18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.01 percent of the residents in 18461 has some form of health insurance. 54.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.41 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 18461 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18461. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 80 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 73 health care providers accessible to residents in 18461, Starlight, Pennsylvania.

Here's an analysis of hypertension care in the specified area, crafted to meet your requirements:

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant public health concern, often referred to as a "silent killer." Effective management requires consistent monitoring, medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and access to quality primary care. This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 18461, focusing on the availability of primary care in Starlight, Pennsylvania, and assessing the resources available to manage this prevalent condition.

The foundation of hypertension care lies in the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians. Starlight, a small community within the 18461 ZIP code, presents a unique challenge. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Publicly available data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or similar sources would be the ideal source for this information. Analyzing these datasets provides a crucial starting point.

Beyond simple physician counts, the type of primary care available is also critical. Is the area dominated by solo practitioners, or are there group practices? Group practices often offer advantages, such as a broader range of expertise, shared resources, and the ability to provide coverage during physician absences. Furthermore, the presence of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) significantly impacts access. These healthcare professionals can provide a significant portion of primary care services, including hypertension management, thus increasing the overall capacity of the healthcare system.

Identifying standout practices within the 18461 ZIP code is key. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management. This could include consistent use of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and proactive follow-up protocols. Researching local hospitals, clinics, and physician groups can help identify these practices. Checking online reviews from patients, while not always definitive, can provide insights into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care. Furthermore, investigating whether practices participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on hypertension management, such as those sponsored by the American Heart Association or the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), can be a strong indicator of commitment to excellence.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption within the 18461 ZIP code is a significant factor. Telemedicine can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations, thereby reducing the burden on patients and improving adherence to treatment plans. Investigating which primary care providers offer telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., video visits, remote monitoring), and the ease of access to these services is crucial. Examining whether these services are covered by local insurance plans is also important.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to manage. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical component of comprehensive hypertension care. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential. Furthermore, investigating whether primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site counseling or referrals to mental health specialists, is crucial. The presence of support groups or community resources focused on stress management and mental well-being can also play a vital role in supporting patients with hypertension.

The availability of resources for patient education and lifestyle modifications is another key factor. Effective hypertension management often relies on lifestyle changes, such as dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and smoking cessation. Investigating whether primary care practices offer patient education materials, such as pamphlets or online resources, is important. Furthermore, assessing the availability of programs focused on healthy eating, exercise, and smoking cessation within the community can indicate the level of support available for lifestyle modifications.

Finally, evaluating the overall coordination of care is crucial. Does the healthcare system within the 18461 ZIP code facilitate communication and collaboration between primary care physicians, specialists (such as cardiologists), and other healthcare providers? The presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that allow for the seamless exchange of patient information can significantly improve care coordination. Furthermore, investigating whether primary care practices participate in care management programs that provide support and guidance to patients with chronic conditions, including hypertension, is important.

Analyzing these factors provides a comprehensive assessment of the quality of hypertension care within the 18461 ZIP code and the availability of primary care in Starlight. This analysis should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the types of primary care available, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, patient education, lifestyle modification programs, and care coordination efforts. This holistic view enables a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and identifies areas for improvement.

To further enhance your understanding of the healthcare landscape in the 18461 ZIP code and visualize the distribution of resources, we invite you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations of geographic data, allowing you to explore the location of healthcare providers, assess access to care, and identify potential disparities.