25183, Sharples, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 25183, Sharples, West Virginia is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25183 has some form of health insurance. 25.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 25183 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 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25183. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 20 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 111 health care providers accessible to residents in 25183, Sharples, West Virginia.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" assessment for primary care physicians within the 25183 ZIP code, focusing on their ability to effectively manage hypertension, and assessing primary care availability in Sharples, West Virginia. This score is constructed using publicly available data and reasonable assumptions, serving as an illustrative example rather than a definitive ranking.

The core of a successful hypertension management program lies in accessible primary care. The 25183 ZIP code, encompassing Sharples, is situated within a rural area, which often presents challenges to healthcare access. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. The ideal ratio, where a single primary care physician is responsible for a manageable patient load, is generally considered to be around 1:1500. However, in rural areas, this ratio can be significantly higher, potentially reaching 1:2500 or even greater. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, less effective hypertension management. Analyzing the number of active primary care physicians within the ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population is essential to determine the physician-to-patient ratio.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of physicians matters. Are the primary care practices clustered in one area, leaving other parts of the ZIP code underserved? This spatial analysis is crucial for assessing accessibility. The presence of multiple primary care practices, including those with a focus on internal medicine and family medicine, is a positive indicator. Practices with a diverse range of healthcare professionals, such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, can also improve accessibility and patient care.

A crucial element in hypertension management is the adoption of best practices. This includes the consistent use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, regular blood pressure monitoring, and patient education. The "Hypertension Score" would assess the extent to which each practice adheres to these guidelines. This could involve reviewing patient charts (with appropriate privacy safeguards) to assess the frequency of blood pressure checks, the use of appropriate medications, and the documentation of patient education on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise.

Another key factor is the integration of technology. Telemedicine adoption can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals would receive a higher score. Telemedicine can reduce the need for in-person visits, making it easier for patients to receive regular checkups and medication management. The "Hypertension Score" would evaluate the availability and utilization of telemedicine services by each practice. This could involve assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of patient portals for communication and medication refills.

The "Hypertension Score" would also consider the availability of mental health resources. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, and addressing these issues is crucial for effective management. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either directly or through referrals to local mental health professionals, would receive a higher score. This could involve assessing the presence of on-site therapists or counselors, the availability of mental health screenings, and the practice's referral network for mental health services.

Standout practices would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. These practices would likely have a lower physician-to-patient ratio, ensuring sufficient time for each patient. They would actively implement evidence-based guidelines, utilizing regular blood pressure monitoring and tailoring medication regimens to individual patient needs. They would also emphasize patient education, providing resources and support for lifestyle modifications.

These practices would also embrace technology, offering telemedicine services to improve access and convenience. Furthermore, they would recognize the importance of mental health, integrating mental health services or establishing strong referral networks. These practices would likely have a strong patient satisfaction rating, reflecting their commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care.

The "Hypertension Score" is also influenced by the presence of ancillary services. Access to on-site laboratory services for blood tests, such as lipid panels and kidney function tests, can streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient convenience. Practices that offer these services would receive a higher score. Similarly, access to pharmacy services, either on-site or through a close partnership with a local pharmacy, can improve medication adherence.

Assessing the availability of primary care in Sharples involves examining the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code. This includes internal medicine physicians, family medicine physicians, and any other healthcare providers who offer primary care services. The distribution of these physicians is also important, as it determines the geographic accessibility of care. The presence of multiple primary care practices, especially those located in different areas of the ZIP code, is a positive indicator.

The "Hypertension Score" would also consider the practice's commitment to patient education. This includes providing patients with information on healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Practices that offer educational materials, group classes, or individual counseling sessions would receive a higher score. This commitment to patient education is crucial for empowering patients to take an active role in managing their hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" is a dynamic metric, constantly evolving as new information becomes available and healthcare practices adapt to changing needs. Regular updates and refinements are essential to ensure its accuracy and relevance. The score is designed to be a tool for patients, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. It is also intended to be a tool for healthcare providers, helping them to identify areas for improvement and to enhance their hypertension management programs.

In conclusion, evaluating the effectiveness of hypertension management in the 25183 ZIP code requires a multi-faceted approach. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios, analyzing practice characteristics, and evaluating the adoption of technology and mental health resources are all crucial. The "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for this assessment, empowering patients and healthcare providers to improve hypertension management and promote better health outcomes.

Want to visualize the spatial distribution of primary care practices and assess access to healthcare in Sharples and surrounding areas? Explore the power of geographic analysis with CartoChrome maps. Gain insights into healthcare accessibility and other vital community data.