26175, Sistersville, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26175, Sistersville, West Virginia is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.68 percent of the residents in 26175 has some form of health insurance. 53.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.01 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 26175 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 798 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26175. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 688 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 318 health care providers accessible to residents in 26175, Sistersville, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Sistersville, WV (ZIP Code 26175)

Sistersville, West Virginia, nestled along the Ohio River, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Evaluating the availability and quality of primary care, particularly concerning hypertension management, requires a nuanced approach. This analysis will provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment for primary care physicians within the 26175 ZIP code, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, all crucial components in effective hypertension control.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a single, numerical value but rather a composite assessment based on several weighted factors. The weight assigned to each factor reflects its relative importance in contributing to positive patient outcomes in hypertension management. This analysis aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the primary care environment in Sistersville, ultimately informing residents and healthcare providers alike.

One of the most critical factors is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain resources and potentially limit access to timely appointments and consistent care. Analyzing this ratio requires data from sources such as the West Virginia Board of Medicine and publicly available census data. The analysis would consider the total number of primary care physicians practicing within the 26175 ZIP code and compare it to the population of Sistersville. A low physician-to-patient ratio would negatively impact the "Hypertension Score," while a favorable ratio would improve it.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are crucial. Are practices accepting new patients? Are they offering extended hours or weekend appointments? These factors significantly impact patient access and adherence to treatment plans. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient accessibility, such as offering same-day appointments for urgent needs or providing after-hours care, would receive higher scores. The presence of a dedicated chronic disease management program, specifically tailored to hypertension, would be a significant positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital communication, offers a powerful tool for hypertension management, especially in rural areas where geographic barriers to care exist. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and patient education would receive a higher "Hypertension Score." Conversely, practices with limited or no telemedicine capabilities would see their scores negatively affected. The type of telemedicine platform used and the frequency of its utilization would also be considered.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is undeniable, particularly in the context of hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. The availability of mental health resources within or in close proximity to primary care practices is therefore a critical factor. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, would receive a higher "Hypertension Score." This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. The integration of mental health screening into routine primary care visits would also be considered a positive indicator.

Identifying standout practices within the 26175 ZIP code requires in-depth investigation. This involves analyzing patient reviews, assessing the qualifications and experience of the physicians, and evaluating the overall quality of care provided. Practices with a proven track record of successfully managing hypertension, as evidenced by patient outcomes and adherence to clinical guidelines, would be recognized as high-performing. These practices might also be actively involved in community outreach programs related to hypertension awareness and prevention. The analysis would consider factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the use of evidence-based treatment protocols, and the availability of patient education materials.

The "Hypertension Score" analysis also considers the availability of ancillary services, such as on-site pharmacies, laboratory services, and diagnostic imaging. Convenient access to these services can streamline the care process and improve patient adherence to treatment plans. Practices offering these services would receive a higher score. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability with other healthcare providers would also be a positive factor, facilitating seamless information sharing and care coordination.

The analysis would also consider the demographics of the patient population in Sistersville. Understanding the prevalence of hypertension and other risk factors within the community is crucial for tailoring healthcare services to meet specific needs. This would involve analyzing data on age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle factors. Practices that demonstrate an understanding of these demographic factors and tailor their services accordingly would receive a higher score.

The "Hypertension Score" for each primary care practice would be derived from a weighted average of these factors. The final score would reflect the overall quality of care provided, the accessibility of services, and the practice's commitment to patient-centered care. This score would then be used to rank the primary care practices within the 26175 ZIP code, providing a valuable resource for residents seeking quality hypertension management. The analysis would be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and to ensure the accuracy of the information.

The results of this analysis would provide valuable insights for residents of Sistersville, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. It would also provide valuable feedback to primary care physicians, highlighting areas of strength and opportunities for improvement. This information could be used to improve the quality of hypertension management in the community, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for all residents.

For a visual representation of this data, including geographic mapping of primary care practices, physician-to-patient ratios, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you understand the healthcare landscape in Sistersville and beyond.