17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.90 percent of the residents in 17929 has some form of health insurance. 37.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.19 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 17929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 246 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17929. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 286 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,746 health care providers accessible to residents in 17929, Cressona, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Cressona, PA (ZIP Code 17929)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Cressona, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17929) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all contributing factors in determining a "Hypertension Score" for the area. While a precise numerical score isn't feasible without proprietary data, this analysis will provide a comprehensive assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in managing hypertension.

Cressona, a small borough in Schuylkill County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area, coupled with potential socioeconomic factors, influences the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians. A critical component of the Hypertension Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric gauges the number of primary care physicians available to serve the population. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and ultimately, poorer management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Publicly available data, such as that from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can offer insights into physician distribution. However, these datasets may not always reflect the full picture, as they may not account for physician specialization or the number of patients each doctor actively manages.

Assessing primary care availability involves more than just counting doctors. It includes evaluating the geographic distribution of practices, the acceptance of new patients, and the availability of extended hours or weekend appointments. Practices located closer to the population center, with readily available appointments, contribute positively to the Hypertension Score. Conversely, practices with limited appointment slots or located in less accessible areas negatively impact the score. The presence of urgent care facilities or walk-in clinics can partially mitigate the impact of a low physician-to-patient ratio, providing alternative access points for care, particularly for acute needs related to uncontrolled hypertension.

Identifying standout practices within Cressona is crucial. This involves examining their patient reviews, accreditation status, and the range of services offered. Practices that prioritize preventative care, offer comprehensive hypertension management programs, and actively engage patients in their care plans are likely to demonstrate better outcomes. These practices often implement strategies such as regular blood pressure monitoring, patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and medication adherence support. Investigating the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers is also important. EHRs facilitate better coordination of care, allowing physicians to easily share patient information and track progress.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer telemedicine services can provide more frequent check-ins, facilitate medication adjustments, and deliver educational resources remotely. This can lead to better blood pressure control and reduced hospitalizations. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical component of the Hypertension Score. Hypertension is often exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. Practices that recognize this connection and offer access to mental health services, either through on-site providers or referrals to external specialists, are better equipped to manage hypertension holistically. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, and coordinating care with mental health professionals. The availability of support groups and educational programs focused on stress management and coping mechanisms also contributes positively to the score.

Evaluating the availability of pharmacies within Cressona is also necessary. Easy access to pharmacies, with convenient hours and knowledgeable pharmacists, is essential for medication adherence. Pharmacies that offer medication counseling, blood pressure monitoring services, and refill reminders can play a vital role in supporting patients with hypertension. The presence of multiple pharmacies, including both independent and chain pharmacies, provides patients with choices and increases the likelihood of finding a pharmacy that meets their needs.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for Cressona, PA (ZIP code 17929) is a complex metric that reflects the interplay of various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the accessibility of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of pharmacy services all contribute to the overall score. While a precise numerical score cannot be provided without specific data, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in managing hypertension.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Cressona, including the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable visual representation of the factors discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more informed assessment of healthcare access and availability.