26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia is 42 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.70 percent of the residents in 26170 has some form of health insurance. 38.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.64 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 26170 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,300 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26170. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,077 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 380 health care providers accessible to residents in 26170, Saint Marys, West Virginia.

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP code 26170, encompassing Saint Marys, West Virginia, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the quality of primary care available, focusing on factors impacting hypertension control, including physician availability, innovative practices, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a data-driven overview, highlighting strengths and areas needing improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) will be consulted to determine the number of primary care physicians serving the Saint Marys population. This ratio provides a baseline understanding of access to care. A low ratio, indicative of fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder proactive hypertension management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, which, ideally, translates to more frequent check-ups and earlier interventions.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is crucial. Are primary care practices clustered in specific areas, leaving others underserved? Are there any federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) within 26170? These factors influence equitable access to care. The analysis will consider the geographical distribution of practices and their capacity to serve the community.

Standout practices within Saint Marys will be identified based on their approach to hypertension management. This includes evaluating the use of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Practices demonstrating a commitment to these guidelines, through regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and medication management protocols, will be recognized.

The adoption of technology plays a significant role in modern healthcare. Telemedicine, in particular, has the potential to improve hypertension control by increasing patient access to care, especially for those in rural areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in Saint Marys utilize telemedicine for hypertension management. This includes the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices embracing telemedicine are likely to be better equipped to manage patients with hypertension effectively.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to control. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. The analysis will investigate the availability of on-site mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, within the practices. It will also explore whether practices have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community. Practices that address the mental health needs of their patients are more likely to achieve optimal hypertension control.

Furthermore, the analysis will examine the availability of patient education resources. Do practices provide patients with information about hypertension, its risk factors, and lifestyle modifications? Are there educational materials on topics such as healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress management? Practices that empower patients with knowledge are more likely to foster patient adherence to treatment plans and improve outcomes.

The quality of care also depends on the accessibility of specialty services. While primary care physicians are at the forefront of hypertension management, they may need to refer patients to specialists for complex cases or when further evaluation is needed. The analysis will consider the availability of cardiology services and other relevant specialties within Saint Marys or nearby communities. The ease with which patients can access these specialists can significantly impact their care.

Another crucial aspect is the involvement of pharmacists in hypertension management. Pharmacists can play a vital role in medication adherence, providing medication counseling, and monitoring for potential side effects. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with local pharmacies to optimize patient care. This includes assessing the availability of medication reconciliation services and the use of electronic prescribing systems.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community-based programs that support hypertension management. These programs may include free blood pressure screenings, health education workshops, and support groups. The availability of such resources can enhance the overall effectiveness of hypertension management efforts.

Finally, the analysis will assess the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) by primary care practices. EHRs can facilitate the tracking of patient data, the identification of patients at risk for hypertension, and the implementation of evidence-based protocols. Practices that effectively utilize EHRs are likely to provide more comprehensive and coordinated care.

In conclusion, the hypertension score for doctors in ZIP code 26170, encompassing Saint Marys, is a complex metric. It hinges on the interplay of physician availability, innovative practices, telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of patient education and support. While a precise numerical score is beyond the scope of this analysis, the evaluation framework provides a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension management within the community. Further investigation is needed to identify specific areas for improvement and to promote the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources in Saint Marys and the surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you explore physician locations, access to care, and other relevant data points.