18460, South Sterling, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18460, South Sterling, Pennsylvania is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.09 percent of the residents in 18460 has some form of health insurance. 88.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.22 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 18460 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 42 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18460. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 78 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,629 health care providers accessible to residents in 18460, South Sterling, Pennsylvania.

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management within ZIP Code 18460, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to assess the overall “Hypertension Score” for the area, reflecting the accessibility and effectiveness of care for individuals managing or at risk of developing hypertension. The assessment will also highlight specific practices and resources that stand out in this area.

South Sterling, Pennsylvania, located within ZIP Code 18460, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Its rural nature and relatively small population can influence the availability and accessibility of healthcare services, particularly primary care, which is crucial for managing hypertension. The analysis will delve into the specific challenges and opportunities present within this community.

One of the critical factors influencing hypertension management is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer outcomes for patients with hypertension. Assessing the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP Code and comparing it to the population size is essential. Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and publicly available physician directories will be used to calculate this ratio. The analysis will also consider the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, who are vital for managing complex cases of hypertension.

The availability of primary care in South Sterling is directly linked to the effectiveness of hypertension management. Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients with hypertension, providing initial diagnoses, treatment plans, and ongoing monitoring. The analysis will investigate the number of primary care practices in the area, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans. Furthermore, the analysis will examine the presence of any federally qualified health centers or other community health resources that may offer affordable care options.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of hypertension management, especially in rural areas like South Sterling. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely consult with their physicians, monitor their blood pressure at home, and receive timely interventions. The analysis will assess the adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in the area. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and the use of telehealth platforms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine will be highlighted as potential models for others to emulate.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of hypertension management, but they play a significant role. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can contribute to elevated blood pressure. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within ZIP Code 18460, including the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. The analysis will also examine the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as the availability of on-site counselors or referrals to mental health specialists.

Identifying standout practices is a key component of this analysis. Practices that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management will be recognized for their efforts. These practices may have implemented innovative programs, such as comprehensive patient education initiatives, tailored treatment plans, or robust remote monitoring systems. The analysis will consider factors such as patient satisfaction scores, adherence to clinical guidelines, and the use of evidence-based practices. The goal is to identify and showcase best practices that can be replicated by other providers in the area.

The analysis will also consider the availability of patient education resources. Effective hypertension management requires patients to understand their condition, adhere to their treatment plans, and make lifestyle modifications. The analysis will assess the availability of patient education materials, such as brochures, online resources, and support groups. Practices that prioritize patient education will be recognized for their commitment to empowering patients to take control of their health.

The overall “Hypertension Score” for ZIP Code 18460 will be determined based on a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting will reflect the relative importance of each factor in influencing hypertension management outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability will likely be given higher weights than the availability of patient education resources. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the area's ability to effectively manage hypertension.

The analysis will also consider the availability of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes access to healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and support groups for individuals with hypertension. The analysis will evaluate the presence of farmers' markets, walking trails, and other community resources that promote healthy lifestyles.

The data collection process will involve a combination of methods. Publicly available data sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and physician directories, will be used to gather information on physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, and insurance acceptance. Practice websites and phone calls will be used to assess telemedicine adoption and the availability of patient education resources. The analysis will also incorporate data from patient surveys and interviews, if available, to gather insights into patient experiences and satisfaction.

The final “Hypertension Score” will be presented in a clear and concise manner, along with recommendations for improving hypertension management in ZIP Code 18460. The recommendations will be based on the findings of the analysis and will focus on areas where improvement is needed. This may include increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine adoption, or enhancing mental health resources.

The analysis will also consider the impact of social determinants of health on hypertension management. Social determinants of health are the non-medical factors that influence health outcomes, such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to transportation. The analysis will assess the prevalence of these factors in ZIP Code 18460 and their potential impact on hypertension management.

The final report will be a valuable resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members in South Sterling. It will provide a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management and will serve as a roadmap for improving the health of the community.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain deeper insights into the factors influencing hypertension management in ZIP Code 18460, explore the power of spatial data analysis. Utilize the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps to overlay physician locations, practice characteristics, and demographic data. Uncover patterns and correlations that can inform targeted interventions and improve healthcare access.