17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.66 percent of the residents in 17834 has some form of health insurance. 35.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.34 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 17834 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 654 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17834. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 749 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 17834, Kulpmont, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 17834 and Primary Care in Kulpmont

Analyzing the state of hypertension management within ZIP Code 17834 (which encompasses Kulpmont, Pennsylvania) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis, a ‘Hypertension Score’, will assess the availability of primary care physicians, their practices concerning hypertension diagnosis and treatment, and the resources available to patients within this specific geographical area. This score is designed to provide insight into the local healthcare landscape and identify areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management is accessible primary care. In Kulpmont, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio can create significant barriers to care, leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Assessing the current physician-to-patient ratio involves examining the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau will be used to calculate this ratio. A concerningly high ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care providers, would negatively impact the Hypertension Score.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care provided by these physicians is equally important. The ‘Hypertension Score’ will evaluate several key aspects of hypertension management within local practices. This includes the frequency of blood pressure screenings during routine check-ups, the utilization of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment (such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology), and the extent to which physicians are prescribing appropriate medications. The score will also consider the use of patient education materials, such as pamphlets and online resources, to empower patients to manage their condition effectively.

Identifying standout practices is a key component of this analysis. Practices demonstrating exemplary hypertension management will be highlighted. This could include those with a strong emphasis on patient education, a commitment to regular blood pressure monitoring, and a proactive approach to medication management. These practices will serve as models for other providers in the area, demonstrating best practices and potentially influencing the overall quality of care within Kulpmont. The identification of these practices will involve reviewing publicly available information, such as patient reviews and practice websites, and potentially conducting targeted outreach to gather more detailed information.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor in the ‘Hypertension Score’. Telemedicine offers several advantages in hypertension management, including increased access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, and the ability to monitor blood pressure remotely. The score will assess the extent to which local primary care practices are utilizing telemedicine technologies, such as virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and online patient portals. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive higher scores, recognizing their commitment to providing accessible and convenient care.

Furthermore, the ‘Hypertension Score’ will consider the availability of mental health resources. Hypertension and mental health are often intertwined. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and conversely, managing hypertension can be a source of stress for patients. The score will assess the availability of mental health services within Kulpmont, including access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health providers or offer integrated mental health services will receive higher scores, reflecting their holistic approach to patient care.

The integration of lifestyle modifications into hypertension management is also critical. The ‘Hypertension Score’ will evaluate the extent to which local practices are educating patients about the importance of lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. Practices that provide resources and support for these lifestyle modifications will receive higher scores, recognizing their commitment to a comprehensive approach to hypertension management. This could include referrals to registered dietitians, exercise programs, and smoking cessation programs.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ will also consider the availability of specialty care. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, patients with complex cases may require the expertise of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists. The score will assess the proximity and accessibility of these specialists within the Kulpmont area. Easy access to specialty care is essential for patients with uncontrolled hypertension or those who require more advanced treatment options.

Data collection for the ‘Hypertension Score’ will involve a combination of methods. Publicly available data, such as physician directories and census data, will be used to assess the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of resources. Information will also be gathered from practice websites, patient reviews, and potentially, targeted outreach to local primary care practices. This comprehensive approach will ensure a well-rounded and accurate assessment of the hypertension management landscape in Kulpmont.

The final ‘Hypertension Score’ will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the various factors discussed above. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, providing a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension management within ZIP Code 17834. This score can then be used to inform efforts to improve the quality of care, such as targeted interventions to address identified gaps in care and promote best practices.

This analysis, while providing valuable insights, is limited by the availability of data. The ‘Hypertension Score’ is a snapshot in time and may not fully reflect the dynamic nature of the healthcare landscape. Furthermore, the score is based on publicly available information and may not capture the nuances of individual practices.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kulpmont and the surrounding areas, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing complex data and gaining a deeper understanding of the local healthcare environment.