18070, Palm, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18070, Palm, Pennsylvania is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.16 percent of the residents in 18070 has some form of health insurance. 45.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.87 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 18070 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 62 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 19 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18070. An estimate of 39 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 138 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 28,943 health care providers accessible to residents in 18070, Palm, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Palm, PA (ZIP Code 18070)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within Palm, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18070) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, their practices regarding hypertension treatment, the integration of technology, and the availability of mental health resources, all contributing to a hypothetical "Hypertension Score." This score, while not a formal metric, will provide a qualitative assessment of the environment for individuals managing or at risk of developing hypertension in this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. While specific, publicly available data on individual physician practices within 18070 can be challenging to obtain, broader regional data provides context. The Lehigh Valley, where Palm is located, may experience physician shortages, potentially impacting access to timely appointments and follow-up care. This scarcity could lead to longer wait times, making it harder for patients to receive prompt diagnoses, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling crucial for hypertension control. The "Hypertension Score" would be negatively impacted by limited physician availability.

Beyond sheer numbers, the practices of individual physicians significantly influence the quality of care. A high-scoring practice would emphasize comprehensive hypertension management, including regular blood pressure monitoring, thorough patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and evidence-based medication protocols. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is essential. EHRs facilitate medication reconciliation, track patient progress, and allow for data-driven decision-making. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, offering shared decision-making and patient portals for accessing information and communicating with providers, would contribute positively to the "Hypertension Score."

Telemedicine adoption presents another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online educational resources significantly enhances access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in more rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering these services, would receive a higher "Hypertension Score" rating. This is especially important in managing chronic conditions like hypertension, where frequent monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans are often necessary. Telemedicine also allows for more convenient follow-up appointments, increasing patient adherence to treatment regimens.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health necessitates the inclusion of mental health resources in this analysis. Hypertension is often exacerbated by stress and anxiety. Practices that screen for mental health conditions and provide or refer patients to mental health services would improve the "Hypertension Score." This integration of care recognizes the holistic nature of health and the importance of addressing the psychological factors that can significantly impact blood pressure control. Access to therapists, psychiatrists, and stress-reduction programs is crucial.

Standout practices within 18070, if identified, would be evaluated based on several criteria. This includes the use of patient-centered care models, such as the Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH) model, which emphasizes coordinated, comprehensive care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on hypertension control, would also receive positive consideration. The availability of on-site resources, such as dietitians or exercise specialists, would further enhance a practice's rating.

The "Hypertension Score" for 18070 would be influenced by the presence of these factors. A practice demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management, leveraging technology, and integrating mental health resources would receive a higher score. Conversely, practices lacking these elements would receive a lower score. This score is designed to be a qualitative assessment, reflecting the overall environment for hypertension management in the area.

It's important to acknowledge the limitations of this analysis. Specific, granular data on individual physician practices within 18070 can be difficult to obtain. Publicly available information may not always reflect the full scope of a practice's services or quality of care. Furthermore, this analysis does not account for patient preferences or individual experiences.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for Palm, PA (18070) is likely influenced by a complex interplay of factors. The availability of primary care physicians, the practices they employ, their adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources all contribute to the overall quality of care. While a definitive score cannot be assigned without detailed, practice-specific data, this analysis provides a framework for understanding the critical elements that shape the hypertension management landscape in this specific geographic area.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Palm, PA (18070), and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to identify areas with high concentrations of physicians, healthcare facilities, and other relevant resources. Visit CartoChrome today to gain a more comprehensive perspective on healthcare accessibility in your community.