18509, Scranton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18509, Scranton, Pennsylvania is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.53 percent of the residents in 18509 has some form of health insurance. 39.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.51 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 18509 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,928 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18509. An estimate of 5 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,124 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,015 health care providers accessible to residents in 18509, Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Hypertension, a silent killer, demands vigilant management, especially within a community. This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension care in Scranton, Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on physicians practicing within the 18509 ZIP code and the availability of primary care resources. The goal is to assess the quality and accessibility of care for individuals grappling with this prevalent health concern.

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management lies in consistent access to primary care physicians. Scranton, like many urban areas, faces challenges in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate based on retirements, relocations, and new practitioners, publicly available data sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health, provide valuable insights. Examining this data is the first step.

Scranton's primary care landscape is diverse, encompassing solo practices, multi-specialty groups, and affiliations with larger healthcare systems. Standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in hypertension management, often exhibit several key characteristics. These include a proactive approach to patient education, employing registered nurses or certified diabetes educators to support patients with lifestyle modifications, a crucial component of hypertension control. Practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for automated reminders for medication refills and follow-up appointments, are also likely to perform better. These EHRs facilitate data analysis, enabling practices to track patient outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and tailor interventions.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool, particularly in addressing access barriers. Its adoption rate within the 18509 ZIP code warrants scrutiny. Practices embracing telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote monitoring, can extend their reach to patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine can also facilitate more frequent check-ins, allowing physicians to closely monitor blood pressure readings and adjust treatment plans accordingly. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring), is essential.

Hypertension often coexists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting is a crucial factor. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or referrals to readily accessible mental health professionals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. Evaluating the availability of these resources, including the ease of access to mental health services, is a critical aspect of this analysis.

Several primary care practices within the 18509 ZIP code warrant closer examination. These practices, often affiliated with larger healthcare systems, may have access to more resources and specialized expertise. However, the size of a practice is not always indicative of quality. Smaller, independent practices can also excel in hypertension management, often fostering stronger doctor-patient relationships and a more personalized approach to care. The key lies in identifying practices that prioritize patient education, actively engage patients in their care, and utilize technology to enhance efficiency and improve outcomes.

Another facet of this analysis involves the accessibility of specialized care. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense in hypertension management, patients with complex cases or uncontrolled blood pressure may require referral to a cardiologist or nephrologist. Evaluating the availability of these specialists within the Scranton area, including wait times for appointments and the ease of referral processes, is essential. The proximity of these specialists to the 18509 ZIP code is also a factor.

The effectiveness of hypertension management also hinges on patient adherence to treatment plans. This includes medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and regular follow-up appointments. Practices that actively work to improve patient adherence, through patient education, medication reminders, and motivational interviewing techniques, are likely to achieve better outcomes. Assessing the strategies employed by practices to promote adherence is a crucial component of this analysis.

Furthermore, the socioeconomic factors within the 18509 ZIP code can significantly impact hypertension management. Factors such as income levels, access to healthy food options, and the prevalence of chronic diseases can influence blood pressure control. Practices that are aware of these socioeconomic factors and tailor their approach to address these challenges are more likely to be successful. Understanding the demographics of the patient population and how practices are addressing the specific needs of the community is essential.

In conclusion, assessing the quality and accessibility of hypertension care in the 18509 ZIP code requires a comprehensive evaluation of various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the characteristics of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the socioeconomic context of the community. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

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