24918, Ballard, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 24918, Ballard, West Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.31 percent of the residents in 24918 has some form of health insurance. 59.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 38.10 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 24918 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 526 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24918. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 276 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 85 health care providers accessible to residents in 24918, Ballard, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Ballard, WV (ZIP Code 24918)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within ZIP Code 24918, Ballard, West Virginia, necessitates a deep dive into the availability of primary care physicians, the prevalence of hypertension, and the resources available to manage this widespread condition. This analysis, framed as a "Hypertension Score," aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the local healthcare landscape, focusing on factors directly impacting the diagnosis, treatment, and management of hypertension.

Ballard, a rural community, likely faces unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The first crucial element is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians, directly translates to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care – all detrimental to effective hypertension management. Publicly available data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, combined with information from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), would be instrumental in determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 24918 ZIP code. This data will be crucial for determining the overall score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and patient communication, and the availability of on-site diagnostic services like blood pressure monitoring and laboratory testing. Patient reviews, collected from sources like Healthgrades and Vitals, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication effectiveness, and the overall patient experience. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer personalized care plans, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement will likely score higher in the Hypertension Score analysis.

Telemedicine adoption represents another critical factor. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare services remotely via technology, offers a promising solution to overcome geographic barriers and improve access to care in rural areas. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for hypertension management, including medication management, lifestyle counseling, and remote blood pressure monitoring, can significantly improve patient outcomes. The availability of telehealth services can also reduce the burden on primary care physicians by allowing for more efficient follow-up visits and medication adjustments. The Hypertension Score will assess the extent of telehealth adoption within the 24918 ZIP code.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Hypertension is often exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is crucial. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and mental health counselors. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their hypertension management protocols demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. The presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and other mental health services will positively impact the Hypertension Score.

Furthermore, the availability of resources related to lifestyle modifications, such as nutrition counseling and exercise programs, is essential for managing hypertension. Practices that offer or refer patients to these resources demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care. Access to affordable healthy food options and safe places for physical activity within the community also contribute to effective hypertension management. These factors will be considered when determining the overall score.

The assessment of pharmacy access is also essential. The proximity of pharmacies, the availability of generic medications, and the ability to offer medication counseling are all critical factors. Practices that collaborate with local pharmacies to ensure medication adherence and provide patient education on medication management will score higher. The presence of pharmacies that offer blood pressure monitoring services can also contribute to better patient outcomes.

Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the CDC, and local health organizations will be integrated to determine the prevalence of hypertension within the 24918 ZIP code. This data will be compared to national averages to assess the community's health profile. The higher the prevalence of hypertension, the more critical the need for accessible and high-quality healthcare services.

The analysis will also consider the demographic characteristics of the population within the 24918 ZIP code. Factors such as age, race, socioeconomic status, and insurance coverage can all influence healthcare access and health outcomes. Understanding the demographic profile will allow for a more nuanced assessment of the healthcare landscape and identify potential disparities in care.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite metric, incorporating all the factors discussed above. It will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare resources available to manage hypertension within the 24918 ZIP code. The score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The score will be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

In conclusion, understanding the healthcare landscape of Ballard, WV (ZIP Code 24918) is crucial for addressing the challenge of hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" analysis provides a valuable framework for evaluating the availability and quality of care, identifying areas for improvement, and ultimately, improving the health outcomes of the community. This comprehensive assessment will highlight the areas where the community excels and where improvements are needed.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ballard, WV (ZIP Code 24918), including the locations of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. These maps provide a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.