26164, Ravenswood, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26164, Ravenswood, West Virginia is 70 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.81 percent of the residents in 26164 has some form of health insurance. 49.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.28 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 26164 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,578 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26164. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,390 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 136 health care providers accessible to residents in 26164, Ravenswood, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Ravenswood, WV (ZIP Code 26164)

This analysis assesses the landscape of hypertension management within the Ravenswood, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26164) area, focusing on primary care physician availability, quality of care, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a “Hypertension Score” assessment, considering factors crucial for effective hypertension control and patient well-being. This score, though not a single number, is a composite evaluation based on the factors discussed below.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and quality primary care. Ravenswood, being a relatively small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas, particularly regarding physician-to-patient ratios. While precise numbers fluctuate, a healthy ratio generally hovers around 1:1500. A significantly higher ratio in Ravenswood would indicate a potential strain on existing primary care resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses or inadequate follow-up care. This impacts the "Hypertension Score" negatively.

The availability of primary care physicians is only one piece of the puzzle. The quality of care provided is equally important. This includes the expertise of the physicians, the availability of comprehensive diagnostic tools (like ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), and the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines. A practice demonstrating consistent use of these guidelines, coupled with a strong patient education program focused on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) and medication adherence, would contribute positively to the "Hypertension Score." A practice that actively monitors patient outcomes, tracks blood pressure control rates, and engages in continuous quality improvement initiatives would further elevate its score.

Standout practices in Ravenswood are those that differentiate themselves through innovative approaches and a commitment to patient-centered care. This could involve extended office hours to accommodate working individuals, offering same-day appointments for urgent needs, or establishing strong relationships with local specialists (cardiologists, nephrologists) for timely referrals. Practices that prioritize patient communication, utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to share information and coordinate care, would also earn higher marks. These practices contribute significantly to the "Hypertension Score" by creating a more accessible and supportive healthcare environment.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical element in modern healthcare, especially in rural areas where geographic barriers can limit access to care. Practices embracing telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education can significantly improve hypertension control rates. This reduces the need for frequent in-person visits, making care more convenient for patients and freeing up valuable time for physicians to focus on complex cases. A practice actively utilizing telemedicine would receive a substantial boost to its "Hypertension Score." Conversely, practices that are slow to adopt telemedicine, limiting patient access, would see a lower score.

Hypertension often co-exists with mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, which can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the Ravenswood healthcare ecosystem is crucial. This includes access to mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) who can provide counseling, therapy, and medication management. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, either directly or through strong referral networks, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care and contribute positively to the "Hypertension Score." A lack of accessible mental health support would negatively impact the score, highlighting a critical area for improvement.

The "Hypertension Score" for Ravenswood, WV (ZIP Code 26164) is, therefore, a complex assessment. It is not a simple numerical value but a composite of various factors. The ideal scenario involves a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, indicating sufficient access to primary care. It includes practices that prioritize evidence-based treatment guidelines, patient education, and continuous quality improvement. Telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health services, and innovative approaches to patient care further enhance the score. Conversely, a shortage of primary care physicians, limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine integration, and inadequate mental health resources would negatively impact the score.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" reflects the overall health of the community's approach to hypertension management. It highlights areas of strength and weakness, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers. By understanding these factors, the community can work collaboratively to improve hypertension control rates and enhance the overall health and well-being of the residents of Ravenswood.

To visualize the distribution of these factors, including physician locations, specialist availability, and the presence of mental health resources within the Ravenswood area, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. This platform allows for a comprehensive geographic analysis, helping to identify areas with limited access to care and highlighting opportunities for improvement. Explore the interactive maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ravenswood and how it impacts hypertension management.