18438, Lakeville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18438, Lakeville, Pennsylvania is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.76 percent of the residents in 18438 has some form of health insurance. 57.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.73 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 18438 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 180 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18438. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 383 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,448 health care providers accessible to residents in 18438, Lakeville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lakeville, PA (ZIP Code 18438)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within the Lakeville, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18438) area, focusing on primary care accessibility, physician quality, and resource availability. The objective is to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the region's capacity to effectively address and manage hypertension within the local population. This assessment incorporates factors crucial for successful hypertension control, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all of which are essential for holistic patient care.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in readily accessible primary care. In Lakeville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the Hypertension Score. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates greater access to care, allowing for more frequent check-ups, timely interventions, and personalized treatment plans. Conversely, a high ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and potentially worsening health outcomes. Research into the specific physician-to-patient ratio within the 18438 ZIP code is paramount. Local data sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the local county health department, should be consulted to determine this ratio. The closer the ratio is to the national average or a recommended benchmark, the higher the initial score will be.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly influences the Hypertension Score. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive blood pressure monitoring, and employ evidence-based treatment protocols will receive higher marks. The presence of certified hypertension specialists within a practice or the availability of registered dietitians and other allied health professionals further enhances the score. Assessing the practices' commitment to patient education is also crucial. Practices that provide educational materials, offer group classes, or utilize digital platforms to disseminate information on lifestyle modifications and medication adherence will contribute positively to the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor in the modern management of hypertension. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of blood pressure, virtual consultations, and medication management, especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote blood pressure monitoring, will receive a higher score. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine data into the patient's electronic health record are all important considerations.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the Lakeville area directly influences the Hypertension Score. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with local mental health providers, will score higher. The accessibility of these services, including the ease of referral, insurance coverage, and waiting times, will also be evaluated. A collaborative approach, where primary care physicians and mental health professionals work together to provide integrated care, is ideal.

Standout practices within the 18438 ZIP code deserve specific recognition. Identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management, as evidenced by positive patient outcomes, high patient satisfaction scores, and a commitment to innovation, will significantly boost the overall score. These practices might be recognized for their proactive approach to patient education, their utilization of cutting-edge technologies, or their strong emphasis on patient-centered care. Publicly available data, such as patient reviews, health plan ratings, and quality metrics, can be used to identify these standout practices.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number but a dynamic reflection of the healthcare landscape. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Regular updates to the score should incorporate changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. This ongoing assessment allows for a more accurate and reliable picture of the region's capacity to manage hypertension effectively.

The final "Hypertension Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contributions of all the assessed factors. A higher score indicates a greater capacity to effectively manage hypertension, while a lower score signals a need for improvement. The specific weighting of each factor will depend on its relative importance in achieving optimal patient outcomes.

To gain a comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lakeville, PA, including the location of primary care practices, the distribution of specialists, and the availability of resources, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This powerful tool allows you to visualize the data, identify potential gaps in care, and make informed decisions about healthcare access and planning.