18508, Scranton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18508, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.03 percent of the residents in 18508 has some form of health insurance. 49.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.07 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 18508 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,355 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18508. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,022 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,015 health care providers accessible to residents in 18508, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis assesses the quality of hypertension management within the 18508 ZIP code, focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This evaluation considers several key factors influencing patient outcomes, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support.

Scranton, a city grappling with its own set of socioeconomic challenges, presents a complex landscape for healthcare delivery. The prevalence of hypertension, a silent killer, necessitates a robust and accessible primary care system. The effectiveness of this system directly impacts the health and well-being of the community.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. A high ratio, meaning a larger number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratios within 18508 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and professional medical associations can provide valuable insights. Examining the distribution of physicians across different practices within the ZIP code is also crucial. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas, leaving others underserved? Are there any areas with limited or no primary care access?

Identifying standout practices is vital. These practices often demonstrate superior performance in hypertension management, potentially through innovative approaches to patient care. These practices may have a higher percentage of patients whose hypertension is well-controlled, as indicated by regular blood pressure monitoring and medication adherence. They might also implement patient education programs or offer specialized services, such as nutritional counseling or exercise programs. These practices could be recognized through patient reviews, peer recognition, or awards from healthcare organizations. Investigating their operational models, staffing structures, and patient communication strategies can offer valuable lessons for other practices in the area.

The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, especially in areas with limited access to care. Telemedicine allows physicians to remotely monitor patients' blood pressure, adjust medications, and provide education and support. It can reduce the need for in-person visits, saving patients time and travel costs. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in 18508 is important. Do practices offer virtual consultations? Do they utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices? Are they integrating telemedicine into their overall care plans? Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes and increase access to care.

Hypertension often co-exists with other health conditions, including mental health disorders. Anxiety and depression can affect blood pressure control, making it crucial to address patients' mental health needs. Assessing the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is therefore essential. Do primary care practices have integrated behavioral health services? Do they offer on-site counseling or psychiatric support? Do they have referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community? Practices that prioritize mental health can improve patient outcomes and provide more holistic care.

The analysis of hypertension management in 18508 must also consider the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and limited transportation options can all contribute to poor blood pressure control. Understanding the demographics of the population in 18508 is crucial. Are there disparities in access to care or health outcomes based on race, ethnicity, or income? Are there community-based programs that address social determinants of health? Addressing these factors is essential to achieving equitable hypertension management.

Data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the CDC, and local hospitals should be analyzed to understand the prevalence of hypertension in 18508, and the rates of control among those diagnosed. This data can be used to identify areas of need and to track progress over time.

Evaluating the quality of hypertension management is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring of physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is essential. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care system in 18508, healthcare providers and policymakers can work together to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of hypertension in the community.

This analysis provides a framework for assessing the quality of hypertension management in 18508. However, a comprehensive understanding requires a deeper dive into the specific practices, resources, and challenges within the community. Further investigation is needed to identify best practices, address areas of concern, and develop targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

To visualize the spatial distribution of primary care physicians, access to mental health services, and other relevant data points within 18508 and the surrounding areas, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome’s platform allows you to overlay multiple data layers, analyze spatial patterns, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape. Click here to explore the CartoChrome maps and gain valuable insights into the health of your community.