24854, Kopperston, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 24854, Kopperston, West Virginia is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.12 percent of the residents in 24854 has some form of health insurance. 81.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.28 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 24854 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 225 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24854. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 114 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 111 health care providers accessible to residents in 24854, Kopperston, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Kopperston, WV (ZIP Code 24854)

Analyzing hypertension management and primary care access in Kopperston, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24854) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will explore the availability of primary care physicians, their practices regarding hypertension, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, culminating in a 'Hypertension Score' assessment. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, specifically focusing on factors crucial for effective hypertension control within the community.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Kopperston, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) would be essential to determine the precise ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, presents a significant challenge. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and ultimately, poorer hypertension control.

Beyond the raw numbers, the operational characteristics of primary care practices are important. Are appointments readily available? Do practices offer extended hours or weekend availability to accommodate patients’ schedules? The presence of certified diabetes educators (CDEs) and registered dietitians (RDs) within a practice is a strong positive indicator. These professionals play a vital role in patient education, lifestyle modification, and medication adherence, all crucial components of hypertension management. Practices that prioritize patient education, offering group classes or individual counseling sessions, are likely to achieve better outcomes.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves examining patient reviews, analyzing quality metrics (if available through sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services – CMS), and potentially conducting interviews with community members. Practices that consistently demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, proactive screening, and aggressive treatment protocols for hypertension would be considered high-performing. These practices often utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, manage medication refills, and send automated reminders for appointments and medication adherence.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations and remote monitoring can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas like Kopperston. Telemedicine can reduce travel time, improve medication management, and facilitate more frequent check-ins, leading to better blood pressure control. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits and medication management, are likely to provide a higher level of care.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is crucial for hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. Practices that recognize this and integrate mental health services, either through in-house providers or referrals to external specialists, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. The availability of mental health support, such as counseling or medication management, can improve patient outcomes and adherence to treatment plans.

Analyzing the availability of these resources requires a thorough investigation. This would involve researching local healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Public health departments and community organizations may also offer valuable insights into the availability of resources and the overall health of the community.

Assessing the quality of care, however, is challenging. Data on physician performance, such as blood pressure control rates, is often not publicly available. Information on patient satisfaction is also difficult to obtain. The 'Hypertension Score' would be a composite metric, based on the availability of primary care physicians, the operational characteristics of their practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

Based on the available information, the 'Hypertension Score' for Kopperston, WV (ZIP Code 24854) is likely to be moderately low. The rural nature of the area and the potential for a low physician-to-patient ratio are significant challenges. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources may be limited, further impacting the score. However, the score could improve with the presence of high-performing practices that prioritize patient education, proactive screening, and aggressive treatment protocols for hypertension.

The score would be determined by weighting the various factors. Physician-to-patient ratio would carry the highest weight, followed by the operational characteristics of practices (appointment availability, extended hours, presence of CDEs/RDs), telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. A hypothetical scoring system might assign points to each factor based on its presence or absence and its level of implementation.

The analysis of the 'Hypertension Score' is not a static assessment. It is a dynamic evaluation that should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The score can be used to identify areas for improvement and to inform public health initiatives.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kopperston and surrounding areas, and to identify specific practices, resources, and potential gaps in care, explore interactive maps.

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