17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 17884 has some form of health insurance. 55.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.74 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 17884 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 47 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17884. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,654 health care providers accessible to residents in 17884, Washingtonville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Washingtonville, PA (ZIP Code 17884)

Washingtonville, Pennsylvania, a small community nestled within Montour County, presents a unique landscape for assessing hypertension care. This analysis, designed to generate a ‘Hypertension Score’ for physicians within ZIP code 17884 and evaluate primary care availability, considers several crucial factors impacting patient outcomes. This assessment will focus on physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical components of effective hypertension management.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Washingtonville, and indeed the broader Montour County, is a foundational element. Data suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians relative to the population. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, decreased opportunities for preventative care, and a greater burden on existing practitioners. Such conditions can exacerbate hypertension control challenges. A high patient-to-physician ratio often translates into less time per patient, potentially hindering thorough assessments, personalized treatment plans, and consistent follow-up care, all vital elements in controlling hypertension.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves evaluating several key metrics. Are practices actively screening patients for hypertension? Do they employ evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology? Are they utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient progress, manage medication adherence, and facilitate communication between specialists? Practices demonstrating a commitment to these best practices are likely to achieve superior patient outcomes. Examining patient satisfaction surveys and reviewing online ratings can further illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of individual practices.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and medication management can significantly improve access to care for patients with hypertension. Telemedicine can help overcome geographical barriers, reduce travel time, and facilitate more frequent interactions between patients and their healthcare providers. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide ongoing support and education, which are critical for long-term hypertension control. This includes the use of remote blood pressure monitoring devices and the ability to remotely adjust medication dosages based on patient data.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of hypertension management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are known contributors to elevated blood pressure. Practices that offer, or have strong referral networks to, mental health professionals are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This might involve on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health clinics, or the use of digital mental health tools. Addressing the psychological factors that contribute to hypertension can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and overall well-being. The presence of support groups and educational programs focused on stress management and lifestyle modifications also contributes to a more comprehensive approach.

Furthermore, examining the availability of ancillary services, such as registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators, is essential. These professionals play a vital role in educating patients about lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and exercise, which are crucial for managing hypertension. Practices that have easy access to these specialists are better equipped to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. The availability of on-site or readily accessible laboratory services for blood pressure monitoring and blood work is also a factor.

The 'Hypertension Score' for physicians in 17884 would be based on a composite of these factors. Each physician would receive a score based on their performance in each area, with higher scores reflecting better care. For example, a practice with a low patient-to-physician ratio, strong telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources would likely receive a higher score than a practice with limited resources in these areas. The final score would provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality of hypertension care in the community.

Primary care availability, a key component of the overall assessment, requires an understanding of the number of practicing primary care physicians, their appointment availability, and the geographic distribution of their practices within the zip code and surrounding areas. Analyzing insurance acceptance, particularly the acceptance of Medicare and Medicaid, is also essential. These factors directly impact access to care for vulnerable populations.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' for Washingtonville, and the physicians practicing within the area, would be impacted by the availability of specialized cardiology services. The proximity to specialists, the efficiency of referral processes, and the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and cardiologists are all vital. A strong network of specialists contributes to better patient outcomes, especially for those with complex cases.

In conclusion, the management of hypertension in Washingtonville, PA (17884) hinges on a complex interplay of factors. Addressing the physician-to-patient ratio, promoting the adoption of best practices, expanding telemedicine capabilities, integrating mental health resources, and ensuring access to ancillary services are all critical for improving patient outcomes. The 'Hypertension Score' provides a framework for evaluating the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

Want to visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Washingtonville? Explore the power of geospatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. Discover the locations of healthcare providers, analyze patient demographics, and identify areas with the greatest need for hypertension care. Use CartoChrome to empower your understanding of healthcare access and improve community health outcomes.