26055, Proctor, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26055, Proctor, West Virginia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.11 percent of the residents in 26055 has some form of health insurance. 55.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.16 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 26055 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 191 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26055. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 266 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 440 health care providers accessible to residents in 26055, Proctor, West Virginia.

The analysis below provides an assessment of hypertension management capabilities within ZIP code 26055, focusing on primary care availability in Proctor, West Virginia. This evaluation considers factors crucial for effective hypertension control, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support.

Proctor, West Virginia, situated within the 26055 ZIP code, is a rural community. Its healthcare landscape is significantly influenced by the availability of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to appointment delays, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer outcomes for individuals managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access to care, enabling more proactive management strategies. Accurate data on this ratio requires up-to-date information from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau.

Standout practices within the 26055 area, if any, would be those demonstrating exemplary hypertension management. This would involve consistent adherence to evidence-based guidelines, such as those provided by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Key indicators of excellence include: a high percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, utilization of medication titration protocols, regular patient education sessions, and a proactive approach to identifying and managing comorbidities like diabetes and kidney disease, which often accompany hypertension. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), would also be considered strong contenders.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of hypertension management, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote blood pressure monitoring, are better positioned to serve patients effectively. The success of telemedicine adoption depends on factors like reliable internet connectivity, patient digital literacy, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing electronic health record (EHR) systems.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a vital component of comprehensive hypertension care. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established strong referral networks with mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can lead to improved patient outcomes and enhanced quality of life.

A detailed assessment of hypertension management in the 26055 ZIP code would require a comprehensive data gathering process. This involves identifying all primary care practices within the area, gathering information on their physician staffing levels, and assessing their patient populations. Further, it requires investigating the practices' adherence to hypertension guidelines, their telemedicine capabilities, and their access to mental health resources. This information would then be synthesized to create a hypertension score for each practice.

The scoring system would consider the following factors: physician-to-patient ratio, the practice's adherence to hypertension guidelines (e.g., percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, use of guideline-recommended medications), the availability of telemedicine services, and the presence of mental health support. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in hypertension management. The weighted scores would then be combined to generate an overall hypertension score for each practice.

The final analysis would provide a ranking of the practices within the 26055 ZIP code based on their hypertension scores. This ranking would highlight the practices that are excelling in hypertension management and identify areas for improvement for other practices. This information can be valuable for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients can use the ranking to make informed decisions about their healthcare, while providers can use it to benchmark their performance and identify opportunities to improve their services.

This analysis is intended to provide a general overview. A more detailed and accurate assessment would necessitate a thorough data collection effort. Data sources would include practice websites, insurance provider directories, and public health records. Patient surveys and interviews could also provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

In conclusion, effective hypertension management in Proctor, West Virginia, requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves ensuring adequate access to primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of evidence-based practices, leveraging telemedicine technologies, and integrating mental health support. The availability of these resources directly impacts the health outcomes of the community. Understanding the current state of hypertension care is the first step towards improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in the 26055 ZIP code, including the locations of primary care practices and the availability of resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. Explore the possibilities and gain a geographical perspective on the healthcare resources available in Proctor and the surrounding areas.