26150, Mineral Wells, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26150, Mineral Wells, West Virginia is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.28 percent of the residents in 26150 has some form of health insurance. 39.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.89 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 26150 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,679 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26150. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 959 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,278 health care providers accessible to residents in 26150, Mineral Wells, West Virginia.

The following analysis assesses hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 26150, encompassing Mineral Wells, West Virginia, focusing on primary care availability and related factors. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the local healthcare landscape.

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is readily accessible primary care. In Mineral Wells, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, consistent monitoring, and appropriate treatment plans. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to appointment delays, reduced patient-physician interaction time, and potential gaps in care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved outcomes. The current physician-to-patient ratio in 26150 needs to be determined through research. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with population figures from the U.S. Census Bureau, are essential for accurate calculation.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP Code is crucial. Are practices clustered in specific areas, creating "healthcare deserts" for some residents? Geographic accessibility, including transportation options, significantly influences a patient's ability to attend appointments and adhere to treatment regimens. A comprehensive analysis should consider the location of practices, public transportation routes, and the demographics of the population served.

Standout practices in Mineral Wells, if any, likely demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This includes employing evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, incorporating patient education, and utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate data tracking and care coordination. Practices with dedicated hypertension clinics or specialized nurses focused on patient education and support would likely score higher. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the National Committee for Quality Assurance, are likely to be better positioned to provide superior care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element of the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages in hypertension management, including remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies can potentially reach a wider patient population, improve medication adherence, and provide more frequent monitoring, particularly for patients with uncontrolled hypertension or those living in remote areas. The extent of telemedicine adoption, including the types of services offered and the platforms used, is a key factor in the overall score.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. The availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is therefore essential. Practices that integrate behavioral health specialists or have strong referral networks to mental health providers are better equipped to address the complex needs of patients with hypertension. The presence of these resources can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of care.

The integration of these factors – physician-to-patient ratio, geographic accessibility, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – creates a multi-faceted 'Hypertension Score'. A high score suggests a robust healthcare infrastructure capable of providing effective hypertension management, while a low score indicates areas needing improvement.

To further evaluate the effectiveness of hypertension management, data on patient outcomes is essential. This includes metrics such as blood pressure control rates, medication adherence rates, and the incidence of cardiovascular events (e.g., heart attacks, strokes). Obtaining this data, however, can be challenging due to privacy regulations and data availability limitations.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors influencing hypertension management in Mineral Wells. Factors such as income levels, access to healthy food, and health literacy can significantly impact a patient's ability to manage their condition. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for achieving equitable outcomes.

The 'Hypertension Score' should be a dynamic assessment, regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This includes tracking the addition of new practices, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolution of treatment guidelines. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential for identifying areas of strength and weakness and for driving improvements in the quality of care.

To improve the 'Hypertension Score' for Mineral Wells, several strategies can be implemented. These include recruiting more PCPs to address physician shortages, expanding telemedicine capabilities to increase access to care, and strengthening collaborations between primary care practices and mental health providers. Furthermore, promoting patient education and self-management strategies can empower individuals to take a more active role in their health.

The analysis of hypertension management in Mineral Wells, WV, provides a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape. The 'Hypertension Score' is a tool for identifying areas of strength and weakness, and for informing efforts to improve the quality of care for residents with hypertension. It is a starting point for a more detailed and data-driven assessment of the healthcare system.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources and patient outcomes, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a visual representation of the 'Hypertension Score' and related data, allowing for a more intuitive and insightful analysis.