18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18816 has some form of health insurance. 22.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 91.80 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 18816 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 12 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18816. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 13 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 227 health care providers accessible to residents in 18816, Dimock, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Dimock, PA and ZIP Code 18816

Analyzing hypertension management within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not just the presence of healthcare providers but also the accessibility, quality, and integration of various supportive services. This analysis focuses on the hypothetical scenario of assessing hypertension management effectiveness for primary care physicians within ZIP code 18816, a region that includes Dimock, Pennsylvania, and surrounding areas. We will examine key factors influencing hypertension control, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a potential "Hypertension Score" assessment.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on the availability of primary care physicians. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient follow-up, and potentially, poorer hypertension control. Data from sources like the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau would be necessary to calculate this ratio accurately for ZIP code 18816. The analysis should also consider the distribution of physicians within the area. Are they clustered in specific locations, potentially creating access barriers for residents in more rural parts of Dimock?

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices significantly impact hypertension care. Practices with robust electronic health record (EHR) systems, for example, can facilitate better data tracking, medication management, and patient reminders. The implementation of standardized protocols for hypertension screening, diagnosis, and treatment, aligned with guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), is a critical indicator of quality. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, are likely to see better patient outcomes. Practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments can improve access for patients with work or other commitments.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and medication management via telehealth platforms, has the potential to improve hypertension control, particularly in rural areas like Dimock. It can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, improving adherence to treatment plans and allowing for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure readings. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and potentially improved outcomes. The analysis should assess the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the ease of access for patients.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Hypertension is often exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore a vital component of effective hypertension management. This analysis must consider the proximity of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. Does the primary care practice offer integrated behavioral health services? Are there readily accessible mental health resources in the community, such as support groups or counseling services, that patients can be referred to? The integration of mental health care into the overall treatment plan is crucial for holistic patient care.

A "Hypertension Score" would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It would likely incorporate weighted scores for physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics (EHR adoption, protocol adherence, patient education), telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each practice in ZIP code 18816 would be evaluated based on these criteria, and a score would be assigned. The final score would provide a relative ranking of practices, highlighting those that excel in hypertension management and identifying areas for improvement.

Identifying "standout practices" within the ZIP code is essential. These practices, which consistently achieve high scores, should be recognized for their best practices. This could involve highlighting their EHR systems, their commitment to patient education, or their successful implementation of telemedicine. These practices can serve as models for other providers in the area, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in hypertension care.

The analysis would also identify potential challenges. Are there significant disparities in access to care based on location or socioeconomic status? Are there gaps in the availability of mental health resources? Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving hypertension control across the entire community. The analysis could offer recommendations for improvement, such as encouraging practices to adopt telemedicine, promoting the integration of mental health services, and improving access to care for underserved populations.

The "Hypertension Score" analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the landscape of hypertension management in ZIP code 18816. It goes beyond simply counting physicians, examining the quality, accessibility, and integration of care. By identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, this analysis can help to improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden of hypertension in Dimock and the surrounding area.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources and potential disparities in access to care, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the "Hypertension Score" for each practice, allowing for a clear and intuitive understanding of the relative performance of different providers and the overall health of the community.