18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.98 percent of the residents in 18818 has some form of health insurance. 38.21 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.47 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 18818 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 186 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18818. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 248 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 230 health care providers accessible to residents in 18818, Friendsville, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Friendsville, PA (ZIP Code 18818)

Friendsville, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Susquehanna County, presents a unique challenge for healthcare providers. This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within the 18818 ZIP code, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Friendsville, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio offers a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility, facilitating proactive screening and ongoing care. Publicly available data, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) data, along with local health department reports, can provide insights into the current PCP-to-patient ratio within the 18818 ZIP code. This ratio forms the cornerstone of the “Accessibility” component of the Hypertension Score.

Beyond simple numbers, the geographical distribution of PCPs is equally important. Are the available physicians concentrated in a single location, or are they dispersed throughout the community, ensuring convenient access for residents in different areas? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) can significantly improve accessibility, especially for underserved populations. The location of these clinics, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans are all factors that contribute to the “Accessibility” score.

Identifying standout practices within the 18818 ZIP code requires a deeper dive into their specific approaches to hypertension management. This involves evaluating their adherence to evidence-based guidelines, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Do these practices routinely screen patients for hypertension? Do they offer comprehensive lifestyle counseling, including dietary guidance and exercise recommendations? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and ensure timely interventions? Practices that proactively manage hypertension, implementing these best practices, would receive higher scores in the “Quality of Care” component of the Hypertension Score.

Another crucial aspect of modern healthcare is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions like hypertension, particularly in rural areas where access to in-person care can be challenging. Assessing the extent to which practices in Friendsville utilize telemedicine is essential. Do they offer virtual consultations for medication management and follow-up appointments? Do they provide remote blood pressure monitoring devices and support for patients to track their readings at home? Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering convenient and accessible virtual care options, would receive higher scores in the “Telemedicine Adoption” component.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care is a critical element of effective hypertension management. Does the practice offer on-site mental health services, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals in the community? Do they screen patients for mental health conditions as part of their routine care? Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their patients, integrating mental health services into their approach to hypertension management, would receive higher scores in the “Mental Health Integration” component.

The “Hypertension Score” for the 18818 ZIP code would be a composite measure, incorporating the factors discussed above. The score would be presented as a numerical value, allowing for easy comparison and identification of areas for improvement. For example, the “Accessibility” component would be weighted based on the physician-to-patient ratio, geographical distribution of providers, and the presence of FQHCs or RHCs. The “Quality of Care” component would be weighted based on adherence to guidelines, the use of EHRs, and the provision of lifestyle counseling. The “Telemedicine Adoption” component would be weighted based on the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and patient support. Finally, the “Mental Health Integration” component would be weighted based on the availability of on-site services or referral pathways.

The final “Hypertension Score” would be a valuable tool for various stakeholders. It could be used by healthcare providers to assess their performance and identify areas for improvement. It could be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It could also be used by policymakers to allocate resources and develop targeted interventions to improve hypertension management in Friendsville.

To further enhance this analysis, a visual representation of the data would be beneficial. CartoChrome maps can be used to visualize the geographic distribution of PCPs, the location of healthcare facilities, and other relevant data points. This visual representation can help to identify areas with limited access to care and highlight disparities in healthcare delivery. CartoChrome can also be used to create interactive maps that allow users to explore the data in more detail.

Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Friendsville, PA, and other communities? Explore the power of geographic data with CartoChrome maps. Understand the distribution of resources, identify gaps in care, and make data-driven decisions to improve healthcare access and outcomes. Visit CartoChrome today to learn more and start mapping your community's health.