18810, Athens, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18810, Athens, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.25 percent of the residents in 18810 has some form of health insurance. 37.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.64 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 18810 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,172 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18810. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,324 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,893 health care providers accessible to residents in 18810, Athens, Pennsylvania.

The analysis below assesses primary care resources in Athens, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 18810), focusing on factors pertinent to hypertension management. This evaluation considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, all crucial elements in effective patient care for this prevalent condition.

Athens, Pennsylvania, a community nestled in Bradford County, presents a unique set of healthcare challenges. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical starting point. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key metric. Ideally, a lower ratio indicates better access to care. However, this data is often dynamic, influenced by physician retirements, relocations, and the influx of new residents. Publicly available data from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and other sources would need to be consulted to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio within the 18810 ZIP code. A high ratio could suggest potential difficulties in scheduling appointments, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

Standout practices in Athens would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This would include practices offering regular blood pressure screenings, patient education programs, and readily accessible follow-up appointments. Electronic health records (EHRs) are vital, enabling efficient data tracking, medication management, and communication between providers. The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within a practice further enhances its ability to support patients with hypertension, given the frequent comorbidity of these conditions. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), would also be considered favorably.

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Its adoption by primary care practices in Athens can significantly improve hypertension management. Telemedicine allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management, potentially reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. Practices that offer telehealth options for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education would be highly rated. The ease of use of the telehealth platform, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telehealth data with the practice's EHR system are all important considerations.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, access to mental health resources within the Athens healthcare ecosystem is a crucial component of effective hypertension management. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through partnerships with local mental health providers, are better positioned to provide holistic care. The ability to easily refer patients to mental health professionals and the seamless sharing of patient information between primary care and mental health providers are essential. The availability of support groups, educational materials, and stress-reduction programs within the community further enhances the overall support system for patients.

Specific practices within the 18810 ZIP code would need to be individually assessed. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio might be offset by its strong telemedicine capabilities and integrated mental health services. Conversely, a practice with a lower ratio might be less effective if it lacks comprehensive hypertension management programs or adequate mental health support. Publicly available data on practice websites, insurance provider directories, and patient reviews would be essential in this assessment.

To determine a hypertension score, a weighted scoring system could be used. Physician-to-patient ratio could be given a significant weight, reflecting its impact on access to care. The presence of comprehensive hypertension management programs, including regular screenings, patient education, and medication management, would be another key factor. Telemedicine adoption, including the availability of virtual consultations and remote monitoring, would also be given considerable weight. Finally, the integration of mental health services, either through on-site providers or referrals, would contribute to the overall score.

This analysis is a preliminary assessment. A thorough evaluation would require detailed data collection and analysis. This would include surveying practices, reviewing patient records (with appropriate privacy safeguards), and assessing community resources. The goal is to identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system and to provide recommendations for improvement. This could involve advocating for increased physician recruitment, promoting telemedicine adoption, and fostering collaboration between primary care practices and mental health providers.

The availability of accurate, up-to-date geographic data is crucial for understanding healthcare access. CartoChrome maps provide an excellent platform for visualizing this information. They allow for the spatial analysis of physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource distribution. This can help identify areas with limited access to care and inform strategic planning efforts. Using CartoChrome maps, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members can gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Athens, Pennsylvania, and work together to improve hypertension management and overall health outcomes.