18444, Moscow, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18444, Moscow, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.50 percent of the residents in 18444 has some form of health insurance. 34.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.27 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 18444 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,242 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18444. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,712 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,861 health care providers accessible to residents in 18444, Moscow, Pennsylvania.

The evaluation of hypertension management within the 18444 ZIP code, encompassing Moscow, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach, examining not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of care provided, including factors like telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an understanding of the landscape for hypertension care in this specific locale.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on the availability of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a crucial indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, including regular blood pressure screenings and management. In Moscow, this ratio needs specific investigation. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the US Census Bureau, and private healthcare directories must be cross-referenced to determine the exact number of primary care physicians practicing within the 18444 ZIP code and the estimated population served. This data will allow for a preliminary assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by primary care practices is paramount. This involves assessing the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. This includes the use of standardized protocols for blood pressure measurement, the implementation of lifestyle modification counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and the appropriate use of antihypertensive medications. Information on these practices can be gleaned from online reviews, patient testimonials, and possibly through direct inquiry to the practices themselves, if ethically permissible.

Standout practices within the 18444 ZIP code should be identified. These practices would likely demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension care. They might have dedicated programs for hypertension management, employ certified health educators, or have a strong track record of patient outcomes. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into their operations. This could involve reviewing their websites for information on their approach to hypertension care, including the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and the availability of patient portals for easy communication and access to information.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote blood pressure monitoring, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer more convenient and timely follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. The extent of telemedicine adoption within the 18444 ZIP code needs to be determined. This includes identifying which practices offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the technology platforms used.

The integration of mental health resources is essential. Hypertension and mental health are often intertwined. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and can also make it more difficult for patients to adhere to treatment plans. Practices that recognize this connection and offer integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external mental health providers, are better positioned to provide holistic care. Assessing the availability of mental health resources requires research into the practices' referral networks and the presence of any on-site mental health professionals.

Specific examples of practices excelling in these areas would significantly enhance the assessment. For instance, a practice utilizing a sophisticated EHR system to track patient blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications, coupled with a dedicated nurse educator providing patient education and support, would likely score higher. Another practice offering virtual consultations and remote blood pressure monitoring, particularly for patients with uncontrolled hypertension, would also be considered a strong contender.

The analysis also needs to consider the demographics of the patient population within the 18444 ZIP code. Factors such as age, socioeconomic status, and ethnicity can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the challenges patients face in accessing care. Understanding these demographics is crucial for tailoring interventions and ensuring equitable access to quality hypertension management. The US Census Bureau provides demographic data that can be used to understand the population characteristics within the 18444 ZIP code.

Furthermore, the analysis should evaluate the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology consultations and access to cardiovascular imaging. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, patients with complex cases may require the expertise of specialists. The proximity and accessibility of cardiology specialists and diagnostic facilities are important factors to consider.

Finally, the role of community resources should not be overlooked. Local pharmacies, community health centers, and support groups can play a vital role in hypertension management. Pharmacies can provide medication counseling and blood pressure screenings, while community health centers may offer affordable care options. Support groups can provide patients with emotional support and peer-to-peer education. Assessing the availability and accessibility of these resources is an integral part of the overall analysis.

In conclusion, the assessment of hypertension management within the 18444 ZIP code necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and community resources. The physician-to-patient ratio, the use of evidence-based guidelines, and the presence of standout practices are crucial factors to consider. By gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources, a detailed and insightful assessment can be produced.

For a visual representation of the data, including the geographic distribution of primary care physicians, the location of pharmacies, and the availability of community resources, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the data and provide a clear and concise overview of the landscape for hypertension care in Moscow, Pennsylvania.