19015, Brookhaven, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 19015, Brookhaven, Pennsylvania is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.05 percent of the residents in 19015 has some form of health insurance. 35.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.29 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 19015 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,351 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19015. An estimate of 13 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,455 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 23,973 health care providers accessible to residents in 19015, Brookhaven, Pennsylvania.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Brookhaven, PA (ZIP Code 19015)

This analysis assesses the landscape of hypertension management within Brookhaven, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 19015), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services. We aim to provide a "Hypertension Score" perspective, considering factors crucial for effective blood pressure control, including physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. This information is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

Brookhaven, a suburban community in Delaware County, presents a unique environment for healthcare delivery. Its proximity to Philadelphia and other surrounding areas offers both advantages and disadvantages in terms of healthcare access. The overall health of the community, including the prevalence of hypertension, requires careful consideration when evaluating healthcare resources.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

One of the most critical factors in hypertension management is access to a primary care physician (PCP). A high physician-to-patient ratio can strain the system, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less frequent follow-up care. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratios are difficult to calculate accurately due to constant fluctuations, publicly available data from the US Census Bureau and the Pennsylvania Department of Health, when analyzed in conjunction with insurance provider directories and local hospital affiliations, can provide a reasonable estimate. This data suggests that the physician-to-patient ratio in 19015 may be slightly above the national average, indicating a potential challenge in accessing timely primary care. This is further complicated by the aging population in the area, which often requires more frequent medical attention.

The availability of PCPs accepting new patients is another significant hurdle. Practices with closed panels or limited appointment availability can create barriers to care, especially for those newly diagnosed with hypertension or those seeking a new PCP. Analyzing local practice websites, making direct calls, and consulting online patient reviews can help identify practices that are actively accepting new patients and have a reputation for providing good care.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**

Identifying standout practices requires a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management often incorporate several key elements. These include:

* **Evidence-Based Guidelines:** Adherence to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) is paramount. This includes utilizing validated blood pressure measurement techniques, implementing standardized protocols for diagnosis and treatment, and regularly reviewing patient progress.
* **Patient Education:** Effective hypertension management requires patient understanding and engagement. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing clear explanations of the condition, lifestyle modifications, and medication regimens, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This often involves offering educational materials, group classes, and individual counseling sessions.
* **Medication Management:** Medication adherence is crucial for controlling blood pressure. Practices that actively monitor medication compliance, address side effects, and collaborate with pharmacists to optimize drug regimens are better equipped to manage hypertension effectively.
* **Proactive Follow-up:** Regular follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring blood pressure, adjusting treatment plans, and addressing any emerging concerns. Practices that proactively schedule follow-up appointments and have efficient systems for communicating with patients are more likely to ensure consistent care.

Analyzing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, coupled with information from professional organizations and local hospital affiliations, can help identify practices that excel in these areas.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. It can reduce the need for travel, increase appointment flexibility, and facilitate more frequent monitoring. The adoption of telemedicine varies among practices in 19015. Some practices have embraced virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, while others may be slower to adopt these technologies.

Practices that offer telemedicine services can improve patient convenience, but the quality of these services can vary. It's essential to assess the technology used, the security of patient data, and the training of the healthcare providers in using telemedicine platforms. Practices that integrate telemedicine seamlessly into their care delivery models, using it to supplement in-person visits and provide ongoing support, are likely to achieve the best results.

**Mental Health Resources:**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial factor in effective hypertension management.

Ideally, primary care practices should have strong connections with mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. This can involve on-site mental health services, referrals to local providers, or collaborative care models where mental health professionals work closely with PCPs to provide integrated care.

The presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and other resources within the Brookhaven area is also important. These resources can provide additional support and assistance to patients struggling with mental health challenges. The ability of primary care practices to identify and address mental health concerns, either directly or through referrals, can significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of hypertension management.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the "Hypertension Score" for doctors in 19015 requires a holistic evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the characteristics of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. While this analysis provides a general overview, the specific details of each practice and the evolving healthcare landscape in Brookhaven necessitate continuous monitoring and evaluation.

For a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare environment in Brookhaven and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. These maps can offer valuable insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more informed assessment of hypertension management resources in your community.