26134, Belmont, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26134, Belmont, West Virginia is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.14 percent of the residents in 26134 has some form of health insurance. 45.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.67 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 26134 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26134. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 158 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,278 health care providers accessible to residents in 26134, Belmont, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26134 & Primary Care in Belmont

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 26134, focusing on the availability of primary care in Belmont, West Virginia, and assessing the resources available to address this prevalent health concern. We aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem, ultimately informing residents and healthcare providers alike.

The prevalence of hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant public health issue nationwide. Effective management hinges on several factors, including access to primary care physicians, the utilization of evidence-based treatment protocols, patient adherence to medication and lifestyle modifications, and the availability of supportive resources. This analysis considers these elements to arrive at a composite "Hypertension Score" for the area.

The foundation of hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Belmont, within the ZIP Code 26134, needs to be evaluated for the density of primary care physicians relative to the population. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially compromised management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and improved patient outcomes. We need to investigate the actual figures for this area.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and characteristics of primary care practices are crucial. Are there standout practices in Belmont that are known for their commitment to hypertension management? Do they consistently adhere to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology? Do they employ advanced technologies, such as electronic health records with integrated hypertension management protocols, to streamline patient care? This would include automated reminders for medication refills and blood pressure monitoring. Investigating these practices will help to identify best practices and areas for improvement.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Belmont. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely consult with their physicians, monitor their blood pressure at home, and receive personalized guidance. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 26134 is a key factor in the Hypertension Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience, improved access to care, and potentially better blood pressure control. We would need to assess the level of telemedicine implementation, the types of services offered, and patient satisfaction with these services.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources in Belmont is an essential component of the overall Hypertension Score. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their hypertension management programs are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. This integration can include screening for mental health conditions, referrals to mental health professionals, and collaborative care models.

Furthermore, the availability of resources that support lifestyle modifications is important. These include access to registered dietitians, exercise programs, and smoking cessation support. Practices that provide these resources, or that actively refer patients to them, demonstrate a holistic approach to hypertension management. This holistic approach is critical for long-term success.

Specific data points are needed to calculate a definitive Hypertension Score. This would involve gathering information from various sources, including local hospitals, primary care practices, health insurance providers, and public health agencies. This data would include physician-to-patient ratios, the number of practices offering telemedicine, the availability of mental health services, and the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols.

The analysis of these factors will help determine a comprehensive Hypertension Score. This score can then be used to identify areas of strength and weakness within the local healthcare system. The score will also highlight areas where targeted interventions can improve hypertension management and patient outcomes.

For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, efforts could be made to recruit more primary care physicians to the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, initiatives could be implemented to encourage its use. If mental health resources are scarce, efforts could be made to increase their availability.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthier community. This analysis is a step towards that goal, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management within ZIP Code 26134. The data gathered and the resulting score will be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents alike.

This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the complexities of hypertension management in Belmont. A deeper dive into the specifics of each practice, the availability of resources, and the patient experience is needed to fully assess the effectiveness of the local healthcare system. This will allow us to make informed decisions that improve the health and well-being of the community.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics related to hypertension management in Belmont and surrounding areas, we invite you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for analyzing spatial data, identifying trends, and making data-driven decisions to improve healthcare access and outcomes.