24962, Pence Springs, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 24962, Pence Springs, West Virginia is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 24962 has some form of health insurance. 59.65 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.35 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 24962 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 6 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 24962. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 459 health care providers accessible to residents in 24962, Pence Springs, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Pence Springs, WV (ZIP Code 24962)

The task at hand is to analyze the availability and quality of primary care, specifically focusing on hypertension management, within the confines of Pence Springs, West Virginia (ZIP Code 24962). This analysis will provide a 'Hypertension Score' assessment, evaluating the resources available to manage this prevalent condition. The evaluation considers physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial components of comprehensive hypertension care.

Pence Springs, a small community nestled in the Appalachian region, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural setting often translates to limited access to specialized medical services and a potentially aging population, making hypertension management a critical public health concern. The 'Hypertension Score' will reflect the ability of the local healthcare infrastructure to effectively address these challenges.

The first crucial element of this analysis is physician density. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is essential. This involves identifying all primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 24962 ZIP code. Publicly available data, such as the West Virginia Board of Medicine's physician directory, must be consulted to ascertain the number of actively practicing PCPs. Then, population data from the US Census Bureau will be used to calculate the ratio of patients per PCP. A higher ratio generally indicates a greater strain on existing resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care, which is critical for hypertension.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices are paramount. The analysis should consider the type of practice (e.g., solo practice, group practice, hospital-affiliated clinic). Group practices often offer greater resources, including a wider range of specialists and support staff, which can improve the overall quality of care. The presence of registered nurses, certified medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals is also important. Practices with dedicated support staff can provide more comprehensive patient education and monitoring, which are essential for effective hypertension management.

Standout practices within the 24962 ZIP code will be identified based on several factors. These factors will include patient reviews, the practice's commitment to evidence-based medicine, and the availability of specialized services. Practices that actively promote patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) will be highly regarded. Furthermore, practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments can improve access to care, especially for individuals with work or other commitments.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component of the 'Hypertension Score'. Telemedicine, including video consultations and remote patient monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine services can provide more frequent check-ins, medication management, and patient education, even when in-person visits are not feasible. The analysis will assess the availability of telemedicine options, the ease of use of the platform, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and individuals with hypertension may experience anxiety related to their condition. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in the 'Hypertension Score'. The analysis will investigate the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the 24962 ZIP code. It will also assess the ease of access to these resources, including the availability of same-day appointments, the acceptance of insurance, and the integration of mental health services into the primary care setting. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are co-located with PCPs, will receive a higher score.

The 'Hypertension Score' will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of all these factors. Physician density will be weighted heavily, as it directly impacts access to care. Practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will also be given significant weight. The final score will be a numerical value, allowing for a comparative assessment of the quality and availability of hypertension care within the 24962 ZIP code. The score will be categorized into tiers (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) to provide a clear and concise understanding of the overall healthcare landscape.

The analysis will also incorporate a review of local pharmacies. The availability of affordable medications, the ease of prescription refills, and the presence of pharmacist-led medication management programs are all important considerations. Pharmacies that offer medication synchronization services, where patients can pick up all their medications on the same day each month, can improve medication adherence, which is critical for managing hypertension.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not a static measure; it is a snapshot in time. Healthcare landscapes evolve, and the resources available within the 24962 ZIP code may change. Regular updates to the analysis will be necessary to reflect these changes and provide an accurate assessment of the healthcare environment. This ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure that the community has access to the best possible care for hypertension.

The final report will offer specific recommendations for improvement. These recommendations may include strategies to increase physician recruitment, promote telemedicine adoption, and improve access to mental health services. The goal is to empower the community with the information needed to advocate for better healthcare and make informed decisions about their own health. The findings will be presented in a clear, concise, and actionable format.

To visualize the spatial distribution of these healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic challenges and opportunities, we strongly encourage you to explore the data using CartoChrome maps. This interactive platform allows for the visualization of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, providing a valuable tool for community members, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike.