18950, Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18950, Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 18950 has some form of health insurance. 66.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 18950 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18950. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 40 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,148 health care providers accessible to residents in 18950, Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Point Pleasant, PA (ZIP Code 18950)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 18950 (Point Pleasant, Pennsylvania) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers several key factors impacting patient care, including physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and access to mental health support. The aim is to generate a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the overall effectiveness of the healthcare ecosystem in addressing this prevalent condition. This score is not a single number, but a composite assessment based on the following considerations.

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

Point Pleasant, while a relatively small community, presents a unique challenge in terms of healthcare access. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. This analysis requires data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), cardiologists, and other specialists within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas that serve Point Pleasant residents. This data should be compared to the estimated population of the area to determine the ratio.

The availability of primary care physicians is particularly crucial. PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, and they play a vital role in screening, diagnosing, and managing hypertension. Assessing the number of PCPs accepting new patients, their appointment scheduling practices (e.g., same-day, next-day), and their geographic distribution within the community is essential. Are there geographical barriers to accessing care, such as limited public transportation or a lack of providers in certain areas of the ZIP code? The physical accessibility of practices, including parking availability and wheelchair accessibility, also needs evaluation.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several key performance indicators. This includes assessing the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. This can be evaluated through publicly available quality metrics, if available, or through patient reviews and testimonials.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, allowing physicians to track patient progress, monitor blood pressure readings, and personalize treatment plans. The interoperability of EHR systems across different practices is also a consideration, as it allows for seamless information sharing between providers.

Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as blood pressure monitoring equipment and laboratory testing, can streamline the diagnostic and treatment process. Practices that offer comprehensive services, including patient education programs on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) and medication adherence, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration:**

The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, particularly in areas with limited access to care. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals are better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care.

Evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered, the ease of use of the platforms, and the integration of telemedicine with the practice's EHR system is crucial. Does the practice offer virtual blood pressure monitoring with remote data transmission? Are patients able to easily communicate with their providers through secure messaging platforms?

The use of wearable technology, such as smartwatches and blood pressure cuffs, can also play a role in hypertension management. Practices that integrate data from these devices into their patient care plans can gain valuable insights into patients' blood pressure patterns and adjust treatment accordingly.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Stress can significantly elevate blood pressure, and addressing mental health concerns is an essential component of comprehensive hypertension management.

This analysis must assess the availability of mental health resources within the community, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Does the practice have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Do they offer integrated behavioral health services within the practice?

Practices that actively screen patients for mental health conditions and provide access to mental health support are more likely to achieve positive patient outcomes. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan is crucial for addressing the holistic needs of patients with hypertension.

**The "Hypertension Score" and Conclusion:**

Based on the above analysis, a "Hypertension Score" can be developed. This score will be a qualitative assessment, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in Point Pleasant. The score will take into account the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine and technology, and the integration of mental health resources.

A high score would indicate a robust healthcare environment with ample access to primary care, high-quality practices, advanced technological integration, and comprehensive mental health support. A low score would suggest areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, improving access to care, and enhancing the integration of technology and mental health services.

This analysis, however, is only a starting point. Ongoing monitoring and evaluation are essential to ensure that the healthcare ecosystem in Point Pleasant continues to meet the needs of its residents.

For a comprehensive visualization of the healthcare landscape in Point Pleasant, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, helping patients and healthcare providers navigate the healthcare system more effectively.