18504, Scranton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18504, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 91 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.90 percent of the residents in 18504 has some form of health insurance. 45.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.27 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 18504 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,938 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18504. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,595 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,026 health care providers accessible to residents in 18504, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The challenge of hypertension management within Scranton, Pennsylvania's 18504 ZIP code demands a comprehensive evaluation, focusing on the accessibility and quality of primary care. This analysis will delve into the factors influencing a "Hypertension Score" for local physicians, considering patient-to-physician ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support – crucial components in effective blood pressure control.

The foundation of hypertension care lies in accessible primary care. In 18504, the physician-to-patient ratio significantly impacts the ability of individuals to receive timely and consistent medical attention. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decline in preventative care, including hypertension screening and management. Analyzing this ratio within the context of Scranton's demographics, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, is paramount. A population with a higher proportion of elderly residents, for example, may require more frequent medical visits, further straining the existing physician pool.

Standout practices within the 18504 ZIP code deserve recognition. These practices likely demonstrate superior hypertension management through several key indicators. They might exhibit higher rates of patient adherence to medication regimens, as evidenced by prescription refill rates and patient self-reported compliance. They may also have robust systems for monitoring blood pressure readings, both in-office and through home monitoring programs. Furthermore, these practices often prioritize patient education, providing clear and concise information about lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and the importance of regular follow-up appointments. Their success can be attributed to a combination of factors, including well-trained staff, efficient appointment scheduling, and a patient-centered approach.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to revolutionize hypertension care in areas with limited access to primary care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Examining the extent of telemedicine integration within the 18504 ZIP code requires assessing the availability of virtual appointment options, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telemedicine platforms with electronic health records. Practices that have successfully implemented telemedicine often report improved patient engagement, better medication adherence, and a reduction in the need for in-person visits.

The intricate link between mental health and hypertension cannot be overlooked. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly elevate blood pressure levels and hinder effective hypertension management. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the 18504 ZIP code is a critical component of a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" analysis. This includes assessing the proximity of mental health professionals, the availability of counseling services, and the integration of mental health screening into primary care practices. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients are better equipped to manage hypertension effectively. This often involves collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health specialists, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care.

The "Hypertension Score" for individual physicians in 18504 should be based on a weighted system that considers several factors. Patient-to-physician ratios should contribute to the score, with lower ratios (fewer patients per physician) positively impacting the score. Practice characteristics, such as adherence to clinical guidelines for hypertension management, the implementation of patient education programs, and the availability of chronic disease management protocols, should also be factored in. Telemedicine adoption, including the use of remote monitoring devices and virtual consultations, should be weighted positively. Finally, the integration of mental health services, including mental health screening and referrals, should be a significant component of the overall score. This comprehensive approach will provide a more accurate assessment of the quality of hypertension care within the 18504 ZIP code.

Data collection and analysis are crucial for developing an accurate "Hypertension Score." Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Pennsylvania Department of Health, and local healthcare organizations can provide valuable insights into physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, and telemedicine adoption rates. Patient surveys and focus groups can also offer valuable perspectives on patient satisfaction, access to care, and the perceived quality of hypertension management. Combining these data sources will enable a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension care within the 18504 ZIP code.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food options, and limited access to transportation can all negatively impact a patient's ability to manage their blood pressure effectively. Therefore, the "Hypertension Score" should incorporate an assessment of these factors, recognizing the need for tailored interventions and resources to address health disparities. This may include identifying practices that serve a high proportion of underserved populations and evaluating their efforts to address the unique challenges faced by these patients.

The ongoing evaluation of the "Hypertension Score" is essential. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment guidelines, and patient needs emerging regularly. Therefore, the scoring system should be regularly updated and refined to reflect these changes. This may involve incorporating new data sources, adjusting the weighting of different factors, and soliciting feedback from patients and healthcare providers. A dynamic and responsive scoring system will ensure that the assessment of hypertension care in the 18504 ZIP code remains relevant and effective.

In conclusion, the successful management of hypertension in Scranton's 18504 ZIP code hinges on a multifaceted approach that considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. A well-defined "Hypertension Score" can be a valuable tool for identifying areas of strength and weakness, guiding resource allocation, and ultimately, improving patient outcomes.

To further explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics within the 18504 ZIP code, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides detailed, interactive maps that can visually represent the data discussed in this analysis, offering a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of hypertension care and identifying opportunities for improvement.