25918, Shady Spring, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 25918, Shady Spring, West Virginia is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.46 percent of the residents in 25918 has some form of health insurance. 56.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.38 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 25918 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 923 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 25918. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 717 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 374 health care providers accessible to residents in 25918, Shady Spring, West Virginia.

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP Code 25918, encompassing Shady Spring, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the quality of primary care, considering factors like physician availability, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, all crucial for effective hypertension control. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and highlight areas for potential improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Shady Spring is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes, including inadequate hypertension management. Publicly available data, such as that from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), would provide the most accurate figures. However, a general understanding suggests that rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially resulting in a less favorable ratio compared to more urbanized regions.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP Code is also important. Are physicians concentrated in one area, or are they spread out to serve the broader community? This spatial analysis influences accessibility for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Furthermore, the types of physicians available matter. Are there enough family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the population?

Identifying standout practices in Shady Spring is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management. They may implement standardized protocols for blood pressure screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They could utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient progress, identify at-risk individuals, and facilitate communication between healthcare providers. They might also actively engage in patient education, empowering individuals to take control of their health through lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve hypertension management, particularly in rural areas. It reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, making it easier for patients to access care and adhere to treatment plans. Practices that offer telemedicine options demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive health management. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on reliable internet access, patient digital literacy, and the availability of necessary equipment.

The integration of mental health resources is particularly relevant to hypertension management. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure control. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or facilitate access to mental health services are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. This might involve on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or the use of telehealth for mental health consultations.

Assessing the availability of other resources is also important. Are there readily accessible pharmacies for medication refills? Are there local programs that support healthy eating and physical activity? Do practices provide educational materials about hypertension and its management? A holistic approach that considers the social determinants of health, such as access to healthy food and safe places to exercise, contributes to improved patient outcomes.

The specific practices within ZIP Code 25918 should be individually assessed. This would involve researching their websites, reviewing patient testimonials (while considering potential biases), and perhaps even contacting the practices directly to inquire about their services and protocols. Information regarding their accreditation status, participation in quality improvement programs, and patient satisfaction scores would also be valuable.

The success of hypertension management relies on a collaborative effort involving physicians, patients, and the community. Physicians need to be proactive in screening, diagnosing, and treating hypertension. Patients need to actively participate in their care, following their doctor's recommendations and making healthy lifestyle choices. The community needs to provide resources and support for healthy living.

While a comprehensive, granular analysis requires direct access to detailed healthcare data, the framework presented provides a roadmap for understanding the quality of hypertension management in Shady Spring. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of community support all contribute to the overall effectiveness of care. Identifying and highlighting standout practices can serve as a model for others to emulate.

Finally, the use of geographic information systems (GIS) can provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data. CartoChrome maps can be used to map physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant information, providing a clear picture of the healthcare landscape. This allows for identification of areas with limited access to care, and helps to understand the factors that contribute to health disparities.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shady Spring and visualize the factors affecting hypertension management, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping capabilities can help you visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and other vital data points.