assessment of telemedicine adoption, and the evaluation of mental health resource integration. This information can be used by residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a visual representation of this data, including a geographically mapped overview of primary care practices in Catawissa and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping tools that can visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, making it easier to understand the landscape of hypertension care in the area.