18848, Towanda, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18848, Towanda, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.38 percent of the residents in 18848 has some form of health insurance. 47.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.22 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 18848 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,974 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18848. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,018 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,901 health care providers accessible to residents in 18848, Towanda, Pennsylvania.

The following analysis assesses hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 18848, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians and related resources in Towanda, Pennsylvania. This evaluation aims to provide insights into the local healthcare landscape, particularly concerning the management of a prevalent and serious health condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and responsive primary care. Within Towanda, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, reflecting fewer physicians for a given population, can strain access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes for those with hypertension. Conversely, a lower ratio, indicating a greater availability of physicians, suggests a more favorable environment for proactive management. The current ratio within the area should be meticulously examined, considering both the number of active primary care physicians and the total population served. This data is crucial for understanding the overall accessibility of care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is also important. Are practices geographically dispersed, ensuring that patients in various parts of Towanda have convenient access? Or are they clustered, potentially creating access challenges for those in more remote areas? The location of these practices, their hours of operation, and their ability to accommodate new patients all contribute to the overall accessibility of care.

The quality of care provided by these practices is another key consideration. This includes the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Are physicians consistently measuring blood pressure, providing lifestyle recommendations (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and prescribing appropriate medications when necessary? The use of electronic health records (EHRs) can also significantly impact care quality, enabling better tracking of patient data, improved communication, and more efficient coordination of care.

Standout practices within Towanda should be identified. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in hypertension management. This could include practices with a proven track record of achieving blood pressure control among their patients, those that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, or those that offer comprehensive patient education programs. These practices serve as models for others and can provide valuable insights into best practices.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Towanda. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely consult with their physicians, monitor their blood pressure at home, and receive personalized feedback. This can improve patient engagement, reduce the need for in-person visits, and facilitate more frequent monitoring. The extent to which primary care practices in Towanda have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the technology used, is an important factor in assessing the overall quality of care.

The crucial connection between mental health and hypertension management must be acknowledged. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical component of comprehensive hypertension care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, as well as support groups and other mental health services. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as through co-located mental health providers or integrated behavioral health programs, can further enhance the effectiveness of hypertension management.

Patient education is another important element. Are practices actively educating patients about hypertension, its risk factors, and the importance of lifestyle modifications and medication adherence? Do they provide patients with educational materials, such as brochures, websites, or online resources? Empowering patients with knowledge and skills is essential for promoting self-management and improving health outcomes.

The availability of support services is also important. This includes access to registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and other healthcare professionals who can provide specialized guidance and support to patients with hypertension. These services can help patients make lifestyle changes, manage their medications, and achieve better blood pressure control.

The local pharmacy landscape also plays a role. The availability of pharmacies, their hours of operation, and their ability to provide medication counseling and adherence support are all relevant factors. The ability of pharmacies to offer medication synchronization programs, which help patients coordinate their medication refills, can also improve medication adherence.

The overall assessment of hypertension management capabilities in Towanda requires a multifaceted approach. It necessitates considering the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic distribution of practices, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the emphasis on patient education, and the availability of support services. By thoroughly evaluating these factors, a comprehensive picture of the local healthcare landscape can be developed, and areas for improvement can be identified.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthcare environment that supports effective hypertension management and improves the health and well-being of the community. This requires collaboration among physicians, healthcare providers, patients, and community organizations.

For a detailed, visual representation of physician locations, practice specializations, and the broader healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 18848, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas where access to care may be limited.