17936, Gordon, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17936, Gordon, Pennsylvania is 27 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.88 percent of the residents in 17936 has some form of health insurance. 32.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.10 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 17936 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 369 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17936. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 189 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,774 health care providers accessible to residents in 17936, Gordon, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Gordon, PA (ZIP Code 17936)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management resources and primary care availability within Gordon, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17936), focusing on factors that contribute to a Hypertension Score. The goal is to assess the local landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the context of patient care and accessibility.

Gordon, a small community nestled in Schuylkill County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare delivery. The demographic profile, likely characterized by a predominantly older population and potentially limited access to transportation, necessitates a careful examination of the resources available for managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Accessibility:**

A critical component of the Hypertension Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric directly impacts access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio for Gordon requires specific data that is often unavailable publicly. However, we can infer that, given the town's size and location, the ratio might be less favorable compared to more urban areas.

Primary care availability, a subset of the physician-to-patient ratio, is crucial. Hypertension management hinges on regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling, all of which are primarily delivered by primary care physicians (PCPs). The presence of PCPs within Gordon, or in close proximity, is essential. The geographic distribution of practices, including their hours of operation and acceptance of new patients, significantly influences the Hypertension Score. Limited availability, especially during evenings and weekends, can pose significant barriers to care.

**Standout Practices and their Contributions:**

Identifying standout practices involves assessing their commitment to hypertension management protocols. This includes evaluating their use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and proactive outreach initiatives. Practices that prioritize early detection, aggressive treatment, and patient empowerment will likely contribute positively to the overall Hypertension Score.

These practices might employ strategies such as automated blood pressure monitoring, electronic health records with built-in alerts for uncontrolled hypertension, and dedicated staff to provide patient education on diet, exercise, and medication adherence. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement programs and report their outcomes will also be viewed favorably.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and medication refills can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies can potentially improve their Hypertension Score.

Telemedicine can facilitate medication adjustments, provide timely feedback on blood pressure readings, and offer virtual support groups. The availability of reliable internet connectivity and patient access to technology are important considerations when evaluating the impact of telemedicine.

**Mental Health Resources and their Integration:**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and complicate treatment adherence. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore a crucial component of a comprehensive hypertension management strategy.

Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. This integration can involve screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, and coordinating care with mental health professionals.

**Specific Considerations for Gordon:**

Given the potential demographic profile of Gordon, specific considerations are necessary. The prevalence of chronic conditions like hypertension might be higher due to age and lifestyle factors. Addressing health literacy and cultural sensitivity is critical. Practices should consider the language needs of the community and ensure that educational materials are accessible and easy to understand.

Transportation challenges might necessitate outreach programs that provide transportation assistance or mobile health clinics. Collaboration with community organizations, such as senior centers and faith-based groups, can facilitate patient education and support.

**Assessing the Hypertension Score:**

The Hypertension Score itself is a composite measure, incorporating all the factors discussed above. It's a dynamic measure that should be continuously evaluated and updated. A high score indicates a robust healthcare environment that supports effective hypertension management, while a low score suggests areas for improvement.

The analysis should include the following:
* **Physician Availability:** The number of PCPs actively practicing within the zip code, along with the number of patients served.
* **Practice Characteristics:** A review of the practices, including their patient load, and the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the adoption of telemedicine.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The number of mental health providers available, and whether they are integrated into the primary care system.
* **Community Resources:** The availability of community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and transportation services.

**Conclusion:**

Improving the Hypertension Score in Gordon, PA (17936) requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes ensuring adequate physician availability, promoting the adoption of best practices, integrating mental health services, and leveraging telemedicine technologies. Addressing the unique needs of the community, including health literacy and transportation challenges, is also essential.

**Call to Action:**

For a comprehensive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Gordon, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform for visualizing healthcare data, facilitating informed decision-making, and ultimately, improving patient outcomes.