18962, Silverdale, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 18962, Silverdale, Pennsylvania is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.87 percent of the residents in 18962 has some form of health insurance. 51.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.53 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 18962 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 86 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 18962. An estimate of 27 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 60 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,628 health care providers accessible to residents in 18962, Silverdale, Pennsylvania.

Silverdale, Pennsylvania, ZIP code 18962, presents a unique microcosm for analyzing hypertension management and primary care access. This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare providers in the area, evaluating their performance based on a "Hypertension Score" framework, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, allowing residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and highlighting areas for potential improvement within the local healthcare system.

The "Hypertension Score" isn't a single, quantifiable metric. Instead, it's a composite assessment derived from various data points, weighted to reflect their importance in effective hypertension management. This includes the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs), the adoption of evidence-based practices for hypertension treatment, the integration of technology, and the availability of ancillary services like mental health support, which are critical for holistic patient care.

One of the primary considerations is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, compromised care. Analyzing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 18962 ZIP code and comparing it to the population size provides a crucial baseline. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, can be used to determine the population, while physician directories and insurance provider networks offer information on practicing physicians. This data, however, needs to be verified and updated to account for physician retirements, relocations, and changes in practice status.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also important. Are the physicians clustered in specific areas, leaving other parts of the community underserved? Are there disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors or geographic location? Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is critical for identifying potential "healthcare deserts" and ensuring equitable access for all residents.

Examining the practices themselves is another essential component of the "Hypertension Score." Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management. This includes practices that consistently follow guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Key indicators include the use of standardized protocols for blood pressure measurement, the implementation of patient education programs, and the regular monitoring of patient adherence to medication regimens. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, encouraging self-monitoring and lifestyle modifications, tend to achieve better outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and virtual patient education sessions can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The "Hypertension Score" will therefore consider the extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine technologies, assessing the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical factor. Hypertension often co-occurs with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, which can significantly impact treatment adherence and overall well-being. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health providers, offer on-site counseling services, or have integrated mental health screening into their routine care processes are likely to provide more comprehensive and effective care. The "Hypertension Score" will evaluate the availability and accessibility of mental health support within each practice.

Analyzing the availability of primary care in Silverdale, specifically within the 18962 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This involves assessing the capacity of existing practices to accommodate new patients, the average wait times for appointments, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Information can be gathered through direct inquiries to practices, online reviews, and data from insurance providers. The goal is to determine whether there is sufficient primary care capacity to meet the needs of the local population and to identify any potential barriers to access.

The "Hypertension Score" also considers the quality of care provided by individual physicians. This involves evaluating their experience and expertise in hypertension management, their patient satisfaction ratings, and their adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Publicly available data, such as physician profiles from professional organizations and online review platforms, can provide valuable insights. However, it's important to recognize that patient reviews are subjective and may not always reflect the full picture of a physician's performance.

The analysis of the 18962 ZIP code will also consider the demographic characteristics of the population, including age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. These factors can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the access to healthcare. Understanding the demographic makeup of the community is essential for tailoring interventions and ensuring that healthcare resources are equitably distributed.

Furthermore, the "Hypertension Score" will incorporate information on the availability of community resources, such as support groups, wellness programs, and educational materials. These resources can play a vital role in empowering patients to manage their hypertension effectively.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" analysis for doctors in ZIP code 18962 and primary care availability in Silverdale provides a nuanced assessment of the local healthcare landscape. It considers multiple factors, from physician-to-patient ratios and practice characteristics to telemedicine adoption and mental health resources, to provide a comprehensive overview of the quality and accessibility of care. This information can be used by residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in 18962 and explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify areas with high physician density, understand the geographic distribution of practices, and visualize the accessibility of care.