17972, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17972, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.71 percent of the residents in 17972 has some form of health insurance. 40.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.15 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 17972 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,293 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17972. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,627 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,495 health care providers accessible to residents in 17972, Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Schuylkill Haven, PA (ZIP Code 17972)**

Analyzing hypertension management within Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 17972) requires a multifaceted approach. We'll evaluate the landscape of primary care providers, assess their capabilities regarding hypertension control, and consider ancillary factors like telemedicine and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced "Hypertension Score" assessment, offering insights for residents seeking optimal care.

Schuylkill Haven, a borough nestled in Schuylkill County, presents a unique demographic profile. Understanding the prevalence of hypertension within this population is crucial. While specific, granular data on hypertension rates within 17972 is often proprietary, we can infer potential challenges based on regional and national trends. Factors like age, socioeconomic status, and access to healthy food options can significantly influence hypertension prevalence.

The core of our analysis focuses on primary care availability. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental starting point. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs) relative to the population, can severely impact access to care. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, potentially poorer hypertension management. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories, can help estimate this ratio. However, this is a dynamic metric that changes frequently.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. Our "Hypertension Score" considers several key aspects of care delivery. This includes the frequency of blood pressure screenings, the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment (e.g., guidelines from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology), and the availability of resources for patient education. Practices that consistently measure and track patient blood pressure, proactively address elevated readings, and educate patients on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) will receive higher scores.

Identifying standout practices within 17972 is crucial. This requires a deeper dive into individual provider profiles. We can assess practices based on patient reviews (while acknowledging their inherent limitations), their participation in quality improvement initiatives, and their adoption of technology to enhance patient care. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, offering patient portals for communication and medication management, often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component of our analysis. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication refills can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine technologies, integrating them seamlessly into their workflow, will receive a higher score. This also includes the availability of remote patient monitoring devices.

The interplay between hypertension and mental health is increasingly recognized. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, our "Hypertension Score" considers the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals, offering integrated care or readily accessible referrals, will be viewed more favorably. This is a crucial element, often overlooked in traditional hypertension management.

Furthermore, our analysis must consider the availability of ancillary services that support hypertension management. This includes access to registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators (as diabetes and hypertension frequently coexist), and cardiac rehabilitation programs. Practices that facilitate access to these resources, either within their own facilities or through strong referral networks, will contribute positively to the overall score.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number. It's a dynamic assessment reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. It's influenced by factors such as changes in physician availability, advancements in treatment guidelines, and the adoption of new technologies. Regular updates are essential to maintain its relevance and accuracy.

A comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for 17972 would consider the following:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Assessing the availability of PCPs.
* **Adherence to Guidelines:** Evaluating the use of evidence-based hypertension management protocols.
* **Patient Education:** Assessing the availability of patient education resources.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Evaluating the use of telehealth services.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Evaluating the availability of mental health support.
* **Ancillary Service Access:** Evaluating the availability of dietitians, educators, and rehabilitation programs.
* **Patient Reviews:** Assessing patient satisfaction and experiences.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for doctors in ZIP code 17972 reflects a complex interplay of factors. Access to primary care, adherence to treatment guidelines, integration of mental health support, and the adoption of telehealth technologies are all critical components. By considering these factors, residents can make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To visualize the location of primary care providers, analyze their proximity to pharmacies, grocery stores, and other health resources, we recommend exploring interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can help you gain insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, and the availability of resources in the area.