18234, Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18234, Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18234 has some form of health insurance. 92.05 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.69 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 18234 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18234. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 248 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,620 health care providers accessible to residents in 18234, Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 18234 and Primary Care Availability in Lattimer Mines**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly regarding hypertension management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 18234, encompassing Lattimer Mines, Pennsylvania, to assess the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), their capacity to manage hypertension, and related support systems. A "Hypertension Score" is not a standardized metric, so this analysis will create a scoring framework. This will allow for the evaluation of key factors contributing to effective hypertension care within this specific geographic area.

The core of the assessment centers on primary care availability. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and reduced opportunities for preventative care, all of which negatively impact hypertension management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and other credible sources will be needed to determine the actual physician-to-patient ratio within 18234 and the surrounding areas. This data will be compared to state and national averages to determine the relative scarcity or abundance of PCPs.

Beyond raw numbers, the types of practices available matter. Are the PCPs primarily solo practitioners, or are they part of larger group practices or hospital systems? Group practices often offer advantages like extended hours, shared resources, and access to specialists. Affiliation with a hospital system can streamline referrals to cardiology, nephrology, and other relevant specialties crucial for managing hypertension complications. The presence of certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and other support staff within the practices is also a significant factor. These professionals play a vital role in patient education, lifestyle modification, and medication management, all essential components of successful hypertension control.

The assessment will also consider the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine, including virtual visits, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. Patients with hypertension can benefit from remote blood pressure monitoring, medication reminders, and virtual consultations. Practices with robust telemedicine programs will receive a higher score. The availability of these services, along with the ease of use and patient satisfaction with the technology, will be assessed.

Mental health resources are also a critical component of hypertension management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can elevate blood pressure and interfere with treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within or readily accessible to the primary care practices is an essential factor. Integration of mental health services with primary care, such as co-located behavioral health specialists or integrated care models, is highly desirable. This allows for a more holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension.

Specific practices within 18234 will be evaluated based on these criteria. This will involve researching individual practices to determine their size, services offered, telemedicine capabilities, and affiliations. Practices with a high physician-to-patient ratio, a comprehensive range of services, robust telemedicine programs, and integrated mental health support will receive higher scores. The analysis will highlight any standout practices demonstrating best practices in hypertension management. This could include practices that have implemented innovative patient education programs, achieved high rates of blood pressure control, or demonstrated a commitment to patient-centered care.

The analysis will also consider the demographic characteristics of the population within 18234. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases, including hypertension, will be considered. Understanding the specific needs of the population is crucial for tailoring healthcare services to meet those needs effectively. The analysis will look at the prevalence of hypertension within the community and compare it to the state and national averages. This will help determine the level of need for hypertension management services within the area.

The analysis will provide a qualitative assessment of the overall healthcare landscape in 18234. This will involve identifying any barriers to care, such as transportation issues, language barriers, or lack of insurance coverage. The analysis will also consider the availability of community resources, such as support groups, health education programs, and access to healthy food options. These resources play a vital role in supporting patients with hypertension and promoting healthy lifestyles.

The final "Hypertension Score" will be a composite score based on all these factors. It will reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and effectiveness of hypertension management services within 18234. The score will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement. This score will be more than just a number; it will represent a comprehensive assessment of the resources available to help residents manage their hypertension effectively.

This analysis will not be a simple ranking. It will be a narrative, providing context and insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving hypertension care in Lattimer Mines. It will identify the strengths of the current system and highlight areas where improvements are needed. The goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment that can be used to inform healthcare planning and resource allocation.

The data used in this analysis will be from publicly available sources, including government databases, healthcare provider directories, and practice websites. The analysis will also incorporate information from community health needs assessments and other relevant reports. The accuracy of the analysis will depend on the availability and reliability of the data. Every effort will be made to ensure the data is accurate and up-to-date.

This detailed analysis of healthcare resources and hypertension management in ZIP Code 18234 provides valuable insights into the accessibility and quality of care available to residents. The "Hypertension Score" is not a rigid metric, but a comprehensive assessment of the key factors influencing hypertension management. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lattimer Mines and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, explore the power of spatial data with CartoChrome maps.