18242, Oneida, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18242, Oneida, Pennsylvania is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18242 has some form of health insurance. 18.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.88 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 18242 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 129 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18242. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 12 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,787 health care providers accessible to residents in 18242, Oneida, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 18242 & Oneida Primary Care

Analyzing hypertension care in the context of a specific ZIP code and a geographically defined area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will focus on ZIP code 18242 and the availability of primary care in Oneida, New York, to provide a Hypertension Score assessment. This score will be based on several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in effective hypertension management.

ZIP code 18242, located in a specific geographic area, will be the primary focus. Access to care, a critical determinant of hypertension control, hinges on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) available and the patient population. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can significantly impede timely diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a low ratio suggests greater access. Determining the exact ratio requires data acquisition from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or state medical boards, cross-referenced with census data for population counts.

Within this ZIP code, the presence of standout practices can significantly influence the Hypertension Score. These practices may be characterized by several key features. They may have a dedicated focus on hypertension management, employing evidence-based guidelines and protocols. They might utilize advanced diagnostic tools, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), to obtain a more comprehensive picture of a patient's blood pressure fluctuations. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) with integrated hypertension registries allows for proactive patient management, identifying individuals at risk and tracking their progress. Furthermore, these practices often emphasize patient education, empowering individuals to actively participate in their care.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial aspect of modern hypertension management. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure, conduct virtual consultations, and provide medication management support can significantly improve patient outcomes, especially in areas with limited access to care. Practices with robust telemedicine programs, utilizing secure video conferencing platforms and remote monitoring devices, would receive a higher score. The ease of access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, is a significant benefit of telemedicine.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical factor. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Practices that offer or have readily available access to mental health professionals, such as psychologists or therapists, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integration can improve adherence to treatment plans and overall well-being.

Primary care availability in Oneida, New York, serves as a broader context for this analysis. Oneida's overall primary care landscape impacts the Hypertension Score of 18242 residents. If Oneida has a shortage of PCPs, residents of 18242 may face challenges accessing timely care, even if individual practices within the ZIP code are performing well. The geographic distribution of primary care clinics within Oneida also matters. Are clinics concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? This spatial analysis is essential to understanding the overall access to care.

To determine a comprehensive Hypertension Score, a weighted scoring system is necessary. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration – would be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption in an area with limited internet access. Data would be collected from various sources, including physician directories, practice websites, and potentially patient surveys. The final score would then be calculated by summing the weighted scores for each factor.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios in 18242 and Oneida would involve identifying the number of PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and the city, respectively. This information would then be compared to the population data for each area. A higher ratio would indicate greater access to care, positively impacting the Hypertension Score. Data sources for this information include state medical boards, professional organizations, and online physician directories.

Identifying standout practices requires a more qualitative approach. This involves researching practices known for their commitment to hypertension management. This could include practices that are recognized for their use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and innovative approaches to care. This information could be gleaned from online reviews, professional publications, and direct contact with practices.

Telemedicine adoption rates can be assessed by examining the practices' websites and contacting them directly to inquire about their telemedicine capabilities. This would include information on the types of services offered, the platforms used, and the number of patients utilizing telemedicine.

The availability of mental health resources can be determined by examining the practices' affiliations with mental health professionals and the availability of on-site or referral services. This information is crucial, as the integration of mental health services into hypertension management is vital.

The final Hypertension Score would be presented as a numerical value, along with a narrative summary of the findings. This summary would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension care in 18242 and Oneida, providing actionable insights for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health services.

For a visual representation of this data and a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into the spatial relationships between healthcare providers, patient populations, and other relevant factors.