17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania is 44 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.60 percent of the residents in 17880 has some form of health insurance. 33.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.98 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 17880 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17880. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,001 health care providers accessible to residents in 17880, Swengel, Pennsylvania.

The analysis of hypertension management capabilities and primary care accessibility in Swengel, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17880), requires a multifaceted approach. This assessment considers several crucial factors: physician-to-patient ratios, the prominence of specific medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, particularly regarding the management of a prevalent condition like hypertension.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a foundational element. The 17880 ZIP code, encompassing the rural community of Swengel, likely faces challenges common to underserved areas. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates a potential strain on existing healthcare resources. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a less proactive approach to preventative care, including hypertension management. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the U.S. Census Bureau, and professional medical organizations can provide estimates for this ratio. The analysis will need to consider the number of primary care physicians, cardiologists, and other specialists who actively practice within the ZIP code or within a reasonable commuting distance for residents.

The prominence of specific medical practices is another crucial element. Identifying standout practices involves examining their operational structure, the services they offer, and their reputation within the community. These practices often serve as the primary points of contact for patients seeking hypertension management. Factors to consider include the practice’s patient volume, the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment (e.g., blood pressure monitors, electrocardiograms), and the presence of ancillary staff, such as nurses, medical assistants, and certified diabetes educators, all of whom play a vital role in hypertension control. The analysis will also consider patient reviews, community reputation, and any affiliations with larger healthcare systems or hospitals.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices in the 17880 ZIP code utilize telemedicine for hypertension management. This includes the use of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring (e.g., blood pressure monitoring via connected devices), and the ability to provide medication management remotely. Practices with robust telemedicine programs are likely to score higher in this analysis, as they demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care.

Mental health resources are often overlooked, but they are critical in the context of hypertension. Chronic conditions like hypertension can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within the 17880 ZIP code. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The analysis will also consider whether primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. Access to mental health support is crucial for patients to manage the psychological impact of their condition and improve their overall health outcomes.

The analysis will also consider the availability of educational resources for patients. This includes information on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, and the importance of medication adherence. Practices that actively provide educational materials and support groups are likely to be better equipped to manage hypertension effectively.

Specific examples of practices within the 17880 ZIP code will be analyzed. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, a robust telemedicine program, and integrated mental health services would likely receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with a limited number of physicians, no telemedicine options, and no clear referral pathways for mental health support would likely receive a lower score. The analysis will also consider the availability of after-hours care, as this can be crucial for patients who experience complications or need urgent medical attention.

The analysis will also consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the efficient management of patient data, improve communication between healthcare providers, and enable the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are likely to be better equipped to provide high-quality care.

The analysis will also consider the cost of care. This includes the cost of physician visits, medications, and diagnostic tests. Practices that offer affordable care options, such as sliding-scale fees or participation in insurance programs, are likely to be more accessible to patients with limited financial resources.

The final 'Hypertension Score' for doctors in the 17880 ZIP code will be a composite score based on the factors discussed above. This score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare landscape, particularly regarding the management of hypertension. The analysis will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Swengel, Pennsylvania, and provide valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

The analysis will also consider the availability of pharmacies within the 17880 ZIP code. Access to pharmacies is crucial for patients to obtain their medications and receive counseling on their use. The analysis will consider the number of pharmacies, their operating hours, and their ability to provide medication refills and consultations.

Finally, the analysis will include a summary of the key findings and recommendations for improving hypertension management in the 17880 ZIP code. This may include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources.

For a visual representation of these healthcare resources and their geographic distribution, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and data-driven overview of the healthcare landscape in the 17880 ZIP code and beyond, offering valuable insights for patients and healthcare professionals alike.