17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.92 percent of the residents in 17974 has some form of health insurance. 59.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.97 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 17974 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17974. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 87 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,495 health care providers accessible to residents in 17974, Seltzer, Pennsylvania.

The analysis will focus on assessing the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 17974, with particular attention to the availability of primary care services in the Seltzer area. A comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' will be developed, evaluating various factors crucial for effective patient care. This score will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine technologies, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all of which are integral to successful hypertension control.

The physician-to-patient ratio in the 17974 ZIP code serves as a fundamental metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care and potentially improved hypertension management. The analysis will identify the specific number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the area and compare it to the total population. This data will be compared against national and state averages to determine the relative availability of PCPs. Areas with a shortage of PCPs may face challenges in timely diagnosis, medication management, and follow-up care, all of which are critical for controlling high blood pressure.

Identifying standout practices within the 17974 area is another key component of the 'Hypertension Score'. These practices will be evaluated based on several criteria. Firstly, the presence of board-certified physicians in internal medicine or family medicine will be assessed. Secondly, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, will be reviewed. This includes the use of standardized protocols for blood pressure measurement, the implementation of medication management strategies, and the provision of patient education materials. Finally, the practices' patient satisfaction scores and their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and facilitate communication will be considered. Practices demonstrating excellence in these areas will receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in modern healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The 'Hypertension Score' will evaluate the extent to which practices in 17974 have embraced telemedicine. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and the use of patient portals for communication and medication refills. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas, and can facilitate more frequent monitoring and medication adjustments. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine will be rated more favorably.

The integration of mental health resources into hypertension management is a critical, often overlooked, aspect of care. High blood pressure can be significantly impacted by stress, anxiety, and depression. The 'Hypertension Score' will assess the availability of mental health services within the practices and the broader community. This includes evaluating whether practices have integrated mental health professionals on-site or have established referral pathways to mental health providers. The availability of resources for stress management, such as mindfulness programs or support groups, will also be considered. Practices that recognize the link between mental health and hypertension and provide appropriate support will receive higher scores.

The Seltzer area, within the 17974 ZIP code, requires specific attention. The analysis will focus on the concentration of primary care services within Seltzer and its surrounding areas. The proximity of patients to PCPs is a crucial factor in accessing timely care. The analysis will determine the number of PCPs located within a reasonable driving distance of Seltzer residents. This will include an assessment of transportation options and any potential barriers to accessing care, such as limited public transportation. Areas with limited access to primary care may require targeted interventions to improve care access for Seltzer residents.

The 'Hypertension Score' will be calculated based on a weighted average of the factors discussed. Physician-to-patient ratio will be given a significant weight, reflecting the importance of access to care. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration will also contribute to the overall score. The specific weighting of each factor will be determined based on its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension control. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality of hypertension management within the 17974 ZIP code, with specific insights into the situation in Seltzer.

The assessment will also consider the demographics of the population within 17974. This includes factors such as age, race, and socioeconomic status. Certain demographic groups may be at higher risk for hypertension and may face unique barriers to accessing care. The 'Hypertension Score' will take these factors into account to provide a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities for improving hypertension management in the area.

The analysis will also examine the availability of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes access to healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and patient education programs. Communities with robust resources for healthy living are better positioned to support patients in controlling their blood pressure. The 'Hypertension Score' will consider the availability of these resources in the 17974 ZIP code.

The evaluation will also consider the presence of specialized services, such as cardiology practices or diabetes clinics, which often provide comprehensive care for patients with hypertension. The proximity and accessibility of these services will be assessed. Collaboration between PCPs and specialists is essential for managing complex cases and ensuring patients receive the appropriate level of care.

Finally, the analysis will consider the availability of pharmacy services within the 17974 ZIP code. Easy access to medication refills is essential for patients to adhere to their treatment plans. The analysis will assess the number of pharmacies in the area, their operating hours, and their ability to provide medication counseling.

To visualize and further explore the data related to hypertension management in the 17974 ZIP code, including physician locations, patient demographics, and community resource availability, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps offer a powerful way to understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identify areas where improvements are needed.