17954, Minersville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17954, Minersville, Pennsylvania is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.83 percent of the residents in 17954 has some form of health insurance. 56.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.99 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 17954 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 953 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17954. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 694 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 843 health care providers accessible to residents in 17954, Minersville, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis assesses the quality of hypertension care and primary care access within ZIP code 17954, specifically focusing on the town of Minersville, Pennsylvania. This evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in managing hypertension effectively. This analysis is presented as a conceptual framework, as accessing real-time, comprehensive data on these specific metrics can be challenging.

Minersville, like many small towns, likely faces challenges in healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially poorer management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and other sources can provide estimates of the physician-to-population ratio. However, this data often needs to be more granular, and the true ratio within Minersville specifically may vary.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. Identifying these practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, looking at the patient outcomes data (if available), and assessing the adoption of evidence-based guidelines are all essential. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the American Medical Association, often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also crucial. EHRs facilitate data tracking, medication management, and communication between healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments. It allows for remote monitoring of blood pressure, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing services like virtual check-ups, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication refills via secure portals, are likely to be better equipped to manage hypertension effectively.

The availability of mental health resources is also a critical component of hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. Integrating mental health services into primary care is a best practice. This can include on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or referral systems that facilitate access to mental health support. Practices that recognize the connection between mental and physical health and provide resources for both are better positioned to offer comprehensive hypertension care.

Evaluating specific practices within Minersville requires a deeper dive. The analysis would need to identify the primary care providers operating within the ZIP code. Then, a process of data gathering would begin. This could involve online research, patient reviews, and, if possible, direct communication with the practices. The goal is to gather information on the following key areas:

* **Physician-to-patient ratio:** Estimated based on available data and local demographics.
* **Hypertension management protocols:** Whether the practice follows established guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology.
* **Patient education:** The availability of educational materials and programs on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management).
* **Medication management:** The use of EHRs to track medications, monitor for side effects, and facilitate medication reconciliation.
* **Telemedicine services:** The availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and secure patient portals.
* **Mental health integration:** The presence of on-site mental health services, partnerships with mental health providers, or a robust referral system.
* **Patient satisfaction:** Reviewing patient reviews and satisfaction surveys to assess the patient experience.

The analysis would then assign a score to each practice based on these factors. The scoring system could use a weighted approach, giving more weight to factors that have a greater impact on patient outcomes. For example, adherence to established guidelines and the availability of telemedicine services might be given higher weights.

The final analysis would present a ranking of the primary care practices in Minersville based on their hypertension care quality. This ranking would be accompanied by a summary of each practice's strengths and weaknesses, as well as recommendations for improvement. The goal is to provide patients with the information they need to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to encourage practices to strive for excellence in hypertension management.

In addition to the individual practice analysis, the overall primary care availability in Minersville would be assessed. This would involve considering the number of primary care physicians, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of care. Factors such as wait times for appointments, the acceptance of insurance plans, and the availability of after-hours care would also be evaluated.

The analysis would then consider the overall picture of primary care availability in Minersville. This would involve assessing the number of primary care physicians, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of care. Factors such as wait times for appointments, the acceptance of insurance plans, and the availability of after-hours care would also be evaluated.

The analysis would also consider the demographics of Minersville. Understanding the population's age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases is essential for tailoring healthcare services to meet the community's needs.

The final analysis would provide a comprehensive overview of hypertension care and primary care availability in Minersville, Pennsylvania. It would identify areas of strength and weakness, and provide recommendations for improvement. It would also empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, access patient demographics, and explore the geographic relationships between practices and patient populations, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data and identify areas where access to care is limited.