25443, Shepherdstown, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 25443, Shepherdstown, West Virginia is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.76 percent of the residents in 25443 has some form of health insurance. 28.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.24 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 25443 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,617 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 26 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25443. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,237 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,517 health care providers accessible to residents in 25443, Shepherdstown, West Virginia.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Shepherdstown, WV (ZIP Code 25443)**

The assessment of hypertension care within Shepherdstown, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25443), necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will examine the availability of primary care physicians, their practices concerning hypertension management, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all contributing factors in the overall "Hypertension Score" for this community. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for potential improvement.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical starting point. Shepherdstown, a relatively small town, might face challenges in this area. Data from the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (WVDHHR) will be crucial. A low physician-to-patient ratio can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially, delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions like hypertension. The analysis must determine if Shepherdstown is designated as a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) for primary care, a designation that indicates a significant shortage of healthcare providers.

Identifying standout practices is essential. This involves evaluating the quality of care provided by individual primary care clinics and physicians within the ZIP code. Factors to consider include the utilization of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those established by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Are physicians consistently screening patients for hypertension? Are they effectively monitoring blood pressure readings, prescribing appropriate medications, and educating patients about lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise? Reviews from patients, if available, should be taken into account, along with information about the practice’s accreditation and any specialized certifications held by the physicians.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve hypertension management, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. The analysis will investigate the extent to which primary care practices in Shepherdstown have integrated telemedicine into their services. Are they offering virtual appointments? Do they provide remote patient monitoring devices? The availability of telemedicine can enhance access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The ease of access to technology and internet connectivity within the community must also be considered, as these factors impact the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Shepherdstown is a crucial component of the hypertension score. The analysis will examine the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the community. Are these resources readily accessible? Do primary care practices have established referral pathways to mental health services? The integration of mental health care with primary care is essential for holistic patient management, particularly for individuals with hypertension.

The analysis will also consider the availability of other supporting resources, such as certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and exercise specialists. These professionals can play a vital role in helping patients manage their hypertension through lifestyle modifications. The presence of community health programs, such as those focused on promoting healthy eating habits or providing access to exercise facilities, will also be evaluated.

Data sources for this analysis will include the West Virginia Board of Medicine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and publicly available information from healthcare providers. The accuracy of the data will be verified through cross-referencing multiple sources. The analysis will also consider the demographics of the population in Shepherdstown, including age, race, and socioeconomic status, as these factors can influence the prevalence and management of hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" itself will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of each of the factors discussed above. The weighting will be based on the relative importance of each factor in achieving optimal hypertension control. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of primary care might be given a higher weight than the availability of exercise programs. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape in Shepherdstown.

The final "Hypertension Score" will provide a valuable tool for assessing the quality of hypertension care in Shepherdstown. It will also identify areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes.

The analysis will also highlight any disparities in access to care or quality of care among different demographic groups within the community. This information can be used to address health inequities and ensure that all residents have equal opportunities to receive high-quality hypertension management. The final report will offer recommendations for improving the "Hypertension Score," such as expanding primary care capacity, increasing telemedicine adoption, and strengthening the integration of mental health services.

This comprehensive analysis will provide a detailed understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension care in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. By examining the key factors that influence hypertension management, this analysis will provide a valuable resource for improving the health of the community.

For an interactive visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Shepherdstown, including physician locations, practice details, and community resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers a dynamic platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, providing valuable insights into healthcare access and availability.