24822, Clear Fork, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 24822, Clear Fork, West Virginia is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.15 percent of the residents in 24822 has some form of health insurance. 38.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.22 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 24822 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 132 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24822. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 180 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 245 health care providers accessible to residents in 24822, Clear Fork, West Virginia.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management capabilities for primary care physicians within ZIP Code 24822, specifically examining the Clear Fork area. This assessment considers factors crucial for effective hypertension control, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all within the context of a rural community. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals managing hypertension in Clear Fork.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. In rural areas like Clear Fork, the scarcity of physicians can significantly impact patient outcomes. A high patient-to-physician ratio often translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially less comprehensive care. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, cross-referenced with national averages, will reveal the physician density within ZIP Code 24822. This data will be compared to benchmarks established by organizations like the American Medical Association to determine if the area faces a shortage of primary care physicians. The analysis will consider the potential impact of this ratio on hypertension management, considering the need for regular monitoring, medication adjustments, and patient education.

Identifying standout practices is essential for understanding the best practices in the area. This involves evaluating several key metrics. First, the analysis will assess the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. This includes evaluating the frequency with which physicians prescribe first-line medications, monitor blood pressure levels, and address lifestyle modifications. Second, the analysis will examine the availability of on-site resources, such as registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and pharmacists who can provide medication counseling. Finally, patient satisfaction surveys, if available, will be considered to gauge the patient experience, including factors like communication, appointment scheduling, and overall care quality.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to revolutionize healthcare access in rural areas. For patients with hypertension, telemedicine can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations. The analysis will investigate the extent to which primary care practices in ZIP Code 24822 have embraced telemedicine. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into existing workflows. The analysis will also explore any barriers to telemedicine adoption, such as lack of internet access or patient familiarity with technology, and suggest potential solutions to overcome these obstacles.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension care. The analysis will examine the integration of mental health services within primary care practices in Clear Fork. This includes assessing the availability of on-site therapists or psychiatrists, referral pathways to mental health specialists, and the use of screening tools to identify patients with mental health concerns. The analysis will also explore the availability of community-based mental health resources, such as support groups or counseling services, and their accessibility to patients in the area.

The specific practices within ZIP Code 24822 will be examined. The analysis will look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management, patient-centered care, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. Identifying these standout practices will highlight best practices and provide a roadmap for other practices to improve their care delivery. The analysis will not name specific practices due to patient privacy concerns, but will highlight the overall trends and characteristics of the practices in the area.

The unique challenges faced by the Clear Fork community will be considered. Rural communities often face barriers to healthcare access, including geographic isolation, transportation limitations, and socioeconomic disparities. The analysis will consider the impact of these factors on hypertension management and identify potential strategies to mitigate these challenges. This may include advocating for increased investment in telehealth infrastructure, supporting community-based health initiatives, and addressing social determinants of health.

The analysis will also consider the impact of the local economy on healthcare access. The economic conditions in Clear Fork, including employment rates and income levels, can significantly impact patients’ ability to afford medications, healthy foods, and other resources necessary for managing hypertension. The analysis will consider the economic factors and their influence on the availability of resources and the ability of patients to adhere to treatment plans.

The overall assessment will synthesize the data and provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' for the primary care landscape in ZIP Code 24822. This score will reflect the overall quality of care, access to resources, and the ability of the healthcare system to effectively manage hypertension. The score will be based on a combination of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score will serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, providing a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Clear Fork.

This analysis is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of hypertension management capabilities in the Clear Fork area. It is intended to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system and to identify opportunities for improvement. The goal is to contribute to better health outcomes for individuals with hypertension in this rural community.

Would you like to visualize the healthcare landscape in Clear Fork and explore the data discussed in this analysis? CartoChrome maps can help you understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant factors. Visit CartoChrome maps today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in ZIP Code 24822.