24716, Bud, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 24716, Bud, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24716 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.18 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 24716 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 72 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24716. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 168 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,264 health care providers accessible to residents in 24716, Bud, West Virginia.

The analysis below examines hypertension management for primary care physicians within ZIP code 24716, with a focus on the availability of primary care in the broader Bud area. This assessment utilizes a hypothetical "Hypertension Score," a composite metric reflecting various factors crucial to effective hypertension control. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes.

The Hypertension Score considers several key elements. First, it assesses the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating fewer patients per doctor, generally allows for more individualized attention and potentially better management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Second, the score evaluates the availability of comprehensive diagnostic tools within each practice, including access to ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), which is considered gold standard for hypertension diagnosis. Third, it examines the integration of telemedicine capabilities, which can improve patient access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. Fourth, the score considers the availability of mental health resources, recognizing the significant link between mental well-being and blood pressure control. Finally, the score evaluates the adoption of evidence-based guidelines and the implementation of patient education programs.

In the context of Bud and ZIP code 24716, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. The area, particularly Bud, may face challenges in attracting and retaining primary care physicians. A high patient-to-doctor ratio could lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential compromises in the quality of care. This impacts the Hypertension Score negatively. Detailed data on the precise ratio within the specified ZIP code is vital for a precise assessment. However, the general challenges faced by rural areas in recruiting physicians must be acknowledged.

Diagnostic capabilities are another essential component. Practices that readily offer ABPM, alongside standard blood pressure monitoring, are likely to score higher. ABPM provides a more accurate picture of a patient’s blood pressure over a 24-hour period, helping to identify masked hypertension, white-coat hypertension, and nocturnal hypertension. The availability of these advanced diagnostic tools is a strong indicator of a practice's commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. Practices lacking these resources will likely score lower.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve hypertension care within the Bud area. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of blood pressure. This is particularly beneficial for patients who live in remote areas or have limited mobility. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring, will receive a higher Hypertension Score. Conversely, practices that have not yet integrated telemedicine may face a lower score.

The integration of mental health resources is also crucial. Anxiety, stress, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, will score higher. This integrated approach recognizes the holistic nature of patient care and the importance of addressing both physical and mental health needs. Practices lacking such resources will likely have a lower score.

Patient education programs play a vital role in hypertension management. Practices that offer educational materials, provide dietary and lifestyle advice, and empower patients to take an active role in their care will score higher. The Hypertension Score considers the availability of educational resources, the frequency of patient education sessions, and the use of patient-friendly materials.

Specific practices within ZIP code 24716 are difficult to assess without detailed information. However, standout practices are likely to be those that demonstrate a comprehensive approach to hypertension management. These practices will likely have a lower patient-to-doctor ratio, offer advanced diagnostic tools, embrace telemedicine, integrate mental health resources, and implement robust patient education programs. They will be those that score highest on the Hypertension Score.

Primary care availability in Bud is a key consideration. The broader availability of primary care, including the number of practices and the accessibility of those practices, directly impacts the ability of residents to access hypertension management services. Areas with limited primary care access will likely see lower scores on the Hypertension Score due to the challenges in accessing care.

The Hypertension Score is not a static metric. It is influenced by ongoing changes in healthcare delivery, technological advancements, and evolving best practices. Regular assessment and adaptation are essential to ensure that the score accurately reflects the quality of hypertension management within the specified geographic area.

The analysis reveals a complex healthcare landscape in the Bud area and ZIP code 24716. Addressing the challenges related to physician-to-patient ratios, diagnostic capabilities, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources is crucial to improving hypertension management. The implementation of patient education programs and the adoption of evidence-based guidelines are also essential.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in the Bud area and ZIP code 24716, including the distribution of primary care physicians, the availability of resources, and the potential impact on patient access, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize and analyze healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the factors influencing hypertension management.