25550, Point Pleasant, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 25550, Point Pleasant, West Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.08 percent of the residents in 25550 has some form of health insurance. 51.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.00 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 25550 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,254 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25550. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 156 health care providers accessible to residents in 25550, Point Pleasant, West Virginia.

The analysis will focus on the quality of hypertension care available to residents of Point Pleasant, West Virginia (ZIP Code 25550), examining the practices of local physicians and the availability of essential resources. This ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview, considering various factors crucial for effective hypertension management.

Point Pleasant, a community nestled along the Ohio River, faces challenges common to rural areas, including potential limitations in healthcare access. The evaluation will consider physician-to-patient ratios, a fundamental indicator of healthcare accessibility. A higher ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. The analysis will delve into the current physician distribution within the ZIP Code, identifying the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing and their estimated patient load. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau will be utilized to determine these ratios.

Beyond physician numbers, the analysis will investigate the specific practices of primary care providers in Point Pleasant. This involves examining their approach to hypertension management, including the frequency of blood pressure screenings, the utilization of evidence-based guidelines (such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology), and the implementation of patient education programs. The evaluation will seek to identify practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension care. This includes those that actively monitor patients’ blood pressure, educate them on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and prescribe appropriate medications when necessary.

Identifying standout practices is a key component of the analysis. These are healthcare providers who go above and beyond in their hypertension care. This could include practices that have implemented innovative programs, such as remote blood pressure monitoring, or those that have demonstrated exceptional patient outcomes. The analysis will look for practices that have a high rate of patients with controlled blood pressure, indicating effective treatment strategies. Furthermore, the analysis will assess the practices’ commitment to patient communication and engagement.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care providers in Point Pleasant utilize telemedicine for hypertension management. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure levels. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within Point Pleasant and the extent to which primary care providers collaborate with mental health professionals. This includes assessing the availability of on-site mental health providers, referrals to local mental health clinics, and the integration of mental health screening into routine primary care visits. Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their patients are better positioned to provide holistic hypertension care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of other supporting resources, such as pharmacies and specialized cardiology services. The proximity of pharmacies and the ease with which patients can obtain their medications are essential for adherence to treatment plans. The availability of local cardiologists and the ease of referral to these specialists are also important, particularly for patients with complex hypertension or those who require specialized cardiac care. The analysis will assess the accessibility of these resources and their impact on the overall quality of hypertension care.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ will be a composite measure, weighting each of the factors discussed above. The weighting will be determined based on the relative importance of each factor in achieving optimal hypertension control. For instance, physician-to-patient ratios will be weighted to reflect the impact of access to care, while the use of evidence-based guidelines and patient education programs will be weighted to reflect the quality of care. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the hypertension care landscape in Point Pleasant.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence hypertension management. These include income levels, access to healthy food options, and the prevalence of health insurance coverage. These factors can impact patients' ability to adhere to treatment plans and access necessary resources. The analysis will incorporate these factors into the overall assessment, providing a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension care within the community.

The findings of the ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis will be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the hypertension care landscape in Point Pleasant. The analysis will identify areas where improvements are needed and provide recommendations for enhancing the quality of care. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, improving access to mental health services, and enhancing patient education programs.

The analysis will provide valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents of Point Pleasant. It will serve as a resource for improving the quality of hypertension care and promoting the health and well-being of the community. By identifying best practices and highlighting areas for improvement, the analysis will contribute to a healthier future for the residents of Point Pleasant.

To visualize the distribution of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources within ZIP Code 25550, and to gain a spatial understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension care, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome.