18231, Kelayres, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18231, Kelayres, Pennsylvania is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18231 has some form of health insurance. 41.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.84 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 18231 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 119 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18231. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 22 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,617 health care providers accessible to residents in 18231, Kelayres, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18231 & Primary Care Availability in Kelayres**

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare accessibility and quality within ZIP code 18231, encompassing the community of Kelayres, Pennsylvania, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on evaluating the availability of primary care physicians, specifically concerning hypertension management, and the resources available to residents. The ultimate goal is to assess the "Hypertension Score" for the area, considering factors that influence a patient's ability to effectively manage this prevalent condition.

The core of the analysis revolves around the availability of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio in Kelayres and the surrounding areas is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for hypertension. Researching and quantifying this ratio is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, combined with information from physician directories and insurance provider networks, will provide the raw data. The resulting physician-to-patient ratio will serve as a baseline for assessing the overall accessibility of care.

Beyond raw numbers, the analysis must delve into the practices of individual primary care providers. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management is essential. This involves examining factors like the use of evidence-based guidelines, the frequency of blood pressure monitoring, the availability of patient education materials, and the implementation of medication management strategies. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for efficient data tracking and communication, are likely to perform better. Furthermore, the presence of certified diabetes educators or other specialists who can support patients with hypertension is a significant advantage. Information on these practices can be found on the practices' websites, in patient reviews, and through direct contact with the practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the "Hypertension Score" analysis. The ability to access virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals can significantly improve hypertension management, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The analysis will assess the availability of telemedicine services among primary care providers in the area. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used, the ease of scheduling virtual appointments, and the availability of remote monitoring devices. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to score higher, as they offer greater convenience and accessibility to patients.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within the community is a crucial factor in the "Hypertension Score." The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors, within the ZIP code or nearby areas. It will also assess the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as the availability of on-site counselors or referral programs. A community with robust mental health resources will contribute to a higher score, as it supports a holistic approach to patient care.

The geographical distribution of primary care practices is another factor to consider. The analysis will map the locations of primary care providers within ZIP code 18231 and the surrounding areas. This will help identify potential "healthcare deserts" or areas with limited access to care. Factors such as transportation options, the presence of public transportation, and the proximity of pharmacies and other healthcare facilities will be assessed to determine the ease of access for residents. The analysis will also consider the availability of translation services for non-English speaking patients, as this can significantly impact access to care.

The availability of ancillary services, such as laboratory testing, imaging, and pharmacy services, also impacts hypertension management. The analysis will assess the proximity of these services to primary care practices and the ease of access for patients. The availability of affordable medications is also a key consideration. The analysis will investigate the presence of pharmacies that offer generic medications and the availability of programs that assist patients with the cost of their medications.

Patient education and support programs are vital for effective hypertension management. The analysis will investigate the availability of patient education materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, and online resources, that provide information about hypertension, its management, and lifestyle modifications. The presence of support groups or community health programs that offer education and support to patients with hypertension will also be assessed. Practices that actively engage in patient education and support are likely to achieve better outcomes and contribute to a higher "Hypertension Score."

The quality of care provided by primary care physicians is a key factor in the "Hypertension Score" analysis. This includes assessing the use of evidence-based guidelines, the frequency of blood pressure monitoring, the implementation of medication management strategies, and the communication between physicians and patients. The analysis will review patient satisfaction surveys, clinical outcomes data, and other relevant information to assess the quality of care provided by primary care physicians in the area.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite metric based on the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The final score will reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of hypertension management within ZIP code 18231 and the community of Kelayres. This score will provide a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents to assess the current state of hypertension management and identify areas for improvement.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kelayres, including the locations of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations of geographic data, allowing you to explore the distribution of healthcare resources and identify potential access barriers.