18610, Blakeslee, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18610, Blakeslee, Pennsylvania is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.94 percent of the residents in 18610 has some form of health insurance. 52.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.99 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 18610 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 938 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18610. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 908 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 90 health care providers accessible to residents in 18610, Blakeslee, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Blakeslee, PA (ZIP Code 18610)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, within Blakeslee, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18610) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the presence of supporting mental health resources, ultimately leading to a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the community's capacity to effectively address and manage hypertension, a critical public health concern.

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is readily accessible primary care. Within Blakeslee, assessing primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can be utilized to estimate these ratios. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. This scarcity can contribute to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up, and ultimately, poorer hypertension control rates. Researching the current physician-to-patient ratio is the first step in understanding the accessibility of primary care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are crucial. Are practices accepting new patients? Are they offering extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they participate in insurance networks that are widely accepted within the community? These factors significantly influence a patient's ability to establish and maintain a relationship with a primary care physician, a critical component of successful hypertension management. Practices that prioritize patient accessibility and convenience are likely to demonstrate better outcomes.

Furthermore, the adoption of technology plays a significant role. Telemedicine, in particular, offers a promising avenue for improving hypertension care. Telehealth appointments can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and patient education. The availability of virtual consultations can be especially beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations, reducing the barriers to accessing care. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine adoption among Blakeslee primary care practices is essential for evaluating the community's capacity to leverage technology for improved hypertension control.

Another critical aspect is the integration of mental health resources. Hypertension is often intertwined with stress, anxiety, and depression. These mental health challenges can exacerbate hypertension and hinder patients' ability to adhere to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, such as counseling and therapy, within or in close proximity to primary care practices is crucial. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals can lead to a more holistic and effective approach to hypertension management. Researching the availability of these integrated services will provide a more complete picture of the healthcare landscape.

Standout practices in Blakeslee, if any, should be identified. These practices may exhibit exemplary hypertension management protocols, such as employing evidence-based guidelines, offering comprehensive patient education programs, or demonstrating high rates of blood pressure control. Identifying these practices and understanding their best practices can provide valuable insights for other providers in the area. Case studies, patient testimonials, and data on clinical outcomes can be used to highlight these standout practices.

The "Hypertension Score" for Blakeslee (18610) will be a composite metric. It will be calculated based on the factors discussed above: physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics (accessibility, insurance acceptance, etc.), telemedicine adoption rates, the availability of integrated mental health resources, and the identification of standout practices. Each factor will be assigned a weighted value based on its perceived importance in hypertension management. The final score will reflect the overall capacity of the community to provide effective and accessible hypertension care.

The final score will be presented on a scale, perhaps from 1 to 10, with 1 representing poor access and quality, and 10 representing excellent access and quality. The score will be accompanied by a brief narrative summarizing the key findings of the analysis. This narrative will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Blakeslee, providing valuable information for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

For example, a low score might indicate a shortage of primary care physicians, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of integrated mental health services. Conversely, a high score might indicate an adequate supply of primary care physicians, widespread telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources.

The specific details regarding the data sources used to calculate the score should be clearly stated. These sources might include publicly available data from government agencies, insurance provider directories, and practice websites. The methodology used to calculate the score should also be transparent and reproducible.

Understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial for improving public health outcomes. The "Hypertension Score" analysis provides a framework for assessing the capacity of Blakeslee, PA (18610) to manage hypertension effectively. This analysis, by considering physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the presence of supporting mental health resources, provides a comprehensive view of the community's capacity to address this critical public health concern.

For a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and to visualize the factors influencing hypertension management in Blakeslee and beyond, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing data, identifying trends, and making informed decisions about healthcare access and delivery.