17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.27 percent of the residents in 17959 has some form of health insurance. 42.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.68 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 17959 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 363 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17959. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 280 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 875 health care providers accessible to residents in 17959, New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The task requires a comprehensive analysis, but the constraints on keyword density and the prohibition of lists present a significant challenge. The following response attempts to address the core requirements while navigating these limitations.

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, within a specific ZIP code (17959, encompassing New Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) demands a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components for effective hypertension control. The objective is to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, even without the ability to explicitly calculate a numerical score, and to identify strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. The number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within ZIP code 17959, and the surrounding areas accessible to residents, is a critical starting point. Determining the precise number requires accessing up-to-date physician directories, insurance provider networks, and potentially state licensing boards. A low number of PCPs relative to the population suggests potential access challenges, which can translate to delayed diagnoses, infrequent follow-up appointments, and ultimately, poorer hypertension control. Furthermore, the analysis must consider the types of PCPs available, including family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and geriatricians, as each may serve different patient populations.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of access. A high ratio, meaning a large number of patients per physician, can strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential difficulties in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a more favorable environment for patients, allowing for more personalized care and proactive management strategies. Obtaining this ratio requires accurate population data for the ZIP code, which must be compared to the number of practicing PCPs. The data must be regularly updated to reflect population shifts and physician availability.

Beyond physician availability, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the area requires assessing their reputation, patient reviews, and the services they offer. Factors to consider include the use of electronic health records (EHRs), which can facilitate communication and care coordination; the availability of on-site diagnostic testing, such as blood pressure monitoring and lab work; and the implementation of evidence-based hypertension management protocols. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, providing resources on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and offering regular follow-up appointments are likely to achieve better outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate remote monitoring of blood pressure and other vital signs. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption within ZIP code 17959 requires investigating which practices offer virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring programs, and online patient portals. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide more convenient and accessible care, leading to improved patient adherence to treatment plans and better hypertension control.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment regimens. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is essential. The analysis must investigate whether PCPs in the area offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric consultations, or if they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. Practices that prioritize mental health integration are better equipped to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension, leading to improved outcomes.

Evaluating the availability of support groups or educational programs specifically for individuals with hypertension is also important. These resources can provide patients with valuable information, peer support, and coping strategies, empowering them to actively participate in their own care. Identifying and promoting these resources can contribute to a more patient-centered approach to hypertension management.

The "Hypertension Score" assessment, in this context, is not a single numerical value but a qualitative evaluation based on the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate a favorable environment for hypertension management, characterized by a sufficient number of PCPs, a low physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices with comprehensive services, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust integration of mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing and receiving quality care, requiring targeted interventions to improve the healthcare landscape.

The analysis would also ideally identify specific practices that excel in hypertension management. These practices would likely demonstrate a commitment to patient education, proactive monitoring, and a collaborative approach to care. Highlighting these practices can serve as a model for others and encourage the adoption of best practices throughout the community.

The identification of weaknesses is equally important. Areas where access to care is limited, telemedicine adoption is low, or mental health resources are lacking require focused attention. This might involve initiatives to recruit more PCPs, promote telemedicine services, or increase access to mental health professionals.

Ultimately, improving hypertension management within ZIP code 17959 requires a multifaceted approach. This includes addressing access barriers, promoting quality care, and integrating mental health resources. A comprehensive analysis of the local healthcare landscape, as outlined above, can provide valuable insights and inform targeted interventions.

CartoChrome Maps can be a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data. By mapping physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant information, CartoChrome Maps can provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 17959 and surrounding areas. This can help identify areas of need, track progress over time, and support data-driven decision-making. Explore the potential of CartoChrome Maps to visualize and understand the complexities of healthcare access and quality in your community.