17840, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17840, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17840 has some form of health insurance. 54.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.69 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 17840 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 71 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 34 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17840. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 127 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,473 health care providers accessible to residents in 17840, Locust Gap, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Locust Gap, PA (ZIP Code 17840)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 17840, encompassing the community of Locust Gap, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to assess the availability and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on hypertension management, to provide a "Hypertension Score" ranking for local physicians. The score will consider factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the overall quality of care offered.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon accessible and high-quality primary care. In Locust Gap, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating a smaller number of physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time per patient, and potentially compromised care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more personalized attention. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, cross-referencing physician listings with population figures.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of individual practices significantly influences the "Hypertension Score." Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools (e.g., blood pressure monitors, electrocardiograms), and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing resources for lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and offering clear communication protocols, will receive higher scores. Reviewing patient testimonials and conducting surveys can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Locust Gap. Its adoption by primary care physicians can dramatically improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices utilizing telemedicine platforms for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote patient monitoring will be awarded higher scores. This includes assessing the ease of use of the platforms, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine data into the patient's electronic health record. The ability to monitor blood pressure remotely, for instance, can significantly improve hypertension control.

The critical link between mental health and hypertension cannot be overstated. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly elevate blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a vital component of the "Hypertension Score." Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals, or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists, will be viewed favorably. The availability of resources for stress management, such as mindfulness programs or relaxation techniques, also contributes positively to the score.

Assessing the overall quality of care involves evaluating various factors. This includes the practice's commitment to preventive care, such as regular blood pressure screenings and cholesterol checks. The implementation of chronic disease management programs, specifically tailored to hypertension, will also be considered. Practices that actively track patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates and medication adherence, demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and receive higher scores. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate data sharing and improve care coordination is another critical factor.

The "Hypertension Score" for each physician in ZIP Code 17840 will be determined by weighting the factors discussed above. Physician-to-patient ratio will be assigned a weight reflecting its impact on access. The quality of the practice, including the use of evidence-based guidelines, on-site diagnostic tools, and patient education, will be assigned a significant weight. Telemedicine adoption will be weighted based on the extent of its use and its impact on patient access and convenience. The integration of mental health resources will be given a substantial weight, recognizing its crucial role in hypertension management. Finally, the overall quality of care, including preventive care, chronic disease management programs, and outcome tracking, will be assigned a significant weight.

Identifying specific practices within Locust Gap and assigning scores requires a comprehensive data-gathering process. This involves contacting local physicians, reviewing publicly available information, and potentially conducting patient surveys. Due to privacy concerns and the limitations of publicly available data, a precise ranking of individual physicians is not possible within this general analysis. However, the framework outlined here provides a clear methodology for evaluating the quality of hypertension care in the area.

The challenges of providing healthcare in a rural setting like Locust Gap are considerable. Limited resources, geographic isolation, and an aging population can all contribute to difficulties in accessing care. However, the adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources offer promising avenues for improvement. Practices that embrace these innovations and prioritize patient-centered care are best positioned to achieve positive outcomes in hypertension management.

The "Hypertension Score" serves as a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare providers. For patients, it provides a framework for understanding the factors that contribute to high-quality hypertension care and assists them in making informed decisions about their healthcare. For providers, it offers a benchmark for assessing their performance and identifying areas for improvement.

This analysis highlights the importance of accessible and high-quality primary care in managing hypertension within Locust Gap. The "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for evaluating the quality of care, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. By prioritizing these factors, healthcare providers can improve patient outcomes and contribute to a healthier community.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Locust Gap and visualize the data discussed, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, access to care, and other relevant data, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment.