24817, Bradshaw, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 24817, Bradshaw, West Virginia is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.01 percent of the residents in 24817 has some form of health insurance. 75.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.41 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 24817 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 597 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24817. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 264 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 433 health care providers accessible to residents in 24817, Bradshaw, West Virginia.

The following analysis provides a hypertension score assessment for physicians practicing within ZIP code 24817, which encompasses Bradshaw, West Virginia, and evaluates primary care availability in the area. This assessment considers factors crucial to effective hypertension management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview to assist residents in making informed healthcare decisions.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Bradshaw, and specifically within the 24817 ZIP code, is a critical indicator of access to care. A lower ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally indicates better access and potentially more time for each patient during appointments. However, this ratio is only one piece of the puzzle. The actual number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing in the area needs to be determined. This includes both general practitioners and internal medicine specialists. Publicly available data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or state medical boards can provide this information. A careful review of these sources, combined with local knowledge, is necessary to establish a precise physician-to-patient ratio.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices in Bradshaw are important. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? These factors significantly influence accessibility. The size of the practices also matters. Larger practices might offer a broader range of services and have more support staff, such as nurses and medical assistants, who can assist in managing hypertension. Smaller practices, on the other hand, might offer a more personalized experience.

Standout practices, those that excel in hypertension management, would likely demonstrate several key features. These include a commitment to evidence-based medicine, regular blood pressure monitoring, patient education programs, and a focus on lifestyle modifications. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively are also more likely to provide high-quality care. EHRs enable physicians to track patient data, identify trends, and implement personalized treatment plans. The integration of chronic disease management programs, specifically designed for hypertension, would be another positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas like Bradshaw. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Practices that offer telehealth appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and patient education are likely to be highly rated. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, which allow patients to track their blood pressure at home and share the data with their physician, is another valuable asset.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial factor in assessing the quality of hypertension care. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either directly or through referrals to local mental health providers, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups.

Furthermore, the availability of resources for lifestyle modifications, such as dietary counseling and exercise programs, is essential. Practices that partner with dietitians, fitness trainers, or local wellness programs are better positioned to help patients manage their hypertension through lifestyle changes. Access to these resources can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Evaluating the availability of pharmacies within the 24817 ZIP code is also important. Easy access to pharmacies ensures patients can conveniently fill their prescriptions and adhere to their medication regimens. The presence of pharmacies that offer medication counseling and other support services is a bonus.

The process of assigning a hypertension score involves collecting data from various sources. This includes publicly available information, patient reviews, and potentially direct outreach to local practices. The data is then analyzed to assign a score based on a weighted system. The weights assigned to each factor (physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, etc.) should reflect their relative importance in hypertension management.

The final score should be presented in a clear and understandable format. This could involve a numerical score, a letter grade, or a combination of both. The score should be accompanied by a detailed explanation of the factors considered and the rationale behind the scoring. This allows residents to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each practice and make informed decisions.

It is important to acknowledge the limitations of this type of analysis. The data available may not always be complete or up-to-date. Patient reviews can be subjective. Therefore, the hypertension score should be viewed as a starting point for research, not the definitive answer. Residents should also consider their individual needs and preferences when choosing a physician.

In conclusion, the assessment of hypertension care in Bradshaw (24817) requires a multifaceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and access to lifestyle modification programs. A comprehensive analysis, combined with ongoing monitoring and updates, is essential to ensure residents have access to the best possible care.

For a visual representation of this data, including the geographical distribution of physicians, practice locations, and resource availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Utilizing interactive maps can provide a dynamic and insightful view of the healthcare landscape in Bradshaw and the surrounding areas.