17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.66 percent of the residents in 17862 has some form of health insurance. 27.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.66 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 17862 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 104 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17862. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 62 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 17862, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Penns Creek, PA (ZIP Code 17862)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management in Penns Creek, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17862) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the presence of physicians but also their accessibility, resources, and adoption of modern healthcare practices. This analysis aims to provide a "Hypertension Score" framework, offering insights into the quality and availability of care for individuals managing this prevalent condition.

The foundation of any good healthcare system is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Penns Creek, determining this ratio accurately is crucial. Publicly available data, such as those from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau, provides population figures for the area. Cross-referencing this data with information on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 17862 ZIP code allows for a preliminary assessment. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, indicating more PCPs per capita, generally suggests better access to care, which is vital for early detection and ongoing management of hypertension. However, this ratio alone doesn't tell the whole story.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the community matters. Are the physicians concentrated in a single practice, or are they spread out, potentially serving different segments of the population? Understanding the geographic distribution helps assess accessibility for individuals with limited mobility or transportation challenges. Examining the patient load of each practice is also important. Practices with excessively high patient volumes might struggle to provide the individualized attention necessary for effective hypertension management.

Identifying "standout practices" requires looking beyond basic metrics. Practices excelling in hypertension care often demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive screening, and the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines. These practices may have dedicated staff, such as nurses or certified diabetes educators, who specialize in hypertension management. They might also utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for automated reminders for medication refills and follow-up appointments, improving patient adherence to treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Penns Creek. Practices that embrace telemedicine can reach a wider patient base, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent check-ins, all of which are beneficial for hypertension control. Evaluating the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of platforms used and the range of services offered, is essential for a comprehensive score.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, making it crucial to integrate mental health resources into hypertension management. Practices that offer on-site counseling services, referrals to mental health professionals, or educational programs on stress reduction and coping mechanisms are better equipped to address the holistic needs of patients. Assessing the availability and accessibility of these resources is a key component of the "Hypertension Score."

Further, the availability of specialized services impacts the score. Are there cardiologists in the area, or are patients required to travel significant distances for specialist consultations? The presence of a local pharmacy with knowledgeable staff who can provide medication counseling is also a plus. The availability of affordable medications, considering insurance coverage and access to programs like the 340B drug pricing program, can significantly impact patient adherence to treatment.

The "Hypertension Score" itself can be visualized on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 10, with 10 representing the highest level of care. The score would be determined by weighting the various factors discussed. Physician-to-patient ratio, accessibility of practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of specialist support would all contribute to the final score.

For example, a practice with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, robust telemedicine capabilities, integrated mental health services, and a commitment to patient education would receive a higher score than a practice with limited resources and a less proactive approach to hypertension management. The score would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape in Penns Creek.

In the context of the 17862 ZIP code, the "Hypertension Score" would also consider the unique challenges of a rural community. These might include transportation barriers, limited access to healthy food options, and the potential for social isolation. Practices that proactively address these challenges, such as by offering mobile health clinics or partnering with local food banks, would be recognized in the scoring process.

To summarize, the "Hypertension Score" is a valuable tool for assessing the quality and availability of hypertension care in Penns Creek. It goes beyond simple physician counts to consider a range of factors, including access, resources, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. By evaluating these components, we can gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement.

To visualize and explore the data behind this analysis, including the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of pharmacies, and other relevant factors, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can bring this data to life, allowing you to see the healthcare landscape of Penns Creek in a new and informative way.