26146, Friendly, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26146, Friendly, West Virginia is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.36 percent of the residents in 26146 has some form of health insurance. 53.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.87 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 26146 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 96 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26146. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 308 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 378 health care providers accessible to residents in 26146, Friendly, West Virginia.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 26146 and Primary Care in Friendly, WV**

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP code 26146, encompassing the community of Friendly, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided, and the resources available to patients. This analysis will explore these factors, providing a nuanced understanding of the local landscape and identifying areas for potential improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio can lead to longer wait times, reduced access to care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for conditions like hypertension. Precise data on the physician-to-patient ratio in Friendly is essential. Information from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau would be invaluable in determining the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and the population they serve. A ratio below the national average, or even the state average, would raise concerns and indicate a potential shortage of primary care resources.

Assessing the quality of care involves examining several aspects. This includes the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Are local physicians adhering to these guidelines, ensuring patients receive appropriate screenings, lifestyle recommendations, and medication management? Information on the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also crucial. EHRs facilitate better communication between providers, improve care coordination, and allow for more efficient monitoring of patient progress.

Identifying standout practices within the community is important. These practices may demonstrate excellence in hypertension management through various means. For example, they might have a high percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, implement patient education programs, or utilize innovative approaches to care delivery. Researching the practices' patient satisfaction scores, their commitment to preventative care, and their participation in quality improvement initiatives would help identify those excelling in hypertension management.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers several benefits, especially in rural areas like Friendly. It can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens for patients, and facilitate remote monitoring of blood pressure and other vital signs. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services for hypertension management within the ZIP code is crucial. Are local physicians offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals? Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to be better positioned to provide timely and convenient care.

Mental health resources are also an important consideration. Hypertension and mental health are often intertwined. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and effective management of hypertension often requires addressing these underlying mental health issues. Determining the availability of mental health services within the community is therefore essential. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists available to provide care? Are these services accessible and affordable for patients? Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is vital for holistic patient care.

The availability of support groups, patient education materials, and community resources also needs to be evaluated. Patient education plays a vital role in hypertension management. Patients need to understand their condition, the importance of lifestyle modifications, and the proper use of medications. Are there local support groups where patients can share experiences and receive encouragement? Are educational materials readily available in various formats, including online resources, pamphlets, and in-person classes?

Furthermore, the presence of community health initiatives, such as free blood pressure screenings, health fairs, and wellness programs, can significantly impact hypertension management. These initiatives can raise awareness about the condition, promote early detection, and encourage healthy lifestyle choices.

Data on prescription rates for hypertension medications is also important. Analyzing the types of medications prescribed, the adherence rates, and the cost of medications can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of treatment strategies. This information can be obtained from pharmacy databases or through collaborations with local pharmacies.

The socioeconomic factors of the community also play a role. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and limited transportation options can all negatively impact hypertension management. Assessing the socioeconomic profile of the population within ZIP code 26146 is therefore essential. Are there programs in place to address these social determinants of health and support patients in managing their condition?

Evaluating the local infrastructure is another consideration. The availability of pharmacies, grocery stores, and fitness facilities can impact patient access to medications, healthy food options, and opportunities for physical activity.

The overall assessment requires a comprehensive data gathering and analysis. This would involve collecting information from various sources, including healthcare providers, local government agencies, community organizations, and patient surveys. The data would then be analyzed to create a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 26146, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

This score would be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. It would help identify areas where improvements are needed, guide resource allocation, and inform the development of targeted interventions. It would also provide a benchmark for measuring progress over time.

This analysis underscores the complexity of hypertension management within a specific community. A holistic approach, considering physician availability, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and socioeconomic factors, is necessary to create a truly effective plan.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Friendly, WV, including the distribution of primary care physicians, the location of pharmacies, and the availability of community resources, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable visual perspective, offering a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.