18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.61 percent of the residents in 18828 has some form of health insurance. 47.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.84 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 18828 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 40 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18828. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 35 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 629 health care providers accessible to residents in 18828, Lawton, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lawton, OK (ZIP Code 18828)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management within Lawton, Oklahoma, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 18828. The goal is to assess the healthcare landscape's capacity to address hypertension, a significant public health concern, and to identify areas of strength and weakness. The analysis will incorporate factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a call to action for utilizing CartoChrome maps for enhanced data visualization.

Lawton, Oklahoma, faces unique healthcare challenges, including a geographically dispersed population and socioeconomic disparities that can impact access to care. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a silent killer, and its effective management is crucial for preventing serious health complications such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure. Early detection, consistent monitoring, and adherence to treatment plans are essential components of successful hypertension control.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Data on the specific physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 18828 is essential. This data point, ideally broken down by specialty (e.g., primary care physicians, cardiologists), provides a baseline understanding of the healthcare resources available.

Furthermore, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is particularly important. PCPs often serve as the first point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in screening, diagnosis, and ongoing management of hypertension. Assessing the number of PCPs accepting new patients, their office hours, and their proximity to residents within the zip code is vital. Analyzing the insurance plans accepted by these PCPs is also crucial, as it directly impacts accessibility for residents with varying insurance coverage.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating various factors, including patient outcomes, patient satisfaction, and the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that consistently demonstrate positive patient outcomes, such as improved blood pressure control rates, are considered high-performing. Patient satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including factors like communication, wait times, and the overall quality of care.

The adoption of evidence-based guidelines, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, is another key indicator of quality. Practices that adhere to these guidelines are more likely to provide standardized, effective care. This includes regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and appropriate medication management. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) can facilitate the tracking of patient data, the implementation of clinical decision support tools, and the coordination of care among different healthcare providers.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The adoption of telemedicine by practices within ZIP code 18828 is a critical factor to assess. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and the use of telehealth platforms for patient education and follow-up care.

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for hypertension management, allowing patients to monitor their blood pressure at home, receive timely feedback from their providers, and adjust their treatment plans as needed. However, the success of telemedicine depends on several factors, including the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the integration of telemedicine into the existing healthcare infrastructure.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and can also interfere with patients' ability to adhere to their treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources within ZIP code 18828 is, therefore, an important consideration.

Assessing the number of mental health providers, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is crucial. Equally important is the integration of mental health services into primary care settings. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can improve patient outcomes by addressing both the physical and mental aspects of hypertension management.

**Overall Hypertension Score and Areas for Improvement:**

Based on the analysis of these factors, an overall hypertension score can be assigned to the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 18828. This score should reflect the availability of resources, the quality of care, and the integration of mental health services. Areas for improvement may include increasing the physician-to-patient ratio, expanding telemedicine adoption, and strengthening the integration of mental health services.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Understanding the complexities of hypertension management within Lawton, Oklahoma, requires a data-driven approach. Analyzing the factors outlined above provides a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape. To further enhance this analysis and visualize the data effectively, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These maps offer powerful tools for visualizing geographic data, identifying trends, and making informed decisions. By utilizing CartoChrome maps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Lawton and identify areas where improvements are needed to better serve the community.