26241, Elkins, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26241, Elkins, West Virginia is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.29 percent of the residents in 26241 has some form of health insurance. 50.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.46 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 26241 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,599 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26241. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,183 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 517 health care providers accessible to residents in 26241, Elkins, West Virginia.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Elkins, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26241)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management capabilities and primary care accessibility within Elkins, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26241). The goal is to assess the landscape of healthcare resources, focusing on factors influencing hypertension control, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This analysis is designed to be a resource for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and qualified primary care physicians. In Elkins, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access. Precise data on the current ratio requires up-to-the-minute information from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau. However, generally, rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention. A low physician-to-patient ratio, where the number of patients per physician is high, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised hypertension management.

The presence of standout practices is a significant factor in the overall quality of hypertension care. Identifying these practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and patient monitoring, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiograms), and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to patient education, encouraging lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, are particularly valuable in managing hypertension.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly crucial, especially in rural settings where geographical barriers can limit access to care. Telemedicine can facilitate remote consultations, medication management, and remote patient monitoring. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow can offer greater convenience and continuity of care for patients with hypertension. This is particularly beneficial for patients who live far from medical facilities or have mobility limitations. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure readings and provide timely interventions can also improve outcomes.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, and untreated mental health conditions can hinder patients' ability to adhere to treatment plans. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, is therefore a critical component of a comprehensive hypertension care model. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or strong referral networks to external mental health providers, can improve patient outcomes.

Evaluating the availability of primary care in Elkins requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes assessing the number of primary care physicians, the types of practices (e.g., solo practices, group practices, community health centers), and the hours of operation. The presence of after-hours care options, such as urgent care clinics or on-call physicians, is also important. The geographic distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP code is also a factor, as patients in certain areas may have limited access due to distance or transportation challenges.

The quality of care provided by primary care physicians is a key indicator. This includes assessing their training and experience in managing hypertension, their adherence to clinical guidelines, and their communication skills. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided. The use of performance metrics, such as the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, can also help to evaluate the effectiveness of hypertension management efforts.

The integration of technology, beyond telemedicine, can also improve hypertension management. This includes the use of mobile health (mHealth) apps for patient education and self-monitoring, the use of automated blood pressure monitoring devices, and the implementation of patient portals for secure communication and access to medical records. Practices that embrace technology can improve patient engagement, streamline workflows, and improve outcomes.

The specific characteristics of each practice in Elkins should be evaluated. This involves examining their staffing levels, the types of services offered, and their patient demographics. Practices that serve a diverse patient population and have experience managing complex cases are particularly valuable. The availability of bilingual staff or interpreters is also important for serving patients from diverse backgrounds.

Community resources also play a role in hypertension management. This includes the availability of community health programs, such as free blood pressure screenings, health education classes, and support groups. Collaboration between primary care practices and community organizations can improve patient access to resources and support. The presence of pharmacies within the community is also important, as it provides patients with convenient access to medications.

The analysis should consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension management. This includes assessing the rates of poverty, unemployment, and lack of health insurance within the community. Patients from low-income backgrounds may face barriers to accessing care, such as transportation challenges, lack of insurance, and limited access to healthy food options. Practices that are sensitive to these challenges and provide support services, such as financial assistance or social work support, are particularly valuable.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the hypertension care landscape in Elkins. This information can be used to identify strengths and weaknesses, to inform healthcare planning, and to improve patient outcomes. By understanding the challenges and opportunities, the community can work together to create a healthier environment for all residents.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographical distribution of resources, consider exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer detailed visualizations of healthcare resources, enabling a more informed understanding of the landscape of hypertension management in Elkins and beyond.