18632, Mildred, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18632, Mildred, Pennsylvania is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.54 percent of the residents in 18632 has some form of health insurance. 35.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.96 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 18632 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 96 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18632. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 74 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 198 health care providers accessible to residents in 18632, Mildred, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Mildred, PA (ZIP Code 18632)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP Code 18632, encompassing Mildred, Pennsylvania, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, their practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources, all crucial elements in managing hypertension effectively. We will assess these factors to construct a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of care for residents.

The foundation of hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Mildred is a critical starting point. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention. A low physician-to-patient ratio (meaning fewer doctors per capita) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, poorer adherence to treatment plans. Conversely, a higher ratio indicates greater accessibility, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. Publicly available data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the US Census Bureau can offer insight into these ratios. However, these are often broad estimates and may not fully reflect the specific realities within Mildred.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves significantly impact the Hypertension Score. We need to examine the practices' operational efficiencies, patient satisfaction, and the specific resources they offer. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they have extended hours or weekend availability? Are they equipped with in-house diagnostic tools like blood pressure monitors and electrocardiograms (ECGs)? Practices that streamline patient flow, offer convenient appointment times, and provide comprehensive diagnostic capabilities are more likely to contribute to a higher Hypertension Score.

One area where practices can significantly improve their Hypertension Score is through the adoption of evidence-based practices. This includes adhering to the latest guidelines for hypertension management, such as those from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). This means implementing protocols for regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and medication management. Practices that actively track patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates, and use data to improve their processes are demonstrating a commitment to quality care and will likely score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component of the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages in managing hypertension, especially in rural areas where geographic barriers can limit access to care. Virtual consultations allow patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and making it easier to monitor blood pressure, adjust medications, and receive lifestyle counseling. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and patient portals for communication, will likely receive a higher score. The ease of access and convenience offered by telemedicine can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to manage hypertension effectively. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is an important factor in our Hypertension Score. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, available in Mildred or nearby? Do primary care practices offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or referrals to mental health specialists? Practices that recognize the link between mental and physical health and provide access to mental health support will contribute to a higher score.

Specific practices within ZIP Code 18632 would be evaluated based on the criteria mentioned above. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, extended hours, in-house diagnostic capabilities, a strong telemedicine program, and integrated mental health services would likely receive a high Hypertension Score. Conversely, a practice with limited availability, no telemedicine options, and no mental health support would likely receive a lower score. The evaluation would also consider patient reviews, practice accreditations, and participation in quality improvement programs.

The overall Hypertension Score for Mildred would be a composite of the scores of individual practices, weighted by factors such as patient volume and geographic accessibility. This composite score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of hypertension care in the community. The score would reflect the collective strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The goal of this analysis is not just to assign a score but also to identify opportunities for improvement. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape, we can work towards creating a system that provides the best possible care for individuals with hypertension in Mildred. This could involve initiatives to recruit and retain physicians, expand telemedicine services, increase access to mental health resources, and promote the adoption of evidence-based practices.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of hypertension care in Mildred, PA (ZIP Code 18632) requires a detailed examination of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately, improving the health and well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mildred, PA, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and accessibility information, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in your community.