18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.90 percent of the residents in 18623 has some form of health insurance. 44.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.08 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 18623 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 501 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18623. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 490 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 401 health care providers accessible to residents in 18623, Laceyville, Pennsylvania.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management within the 18623 ZIP code, specifically Laceyville, Pennsylvania, evaluating primary care physician availability and related resources. A comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' is derived, considering various factors crucial for effective hypertension control.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Laceyville, PA (18623)**

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Laceyville, a rural community, presents unique challenges in this regard. The 'Hypertension Score' begins by assessing the physician-to-patient ratio. Data from publicly available sources, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau, is utilized to determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population served. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicative of limited access, negatively impacts the score. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care, improving the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the 'Hypertension Score' evaluates the quality of care provided. This includes an assessment of the practices' adherence to established hypertension treatment guidelines, such as those published by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Information regarding the use of evidence-based practices, such as regular blood pressure monitoring, medication management protocols, and patient education programs, is sought. Practices demonstrating a commitment to these guidelines receive higher scores.

Standout practices within the 18623 ZIP code are identified through a combination of factors. These include positive patient reviews, accreditation by reputable healthcare organizations, and participation in quality improvement initiatives. Practices that proactively address hypertension through comprehensive programs, including lifestyle counseling, medication adherence support, and coordinated care with specialists, are highlighted. The 'Hypertension Score' considers these practices as exemplars, contributing positively to the overall community score.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in enhancing access to care, especially in rural areas like Laceyville. The analysis assesses the extent to which primary care practices utilize telemedicine for hypertension management. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and electronic communication with patients. Practices embracing telemedicine receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Chronic stress and mental health conditions can significantly impact blood pressure control. The 'Hypertension Score' therefore evaluates the availability of mental health services within the community and the degree to which primary care practices integrate mental health support into their hypertension management programs. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals within the practice, referrals to mental health specialists, and the use of screening tools for depression and anxiety. Practices demonstrating a commitment to addressing the mental health needs of their patients receive higher scores.

Specific data points are crucial to the 'Hypertension Score' calculation. For example, the number of primary care physicians per 1,000 residents is a key metric. The percentage of practices offering telemedicine services is another important factor. The availability of on-site mental health professionals or readily accessible referral networks is also considered. The score is weighted to reflect the relative importance of each factor, with access to care and adherence to treatment guidelines carrying the most weight.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not static; it is dynamic. It is subject to change as new data becomes available and as practices improve their services. Regular updates ensure the score remains a relevant and accurate reflection of the quality of hypertension management within the 18623 ZIP code. The score is intended to be a tool for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.

The 'Hypertension Score' also considers the availability of patient education materials and resources. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise, and culturally appropriate information about hypertension, its management, and lifestyle modifications receive higher scores. This includes the availability of educational pamphlets, online resources, and group education sessions. Patient empowerment is a critical component of effective hypertension control.

The analysis also delves into the use of electronic health records (EHRs) by primary care practices. EHRs facilitate the tracking of patient data, including blood pressure readings, medication lists, and appointment schedules. Practices utilizing EHRs effectively, including those that integrate data from remote blood pressure monitors, receive higher scores. This reflects the importance of data-driven decision-making in hypertension management.

The 'Hypertension Score' methodology prioritizes transparency. The data sources used to calculate the score are clearly identified, and the weighting system is explained. This ensures that the score is credible and can be easily understood by all stakeholders. The goal is to provide a clear and objective assessment of the quality of hypertension management within the community.

The 'Hypertension Score' for Laceyville, PA (18623) is a valuable resource for patients seeking primary care and for healthcare providers striving to improve their services. It provides a data-driven snapshot of the current state of hypertension management in the community, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. The score is not intended to be a definitive ranking, but rather a starting point for a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Laceyville, PA (18623), and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize the power of geospatial mapping. CartoChrome Maps offers a dynamic platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and demographic information. By leveraging the interactive maps, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and identify potential areas for improvement.