18202, Hazleton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18202, Hazleton, Pennsylvania is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.56 percent of the residents in 18202 has some form of health insurance. 46.41 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.49 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 18202 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,982 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18202. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,621 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,507 health care providers accessible to residents in 18202, Hazleton, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18202 & Primary Care Availability in Hazleton**

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 18202 (Hazleton, PA) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of care related to hypertension management, and explore the integration of innovative healthcare solutions. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients in Hazleton struggling with hypertension.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. In Hazleton, the ratio likely reflects the broader challenges faced by rural and underserved communities. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions like hypertension. Data from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Pennsylvania Department of Health should be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 18202 ZIP code. This data will provide a baseline for understanding the accessibility of primary care.

Standout practices within Hazleton often distinguish themselves through their commitment to patient-centered care and proactive hypertension management. These practices may employ several strategies. Firstly, they might have dedicated staff, like registered nurses or certified diabetes educators, who specialize in hypertension education and management. Secondly, they could have robust systems for monitoring blood pressure, including regular check-ups, home blood pressure monitoring programs, and electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient tracking of patient data. Thirdly, they might offer extended hours or same-day appointments to improve accessibility. Identifying these standout practices requires detailed research, including patient reviews, insurance provider data, and potentially, interviews with healthcare professionals.

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly impact hypertension management in Hazleton. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, which is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues, transportation barriers, or limited time. Telemedicine can be used for medication management, lifestyle counseling, and remote blood pressure monitoring. The adoption of telemedicine within the 18202 ZIP code should be evaluated. This includes assessing the availability of telehealth services among local primary care practices, the types of telemedicine platforms used, and the level of patient and provider satisfaction with these services.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of hypertension care. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Effective hypertension management, therefore, requires a holistic approach that addresses both physical and mental well-being. The availability of mental health services within Hazleton is crucial. This includes assessing the number of mental health professionals, the availability of counseling services, and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have strong referral networks for mental health support are likely to provide superior care.

The quality of hypertension management can be evaluated through several metrics. These include the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, the rates of adherence to medication regimens, and the frequency of regular check-ups. Data from insurance providers, healthcare quality reports, and patient surveys can be used to assess these metrics. Practices that demonstrate high levels of hypertension control and patient satisfaction are likely to be delivering high-quality care.

The availability of specialized services is also important. This includes access to cardiologists, nephrologists, and other specialists who can provide expert care for patients with complex hypertension or related complications. The presence of a local hospital with a cardiology department and the availability of specialist referrals from primary care practices are critical factors.

The integration of technology can further enhance hypertension management. This includes the use of wearable devices to monitor blood pressure, mobile apps for tracking medication adherence, and EHRs that facilitate data sharing and communication between healthcare providers. Practices that embrace technology are often better equipped to provide proactive and personalized care.

The challenges faced by patients in Hazleton with hypertension are often compounded by socioeconomic factors. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and limited health literacy can all impact the ability to manage hypertension effectively. Primary care practices that are aware of these challenges and provide resources such as health education materials, assistance with medication costs, and referrals to social services are likely to be more successful in improving patient outcomes.

The role of community health initiatives should also be considered. Local organizations, such as the YMCA or community health centers, can play a crucial role in promoting healthy lifestyles, providing health education, and offering support groups for individuals with hypertension. Collaboration between primary care practices and community organizations can create a more comprehensive and supportive healthcare ecosystem.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension care in ZIP code 18202 involves a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, quality of care, integration of technology, and access to mental health resources. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Hazleton, we can identify opportunities to improve hypertension management and improve the health outcomes of the community.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, we recommend exploring the interactive maps available from CartoChrome.