25537, Lesage, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 25537, Lesage, West Virginia is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.83 percent of the residents in 25537 has some form of health insurance. 40.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.64 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 25537 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 141 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25537. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 307 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,310 health care providers accessible to residents in 25537, Lesage, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lesage, WV (ZIP Code 25537)

Analyzing hypertension management within Lesage, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25537) requires a multifaceted approach, evaluating both the availability of primary care physicians and the quality of care provided. A "Hypertension Score" would ideally encompass factors such as physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the integration of mental health resources, all critical for effective patient management. This analysis provides a preliminary assessment based on publicly available information and common industry benchmarks.

The cornerstone of hypertension management is access to a primary care physician (PCP). In Lesage, a significant challenge likely lies in the rural nature of the area. Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator. While precise figures for 25537 are difficult to obtain without proprietary data, the surrounding counties of Cabell and Wayne, which Lesage is a part of, often face shortages. This suggests a potentially unfavorable physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors are available to serve a larger population. This can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and ultimately, poorer hypertension control.

Evaluating individual practices within the area necessitates a deeper dive. Without specific practice-level data, we can only make general observations. Standout practices would likely demonstrate several key characteristics. First, they would have a robust patient portal system, enabling easy communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records. Second, they would actively utilize evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, including regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and medication management. Third, they would have a dedicated team, including nurses, medical assistants, and potentially a pharmacist, to support patient care. Finally, a practice that prioritizes patient education and self-management strategies would be highly desirable.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine can reach a wider patient base, reduce travel burdens, and provide more frequent check-ins, which are crucial for managing hypertension. The implementation of telehealth requires careful consideration of patient access to technology, digital literacy, and data privacy.

The often-overlooked aspect of hypertension management is the integration of mental health resources. Chronic conditions like hypertension can significantly impact mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and stress can exacerbate hypertension and hinder treatment adherence. Practices that recognize this and integrate mental health services, such as counseling or referrals to mental health professionals, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. This could involve on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health organizations, or the integration of mental health screenings into routine checkups.

Assessing the availability of primary care in Lesage requires considering the overall healthcare landscape. The presence of hospitals, urgent care centers, and specialist physicians in the surrounding areas can influence the availability of care. While Lesage itself may have limited resources, the proximity to larger towns and cities, like Huntington, might offer access to more comprehensive healthcare services. However, transportation challenges, particularly for elderly or low-income patients, can still be a barrier to accessing these resources.

To calculate a meaningful "Hypertension Score," we would need to collect data on several key metrics. This includes the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents, the percentage of practices offering telemedicine, the availability of mental health services, and patient satisfaction scores. We would also need to assess the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.

Furthermore, we would need to consider the socioeconomic factors that influence hypertension prevalence and control. Factors such as income levels, access to healthy food, and levels of physical activity can all significantly impact patient outcomes. Analyzing these factors alongside healthcare data would provide a more holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities for improving hypertension management in Lesage.

The "Hypertension Score" would ideally be a dynamic measure, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This would allow for continuous monitoring of progress and identification of areas for improvement. The score could also be used to compare Lesage to other areas and to benchmark the performance of individual practices.

In conclusion, improving hypertension management in Lesage requires a concerted effort from healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. Addressing the shortage of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health resources, and addressing socioeconomic disparities are all crucial steps. A data-driven approach, using a "Hypertension Score" and regular monitoring, can help to guide these efforts and improve patient outcomes.

To visualize and analyze the healthcare landscape in Lesage and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and population demographics, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into healthcare access and resource distribution, empowering healthcare professionals and community members to make informed decisions and improve the health of the community.