18058, Kunkletown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18058, Kunkletown, Pennsylvania is 78 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.86 percent of the residents in 18058 has some form of health insurance. 40.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.37 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 18058 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,099 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 24 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18058. An estimate of 48 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,932 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 19,133 health care providers accessible to residents in 18058, Kunkletown, Pennsylvania.

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within the 18058 ZIP code, encompassing Kunkletown, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess primary care availability, doctor-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" perspective. This score, while not a formal numerical ranking, provides a qualitative assessment of the strengths and weaknesses within the community, offering insights for both residents and healthcare providers.

Primary care availability is the cornerstone of effective hypertension management. In Kunkletown, this translates to examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively accepting new patients, their office hours, and the ease of scheduling appointments. A significant challenge often lies in rural areas like Kunkletown, where the concentration of healthcare providers is typically lower than in urban centers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and increased travel distances for patients. Assessing the average travel time to a PCP within the 18058 ZIP code and surrounding areas is crucial.

Doctor-to-patient ratios provide a quantitative measure of access. The ideal ratio varies depending on the needs of the population, but a lower ratio generally indicates better access to care. Analyzing the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the population size reveals a critical indicator. This ratio, coupled with the age distribution of the population (older populations often require more frequent medical attention), helps determine the overall strain on the existing healthcare infrastructure.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating the quality of care provided. This assessment goes beyond simple metrics and delves into patient reviews, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the use of innovative technologies. Practices actively participating in programs like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition programs, or those demonstrating a commitment to patient education and preventative care, deserve recognition. These practices often exhibit a proactive approach to hypertension management, including regular blood pressure screenings, medication management, and lifestyle counseling.

Telemedicine adoption plays a pivotal role in expanding access to care, particularly in rural settings. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor blood pressure remotely, and provide medication refills via telemedicine can significantly improve patient outcomes. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among PCPs in the 18058 ZIP code, including the types of services offered and the ease of use for patients, is essential. Practices that embrace telemedicine can effectively bridge geographical barriers and improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Access to mental health professionals, including therapists, psychiatrists, and counselors, is therefore crucial. Evaluating the availability of mental health services within the 18058 ZIP code, including the number of providers, the types of services offered, and the insurance plans accepted, is a critical component of the "Hypertension Score" analysis. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices, where PCPs can easily refer patients to mental health professionals, is a significant advantage.

The "Hypertension Score" for the 18058 ZIP code is therefore a composite of these factors. The score will be influenced by the availability of PCPs, the doctor-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. A high score reflects a community with robust primary care access, proactive hypertension management, and comprehensive support services. A lower score indicates areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of PCPs, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and improving access to mental health services.

Specific to Kunkletown, the analysis will consider factors like the presence of any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs). These facilities often provide essential healthcare services to underserved populations. Their presence can significantly impact the "Hypertension Score." The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology consultations and diabetes education programs, as these services are often intertwined with hypertension management.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the demographics of the population in Kunkletown. Factors like age, socioeconomic status, and access to transportation can all influence the ability of residents to access and adhere to hypertension treatment plans. Understanding these demographic factors is crucial for tailoring healthcare interventions to the specific needs of the community.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a static assessment; it's a dynamic tool. It should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare provider availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the community. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential for ensuring that residents of Kunkletown have access to the best possible hypertension care.

This analysis also considers the impact of health insurance coverage. The percentage of the population with health insurance, the types of insurance plans available, and the affordability of healthcare services are all crucial factors. Access to affordable medications and diagnostic tests is essential for effective hypertension management.

The analysis will also explore the availability of community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and exercise classes. These resources can play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their hypertension effectively. Partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations can create a supportive environment that promotes healthy lifestyles.

In conclusion, assessing the "Hypertension Score" for doctors in the 18058 ZIP code, particularly in Kunkletown, involves a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, doctor-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This assessment requires a detailed analysis of the healthcare landscape, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Kunkletown and surrounding areas, including the location of PCPs, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a valuable tool for understanding the distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas where access to care may be limited.