19031, Flourtown, Pennsylvania Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 19031, Flourtown, Pennsylvania is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.63 percent of the residents in 19031 has some form of health insurance. 27.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.54 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 19031 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 994 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 19031. An estimate of 35 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,105 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 38,955 health care providers accessible to residents in 19031, Flourtown, Pennsylvania.

The health landscape of Flourtown, Pennsylvania, specifically within the 19031 ZIP code, presents a complex interplay of factors influencing hypertension management. Analyzing the availability of primary care physicians, their adoption of modern technologies, and the integration of mental health resources provides a crucial framework for understanding the community's ability to effectively address this widespread health concern. This analysis focuses on creating a 'Hypertension Score' ranking, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem within this specific geographic area.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental metric in assessing access to care. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses or inadequate follow-up care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in 19031 requires gathering data from various sources, including the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Medical Association, and insurance provider databases. This information, when compiled and analyzed, will reveal the overall availability of primary care physicians within the community. The score will be adjusted based on the ratio, with higher scores awarded to areas with more favorable ratios, indicating better access to care.

The quality of primary care practices is another critical component of the Hypertension Score. This involves evaluating several aspects, including the training and experience of the physicians, the availability of specialized services, and patient satisfaction levels. Practices with board-certified physicians in internal medicine or family medicine, who have demonstrated expertise in managing hypertension, would receive higher scores. The presence of on-site diagnostic equipment, such as electrocardiograms (ECGs) and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring devices, also enhances the score. Furthermore, patient reviews and ratings, accessible through online platforms, offer valuable insights into the patient experience, including the physician's communication skills, the efficiency of the office staff, and the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and medication management support, would receive higher scores. Telemedicine can significantly improve patient access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. It also allows for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure readings, enabling physicians to make timely adjustments to medication or lifestyle recommendations. The degree to which a practice utilizes telemedicine, including the types of services offered and the user-friendliness of the platform, will be factored into the Hypertension Score.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is increasingly recognized as essential for comprehensive hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have established partnerships with mental health professionals, either through on-site therapists or referral networks, would receive higher scores. The availability of mental health screening tools and educational materials on stress management techniques also contributes to a higher score. This holistic approach to care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension, is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes.

Standout practices within 19031 would be those that excel in multiple areas. This could include practices with a low physician-to-patient ratio, experienced physicians, advanced diagnostic capabilities, robust telemedicine programs, and strong mental health integration. These practices would serve as models for other providers in the area, demonstrating best practices in hypertension management. Identifying these standout practices involves a comprehensive review of the factors previously discussed, including physician credentials, patient reviews, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The Hypertension Score would reflect these practices' superior performance, highlighting their contributions to the community's health.

The analysis of the 19031 ZIP code also needs to consider the specific demographics of Flourtown. Understanding the age distribution, socioeconomic status, and racial/ethnic composition of the population is essential for tailoring healthcare interventions. For example, older adults and individuals from certain racial or ethnic groups may be at higher risk for hypertension. Practices that demonstrate cultural competency and provide culturally sensitive care would receive higher scores. Furthermore, practices that offer financial assistance programs or accept a wide range of insurance plans would be recognized for their commitment to serving the entire community.

The Hypertension Score would be a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new data becomes available. Regular updates would be necessary to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The score should be transparent and readily accessible to the public, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The methodology used to calculate the score should be clearly defined, including the weighting of different factors and the data sources used. This transparency ensures the credibility and reliability of the score.

To truly visualize the healthcare landscape of Flourtown and the surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can offer a detailed, interactive view of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care. This visual representation can help patients and healthcare providers alike understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. CartoChrome maps can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care and to target resources where they are most needed. This spatial analysis can be invaluable in improving hypertension management and overall community health.