18074, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18074, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.81 percent of the residents in 18074 has some form of health insurance. 22.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.52 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 18074 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,205 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18074. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 999 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 14,974 health care providers accessible to residents in 18074, Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18074 & Primary Care Availability in Perkiomenville

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 18074, encompassing the area around Perkiomenville, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will develop a "Hypertension Score" based on several critical factors influencing the effective management of hypertension, a significant public health concern. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of integrated mental health resources. This will provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and its capacity to address hypertension within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of our "Hypertension Score" rests on the physician-to-patient ratio. An ideal ratio allows PCPs to dedicate sufficient time to each patient, enabling thorough assessments, personalized treatment plans, and consistent follow-up care, all crucial for hypertension management. Data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health will be cross-referenced with physician directories and insurance provider networks to estimate the number of PCPs actively practicing within 18074. This figure will be compared to the estimated population of the ZIP code to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, will positively influence the Hypertension Score. Conversely, a higher ratio, potentially leading to longer wait times and reduced access, will negatively impact the score.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key performance indicators. These include the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and patient communication, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that consistently adhere to guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) will receive higher marks. The ability to easily access and review patient data through a robust EHR system is essential for effective hypertension management. Furthermore, patient satisfaction surveys, reflecting the quality of care and the patient experience, will be a crucial element in the evaluation. Practices demonstrating excellence in these areas will contribute significantly to the overall Hypertension Score.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly vital role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural or underserved areas. For patients managing hypertension, telemedicine offers several advantages. It facilitates remote blood pressure monitoring, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering secure video conferencing and remote patient monitoring capabilities, will receive higher scores. The availability of telemedicine options also enhances access to care for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, further improving the Hypertension Score. The ease of use and the integration of telemedicine into the existing workflow will also be considered.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical factor in hypertension management. Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels and treatment adherence. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or established referral networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of mental health support helps address the psychological factors that can contribute to hypertension, leading to better patient outcomes. Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their patients will receive a higher score, reflecting the importance of this often-overlooked aspect of hypertension management.

Furthermore, we will investigate the availability of resources beyond the direct care provided by PCPs. This includes access to registered dietitians, who can provide dietary guidance to patients with hypertension, and certified diabetes educators, who can assist patients with co-morbid conditions. The availability of these ancillary services further enhances the comprehensive nature of care and improves the overall Hypertension Score. The accessibility of these resources within the local community is a key consideration.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite metric, combining the weighted scores from each of the aforementioned categories: physician-to-patient ratio, adherence to guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and access to ancillary services. Each category will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance in effective hypertension management. The final score will provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 18074, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the provision of hypertension care.

The analysis will also consider the specific challenges faced by the Perkiomenville community. Rural communities may face unique barriers to healthcare access, such as limited public transportation options and a shortage of healthcare professionals. The analysis will identify and address these challenges, providing insights into how the community can improve its healthcare infrastructure.

The final "Hypertension Score" will provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use this information to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. Healthcare providers can use the score to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Policymakers can use the score to allocate resources and to develop strategies to improve healthcare access and quality within the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 18074 and to visualize the location of practices and resources, consider exploring the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to easily identify the location of PCPs, hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources.