18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.10 percent of the residents in 18464 has some form of health insurance. 36.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.81 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 18464 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 334 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18464. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 340 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 991 health care providers accessible to residents in 18464, Tafton, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a "Hypertension Score" assessment for primary care physicians and resources within ZIP Code 18464, encompassing the Tafton area. This score considers factors relevant to hypertension management, including physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health support, aiming to provide a comprehensive picture of care accessibility and quality.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in access to primary care. In Tafton (ZIP Code 18464), the physician-to-patient ratio significantly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely and consistent care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. This, in turn, can negatively affect blood pressure control and overall cardiovascular health. Conversely, a lower ratio generally suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling, all crucial for managing hypertension.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio requires data from various sources. Publicly available information from the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau must be cross-referenced. The number of active primary care physicians within the 18464 ZIP code must be compared to the total population of Tafton. This calculation provides a preliminary understanding of access. Further refinement includes accounting for specialists who may co-manage hypertension and the availability of advanced practice providers (APPs) like nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can also provide primary care services.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within the 18464 ZIP code is crucial. These practices are likely characterized by several key features. First, they should demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, adhering to established guidelines for hypertension diagnosis and treatment. This includes regular blood pressure monitoring, appropriate medication selection, and lifestyle recommendations. Second, standout practices often employ a team-based approach, involving nurses, medical assistants, and potentially dietitians or pharmacists to support patients. Third, these practices typically have robust patient education programs, empowering individuals to actively manage their condition.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Tafton. Telemedicine offers significant advantages for hypertension management. It enables remote blood pressure monitoring, medication refills, and virtual consultations, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. The "Hypertension Score" must consider the extent to which primary care practices in 18464 utilize telemedicine platforms. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and secure communication channels for sharing patient data.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can elevate blood pressure and interfere with adherence to treatment plans. The "Hypertension Score" must evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the Tafton area. This includes assessing the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The score must also consider the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Ideally, practices should offer on-site mental health professionals or have established referral pathways to external providers. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care addressing both their physical and mental well-being.

Specific examples of practices within the 18464 ZIP code that demonstrate strengths in these areas would significantly enhance the "Hypertension Score." For instance, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a robust telemedicine program, and integrated mental health services would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited access, no telemedicine capabilities, and no mental health support would receive a lower score. Publicly available data and patient reviews can offer insights into practice performance.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a numerical rating; it is a tool to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Tafton. It can inform residents about available resources and guide them toward practices that best meet their needs. It can also highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine adoption, and enhancing mental health support.

To further visualize and understand the healthcare landscape in Tafton and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations of geographic data, including physician locations, hospital locations, and demographic information. This allows for a spatial understanding of healthcare access and resource distribution.