17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 55.76 percent of the residents in 17931 has some form of health insurance. 23.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.11 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 17931 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,157 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17931. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 946 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,910 health care providers accessible to residents in 17931, Frackville, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Frackville, PA (ZIP Code 17931)**

The assessment of hypertension management within Frackville, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17931) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of care provided, including the integration of modern technologies and the accessibility of supporting mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' ranking, acknowledging the complexities of healthcare delivery in a rural setting.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The foundation of hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio within Frackville is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) should be consulted to ascertain the number of active primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the zip code. This number needs to be compared to the estimated population of Frackville. A lower physician-to-patient ratio (e.g., fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care. The analysis must also consider the types of PCPs available, including family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and geriatricians. The presence of specialists, particularly cardiologists, is vital for managing complex hypertension cases.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include patient reviews, participation in quality improvement programs, adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management (e.g., those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs). Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive blood pressure monitoring programs, and demonstrate a commitment to preventative care are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Furthermore, practices should be assessed on their ability to manage comorbidities, such as diabetes and obesity, which often exacerbate hypertension.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in improving healthcare access, especially in rural areas. The extent of telemedicine adoption by practices in Frackville is a critical factor in the 'Hypertension Score'. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care. This is particularly relevant for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. The analysis should investigate the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of access for patients, and the integration of telemedicine data with EHRs.

**Mental Health Resources and their Integration**

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can impact adherence to medication regimens and lifestyle modifications. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources in Frackville and their integration with primary care are vital. The analysis should assess the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community. It should also evaluate the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with mental health providers. Integrated care models, where mental health services are offered within the primary care setting, are often associated with improved patient outcomes.

**Specifics within ZIP Code 17931**

To provide a truly specific analysis, we would need to identify the specific medical practices operating within ZIP code 17931. This requires a search of local directories, insurance provider websites, and online physician databases. Once the practices are identified, the following steps are crucial:

1. **Practice Websites and Information Gathering:** Review practice websites for information on services offered, physician credentials, and patient education materials.
2. **Patient Reviews:** Analyze online patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews. Look for patterns in patient experiences, focusing on communication, wait times, and overall satisfaction.
3. **Insurance Acceptance:** Determine which insurance plans each practice accepts. This impacts accessibility for different patient populations.
4. **Quality Indicators:** Investigate whether practices participate in quality improvement programs related to hypertension management.
5. **Telemedicine Capabilities:** Determine if the practices offer telehealth services, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring.
6. **Mental Health Integration:** Assess the presence of mental health professionals in the practice or the practice’s referral network.
7. **Community Resources:** Research local community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and free or low-cost clinics.

**Scoring Methodology**

The 'Hypertension Score' would be calculated using a weighted scoring system. Factors such as physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care indicators, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration would be assigned different weights based on their relative importance. For example, a practice with a lower physician-to-patient ratio and a strong emphasis on patient education would receive a higher score. Practices that have fully integrated telemedicine and mental health services would also receive higher scores. The final score would be a composite number that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension management within Frackville.

**Challenges and Limitations**

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this type of analysis. Data availability can be a significant challenge, particularly in rural areas. Publicly available data may be limited, and obtaining specific information from individual practices may require direct contact. Patient reviews can be subjective and may not always reflect the overall quality of care. Furthermore, the 'Hypertension Score' is a snapshot in time and may not capture changes in healthcare delivery over time.

**Conclusion**

Assessing hypertension management in Frackville, PA, requires a detailed examination of primary care availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By gathering specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' can be developed. This score can help patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement.

**Actionable Insight**

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital locations, and pharmacies, and to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Frackville and surrounding areas, we invite you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you identify areas with limited access to care, understand the concentration of healthcare providers, and make informed decisions about your healthcare.