17935, Girardville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17935, Girardville, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.71 percent of the residents in 17935 has some form of health insurance. 50.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.03 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 17935 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 306 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17935. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 328 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,900 health care providers accessible to residents in 17935, Girardville, Pennsylvania.

Girardville, Pennsylvania, a small borough nestled in Schuylkill County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare analysis. This assessment, focusing on hypertension management for doctors practicing within the 17935 ZIP code and primary care accessibility, aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem. We will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Girardville, and the surrounding area, is a critical starting point. While precise figures fluctuate, the general trend in rural Pennsylvania shows a scarcity of primary care physicians compared to the population. This shortage can significantly impact access to care, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. The limited number of doctors often translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and a potential for delayed diagnoses or inadequate management of the condition. This scarcity underscores the importance of efficient resource allocation and innovative healthcare delivery models within the 17935 ZIP code.

Identifying standout practices within Girardville is essential. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to hypertension management deserve recognition. These practices likely employ strategies such as: utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and identify at-risk individuals; implementing standardized protocols for blood pressure monitoring and medication management; and providing patient education materials on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in population health initiatives, such as community outreach programs focused on hypertension awareness and prevention, demonstrate a commitment to improving the overall health of the community.

Telemedicine adoption plays a vital role in addressing the challenges of healthcare access in rural areas. Telemedicine, encompassing remote consultations, remote monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments, can bridge geographical barriers and improve patient convenience. For hypertension management, telemedicine can be particularly beneficial. Patients can remotely monitor their blood pressure at home and share the data with their physician, allowing for timely adjustments to medication or lifestyle recommendations. The adoption of telemedicine within the 17935 ZIP code, however, is likely to be influenced by factors such as internet access, patient comfort with technology, and reimbursement policies.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension care. The relationship between mental health and hypertension is well-established; stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Practices that recognize this connection and integrate mental health services into their care models are better positioned to provide holistic care. This integration can take various forms, including: on-site mental health professionals, referrals to local mental health providers, or the use of telehealth platforms for mental health consultations. The availability and accessibility of these resources are key indicators of the overall quality of care within the 17935 ZIP code.

Analyzing the specific practices within the 17935 ZIP code requires a deeper dive. Research into individual practices should include: the number of primary care physicians on staff; the average patient panel size; the availability of same-day appointments; the use of EHRs for hypertension management; the presence of a dedicated nurse or medical assistant for chronic disease management; and the integration of mental health services. Additionally, assessing patient satisfaction through surveys or online reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

The assessment of primary care availability in Girardville necessitates a broader perspective. Beyond the number of physicians, factors such as the hours of operation of primary care clinics, the acceptance of various insurance plans, and the availability of language services are all crucial. The proximity of urgent care centers and emergency rooms also influences access to care, particularly for patients experiencing hypertensive crises. The presence of community health centers or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) can be particularly important in serving vulnerable populations and ensuring access to affordable care.

Evaluating the effectiveness of hypertension management within the 17935 ZIP code requires examining key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs might include: the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure; the rate of medication adherence; the frequency of blood pressure screenings; and the rates of complications related to hypertension, such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Analyzing these metrics over time can help to identify areas for improvement and track the impact of interventions.

The challenges facing healthcare in Girardville are significant. The rural setting, the aging population, and the limited resources all contribute to the complexities of providing quality care. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and improvement. By focusing on physician recruitment and retention, expanding telemedicine capabilities, integrating mental health services, and implementing evidence-based hypertension management protocols, the healthcare providers in the 17935 ZIP code can strive to improve the health outcomes of their patients.

The future of hypertension management in Girardville hinges on collaboration and resourcefulness. Healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers must work together to create a more accessible, affordable, and effective healthcare system. This collaborative approach is essential to addressing the unique needs of the community and ensuring that all residents have access to the care they need to live healthy lives.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Girardville and the surrounding areas, including the locations of healthcare providers, access to pharmacies, and demographics, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps provide a valuable tool for understanding the distribution of resources and identifying areas where improvements are needed.