18614, Dushore, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18614, Dushore, Pennsylvania is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.63 percent of the residents in 18614 has some form of health insurance. 48.39 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.24 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 18614 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 230 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18614. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 537 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 179 health care providers accessible to residents in 18614, Dushore, Pennsylvania.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant health concern, and effective management relies heavily on accessible and quality primary care. This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 18614 (Dushore, Pennsylvania) and evaluates the availability of primary care resources, focusing on factors that contribute to a "Hypertension Score" for local physicians.

The foundation of effective hypertension control lies in the physician-patient relationship. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. In a rural area like Dushore, the availability of primary care physicians is often a limiting factor. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer patients per doctor, generally allows for more personalized care, more frequent check-ups, and better patient education, all of which are critical for managing hypertension. Publicly available data, such as those from the Pennsylvania Department of Health or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates of physician density within the area. The analysis will consider these ratios, recognizing that a higher patient load per physician can potentially compromise the time available for each patient, impacting the quality of care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts the Hypertension Score. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This includes readily available appointments, efficient office processes, and a proactive approach to patient education. Practices that implement standardized protocols for blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise, and stress reduction) will score higher. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also essential. EHRs enable physicians to track patient progress, identify trends, and make informed decisions about treatment plans. Practices with robust EHR systems, allowing for easy access to patient data and automated reminders for follow-up appointments, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor influencing the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for expanding access to care, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can limit patient access to physicians. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals can provide more convenient and accessible care. This is particularly important for patients with hypertension, as regular monitoring and medication adjustments are often necessary. Telemedicine can facilitate these processes, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits and improving patient adherence to treatment plans. The analysis will consider the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, evaluating the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients.

Mental health plays a crucial role in hypertension management. Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, making it more difficult to control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referral networks is a critical component of a high Hypertension Score. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The analysis will assess the availability of these resources, including the presence of on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, and the ease with which patients can access mental health support.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of ancillary services that support hypertension management. This includes access to registered dietitians for nutritional counseling, certified diabetes educators for lifestyle modification, and exercise programs. Practices that provide these services or have established referral networks to them are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. The analysis will evaluate the availability of these resources and their accessibility to patients within the 18614 ZIP code.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the availability of ancillary services. The score will be based on publicly available data, practice websites, and potentially, patient feedback (if available and ethically permissible). The goal is to provide a nuanced assessment of the hypertension management landscape in Dushore, highlighting areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed. The analysis will not rank individual physicians by name, but rather will provide a general overview of the quality of care available in the area.

The analysis will also consider the availability of after-hours care and emergency services. Hypertension can be a life-threatening condition, and patients need access to care when they experience a hypertensive crisis. Practices that offer after-hours care or have established relationships with urgent care centers or emergency departments will score higher. The analysis will assess the availability of these services and their accessibility to patients.

In conclusion, effective hypertension management requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses access to primary care, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health support, and access to ancillary services. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the resources available in Dushore, Pennsylvania (18614), to inform patients and stakeholders about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The "Hypertension Score" will serve as a valuable tool for understanding the landscape of hypertension management in the area and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics related to hypertension in the 18614 ZIP code, explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. Gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare environment and make informed decisions about your health by accessing these powerful mapping tools.