17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.03 percent of the residents in 17949 has some form of health insurance. 66.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.91 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 17949 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 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17949. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 47 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,905 health care providers accessible to residents in 17949, Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Mahanoy Plane, PA (ZIP Code 17949)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 17949, encompassing Mahanoy Plane, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and ultimately, the overall capacity to effectively manage hypertension within the community. This analysis will provide a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

Mahanoy Plane, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges related to physician access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can significantly hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially, delayed intervention for individuals with elevated blood pressure. The limited availability of primary care physicians often necessitates patients traveling further for appointments, adding another layer of complexity and potential burden, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired individuals.

The physical location of primary care practices is also significant. Are the practices clustered in one area, creating a "medical desert" for those residing on the periphery? Or are they strategically located to maximize accessibility for the entire population? This geographical distribution significantly influences the Hypertension Score. Practices located closer to the population center, especially if they offer extended hours or weekend appointments, contribute positively to the score.

Furthermore, it is imperative to investigate the presence of specialist care. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense against hypertension, access to cardiologists and nephrologists is vital for complex cases or when medication adjustments are necessary. The availability of these specialists within a reasonable driving distance is a crucial factor in determining the overall effectiveness of hypertension management. A lack of specialist support can result in a heavier burden on primary care physicians, potentially leading to less specialized care.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical element of the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for expanding access to care, particularly in rural areas. Practices that utilize telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education can significantly improve hypertension control rates. This includes the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) devices, which allow patients to track their blood pressure at home and share the data with their physicians. The integration of RPM can provide valuable insights into a patient's blood pressure trends and assist in proactive intervention. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, and addressing these underlying issues is crucial for long-term health. The presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within primary care practices or readily accessible within the community is a significant positive factor. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is ideal, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their hypertension management protocols will score favorably.

Identifying standout practices within the 17949 ZIP code is essential. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension care. They may have implemented comprehensive screening programs, utilize evidence-based treatment guidelines, and actively engage patients in their care. They may also have achieved high rates of blood pressure control among their patients. These practices, by their very nature, will contribute positively to the overall Hypertension Score.

To identify these standout practices, we must examine their patient outcomes, their use of technology, and their commitment to patient education. Do they offer educational materials on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise? Do they provide support groups or other resources for patients? These factors are important indicators of a practice's commitment to comprehensive hypertension management.

The data regarding medication adherence is also relevant. Are practices actively monitoring medication adherence, and are they providing support to patients who struggle to take their medications as prescribed? This includes initiatives such as medication reconciliation, refill reminders, and patient education on the importance of adherence. Practices that are actively working to improve medication adherence will also score favorably.

The overall Hypertension Score for the 17949 ZIP code will be a composite of all these factors. A high score will indicate a community with good access to primary care, a strong emphasis on telemedicine, integrated mental health resources, and practices that are actively engaged in providing comprehensive hypertension management. A low score will indicate areas for improvement, such as physician shortages, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of integrated mental health services.

Ultimately, understanding the specific needs of the community is vital. This analysis should be viewed as a starting point for improvement. The goal is to identify areas where resources can be allocated to improve access to care, promote healthy lifestyles, and ultimately, reduce the burden of hypertension within Mahanoy Plane.

This analysis provides a general overview of the healthcare landscape within the 17949 ZIP code. To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. These maps can provide a more detailed understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in Mahanoy Plane, PA, and help you make informed decisions about your health.