25823, Coal City, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 25823, Coal City, West Virginia is 82 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 25823 has some form of health insurance. 92.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.90 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 25823 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 52 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25823. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 168 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,622 health care providers accessible to residents in 25823, Coal City, West Virginia.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Coal City, WV (ZIP Code 25823)**

Coal City, West Virginia, a small community nestled in the Appalachian region, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when assessing the landscape of hypertension care. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and ultimately, proposes a "Hypertension Score" ranking for physicians within ZIP code 25823. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to manage and treat hypertension within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Coal City, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. The assessment must consider the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code, as well as the surrounding areas, to understand the overall access. The number of PCPs directly influences the physician-to-patient ratio, a key metric for determining the workload and availability of appointments. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, less comprehensive care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Coal City is a crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility. Data from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and publicly available physician directories would be essential to determine the exact ratio. Comparing this ratio to state and national averages provides context. If the ratio is significantly higher than the average, it indicates a potential shortage of PCPs, which can negatively impact hypertension management.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 25823 requires evaluating several factors. This includes the practice's commitment to preventative care, such as regular blood pressure screenings and patient education. Practices that actively monitor patient adherence to medication regimens, provide lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, and smoking cessation), and offer coordinated care with specialists (cardiologists, nephrologists) would likely receive higher marks. Patient reviews and testimonials, if available, can also provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial aspect of modern healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Coal City. Telemedicine can improve access to care by reducing travel time and costs, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals for medication refills and communication would be considered to have a higher score. The level of integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow and its impact on patient outcomes would be assessed.

The relationship between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension care. This includes access to mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) who can provide counseling, medication management, and support for patients struggling with mental health issues. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their care model, either through on-site providers or referral networks, would be considered to have a higher score.

Creating a "Hypertension Score" requires a standardized methodology. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – would be assigned a weighted value based on its importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily due to its direct impact on access. Quality of care could be assessed through a combination of factors, including preventative care practices, patient education efforts, and the availability of specialist referrals. Telemedicine adoption could be scored based on the types of services offered and the extent of its integration into the practice. The presence and accessibility of mental health resources would also be factored in.

Once the data is collected and the scoring system is applied, each physician or practice within ZIP code 25823 would receive a score. This score would then be used to rank the physicians, providing a relative assessment of their ability to effectively manage hypertension. The ranking would not only highlight the best practices but also identify areas for improvement.

The final "Hypertension Score" ranking would be presented in a clear and concise format, potentially using a color-coded system to easily visualize the performance of each physician or practice. This could be accompanied by a brief summary of each practice's strengths and weaknesses, based on the assessment criteria. This information would be valuable for patients seeking primary care, as well as for healthcare providers looking to improve their services.

The analysis would also consider the broader context of healthcare in Coal City. This includes factors such as the socioeconomic status of the population, the prevalence of hypertension, and the availability of other healthcare resources, such as pharmacies and hospitals. These factors can influence the effectiveness of hypertension management efforts.

In conclusion, assessing the landscape of hypertension care in Coal City, WV (ZIP code 25823) requires a multifaceted approach. The "Hypertension Score" ranking, based on the factors discussed above, would provide a valuable tool for patients, physicians, and healthcare policymakers. It would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and provide a roadmap for improving hypertension management in this rural community. The availability of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all critical components of effective care.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Coal City and beyond, consider using CartoChrome maps. Explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access to care, and visualize the "Hypertension Score" rankings in a dynamic and interactive way.