17876, Shamokin Dam, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17876, Shamokin Dam, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.51 percent of the residents in 17876 has some form of health insurance. 43.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.50 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 17876 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 382 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17876. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 422 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,793 health care providers accessible to residents in 17876, Shamokin Dam, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 17876, specifically evaluating primary care physician (PCP) availability and related resources in Shamokin Dam, Pennsylvania. This assessment, framed as a 'Hypertension Score,' considers several key factors crucial for effective hypertension control, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to residents managing hypertension in this specific geographic area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a foundational element of the Hypertension Score. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient access, and potentially compromised continuity of care. In Shamokin Dam (ZIP Code 17876), the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires meticulous data analysis, including identifying all practicing PCPs within the area and correlating this number with the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health would be essential for this calculation. A low physician-to-patient ratio would positively influence the Hypertension Score, suggesting better access to care and potentially improved hypertension management outcomes. Conversely, a high ratio warrants concern and necessitates investigation into potential solutions, such as expanding healthcare infrastructure or exploring alternative care models.

Identifying standout practices is another critical component of the Hypertension Score. These practices demonstrate excellence in hypertension management through various indicators. These could include adherence to evidence-based guidelines, utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and patient-centered care models. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), would be considered favorably. The presence of certified hypertension specialists or nurses within a practice also contributes positively. Assessing these factors requires reviewing practice websites, conducting interviews, and potentially analyzing patient satisfaction surveys. The more standout practices identified, the higher the Hypertension Score, indicating a greater likelihood of receiving high-quality hypertension care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital in modern healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access care remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring (RPM) using devices like blood pressure cuffs, and secure messaging platforms would be viewed positively. The ability to integrate telemedicine into existing workflows, provide patient education through virtual platforms, and offer medication management support via telemedicine would significantly enhance the Hypertension Score. The successful implementation of telemedicine hinges on factors such as internet access, patient digital literacy, and the availability of technical support.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of hypertension management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Practices that recognize the link between mental health and physical health and offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, would receive a higher score. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, and coordinating care between primary care physicians and mental health professionals. The availability of resources like support groups, educational materials on stress management techniques, and mindfulness programs would further enhance the Hypertension Score.

In the context of Shamokin Dam, the Hypertension Score would be significantly influenced by the presence and accessibility of these resources. For example, a practice offering both in-person appointments and telemedicine consultations, staffed by a board-certified cardiologist, and integrated with a mental health specialist, would contribute substantially to a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited physician availability, no telemedicine options, and no mental health support would negatively impact the score.

The assessment would also consider the availability of resources beyond individual practices. The presence of a local hospital with a cardiology department, access to pharmacies offering medication adherence programs, and community-based health education initiatives would positively influence the overall Hypertension Score for the area. The existence of a robust referral network between PCPs, specialists, and other healthcare providers is also crucial for comprehensive care.

The evaluation would be a dynamic process, recognizing that healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving. Regular updates and re-evaluations would be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This ongoing assessment ensures that the Hypertension Score remains relevant and provides a reliable indicator of the quality of hypertension management in Shamokin Dam.

The final Hypertension Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of each factor. The weighting would be based on the relative importance of each factor in achieving optimal hypertension control. The score would provide a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in managing hypertension. It can be used to identify areas for improvement, allocate resources effectively, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

The analysis requires extensive data collection and careful interpretation. The process involves identifying all PCPs in the area, assessing their practices based on the criteria outlined above, and integrating this information into a comprehensive score. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of the resources available to residents managing hypertension in Shamokin Dam.

To visualize and explore this data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can overlay physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points onto a geographic map, providing a clear and intuitive visual representation of the Hypertension Score and related factors. This allows for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shamokin Dam and facilitates informed decision-making. Explore the possibilities with CartoChrome maps today.