18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.47 percent of the residents in 18628 has some form of health insurance. 45.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.82 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 18628 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 49 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18628. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 54 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 360 health care providers accessible to residents in 18628, Lopez, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP Code 18628, which includes the town of Lopez, Pennsylvania. This score considers factors relevant to hypertension management, including physician availability, resource accessibility, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. This is a hypothetical assessment based on publicly available information and should not be considered a definitive ranking.

The foundation of a good Hypertension Score begins with physician availability. Lopez, Pennsylvania, is a small, rural community. Assessing primary care availability is critical. We must consider the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors for a larger population, can strain access to care. This can lead to delayed appointments, less frequent check-ups, and reduced opportunities for proactive hypertension management. Publicly available data, such as state medical board directories and the US Census Bureau, can provide population figures and physician listings. However, this information alone doesn't paint the full picture.

Standout practices are those demonstrating excellence in hypertension care. This could be reflected in several ways. Practices with robust electronic health record (EHR) systems are better equipped to track patient data, monitor blood pressure trends, and send automated reminders for medication refills and appointments. Furthermore, practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Medical Association or the National Committee for Quality Assurance, often show a commitment to evidence-based medicine and improved patient outcomes. A practice demonstrating a high rate of blood pressure control among its hypertensive patients would also score favorably.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Lopez. It can overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians more easily for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and educational sessions. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual visits and remote blood pressure monitoring devices, would receive a higher score. This is especially important given the potential for travel challenges for some patients.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, but they are critically important. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. Primary care practices with integrated mental health services, or strong referral networks to mental health professionals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. Practices that screen for depression and anxiety, and provide access to counseling or psychiatric support, would be ranked higher. This integration acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.

The Hypertension Score also considers factors related to patient education and support. Practices that offer patient education materials on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, are crucial. The availability of resources, such as registered dietitians or certified diabetes educators, who can provide personalized guidance, would also positively influence the score. Furthermore, practices that actively engage patients in their care, encouraging self-monitoring of blood pressure and medication adherence, demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients to take control of their health.

Specific details about practices in ZIP Code 18628 would require detailed investigation. For example, are there any practices within the area that have been recognized for excellence in hypertension management by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA)? Do any of the practices offer evening or weekend appointments to improve access for working individuals? Are there any practices that offer bilingual services to serve a diverse population? These details would all influence the final score.

The availability of specialized resources, such as cardiology consultations, is also important. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, access to cardiology specialists is crucial for patients with complex cases or those requiring advanced interventions. The proximity of specialists and the ease of referral pathways would be considered.

The implementation of patient-centered care models is another factor. Practices that prioritize shared decision-making, where patients are actively involved in their treatment plans, often achieve better outcomes. This includes practices that use patient portals to allow patients to access their medical records, communicate with their physicians, and schedule appointments.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for primary care physicians in ZIP Code 18628, and specifically in Lopez, Pennsylvania, would be a composite assessment based on multiple factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the commitment to patient education and support all play a crucial role. Standout practices would be those demonstrating excellence in all these areas.

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