18834, New Milford, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18834, New Milford, Pennsylvania is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.33 percent of the residents in 18834 has some form of health insurance. 43.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.92 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 18834 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 695 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18834. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 724 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 161 health care providers accessible to residents in 18834, New Milford, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis evaluates the quality of hypertension management in New Milford, Pennsylvania (ZIP code 18834), focusing on primary care availability and related factors. This assessment aims to provide insights into the local healthcare landscape, particularly for individuals managing or at risk of developing hypertension.

The foundation of effective hypertension care lies in accessible primary care. New Milford, a relatively rural area, presents unique challenges and opportunities in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Accurately determining this ratio requires data from multiple sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and insurance provider networks. This data must be regularly updated to reflect physician retirements, relocations, and the addition of new practitioners.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code is crucial. Are the physicians concentrated in a single clinic or hospital, or are they spread throughout the community? This distribution impacts the ease of access for residents, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Examining the geographical distribution of practices, considering the population density in different areas of the ZIP code, helps reveal potential access disparities.

Standout practices in the area can significantly improve hypertension management. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, including regular blood pressure screenings, lifestyle counseling, and medication management. They may also employ specialized staff, such as certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians, to provide comprehensive care. Identifying these practices requires a review of patient reviews, accreditation status (e.g., National Committee for Quality Assurance), and participation in quality improvement programs. These programs often track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to hypertension control, such as the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure.

Telemedicine adoption represents another critical factor. Telemedicine offers a powerful tool for increasing access to care, particularly for individuals living in rural areas. Remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management through telehealth platforms can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Assessing telemedicine adoption requires investigating the availability of telehealth services offered by local primary care practices, as well as the technological infrastructure available to patients, such as internet access and digital literacy.

The link between mental health and hypertension is increasingly recognized. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is essential. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Integrating mental health services into primary care practices, either through on-site providers or referral networks, can improve patient outcomes. Assessing the availability of these resources requires examining the types of mental health services offered in the area, the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times), and the level of integration with primary care practices.

Analyzing the quality of hypertension care also involves examining patient education efforts. Are local practices providing patients with adequate information about hypertension, its risk factors, and the importance of lifestyle modifications? This includes educational materials, group classes, and individual counseling sessions. Evaluating the effectiveness of these efforts requires assessing patient knowledge and adherence to treatment plans.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology services, is crucial for patients with complex cases of hypertension. Access to cardiologists for consultation, diagnostic testing (e.g., echocardiograms), and advanced treatments is essential. Examining the availability of cardiology services, including the proximity of cardiology practices and the wait times for appointments, is an important part of the assessment.

Another factor to consider is the availability of pharmacy services. Easy access to pharmacies, including those offering medication adherence programs and medication counseling, can improve patient compliance with prescribed medications. This includes the number of pharmacies in the area, their operating hours, and the availability of services such as medication synchronization and home delivery.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population in ZIP code 18834. Factors such as age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the ability of individuals to access and afford healthcare. Understanding these demographic factors is crucial for tailoring healthcare services to meet the specific needs of the community.

In conclusion, evaluating the quality of hypertension care in New Milford, PA, requires a multifaceted approach. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, examining mental health resources, and considering other factors, such as patient education, specialized care, and pharmacy services, will provide a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare landscape. This information can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies for enhancing hypertension management within the community.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in New Milford, PA, and other areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, identifying access gaps, and making informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation.