26267, Ellamore, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26267, Ellamore, West Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.16 percent of the residents in 26267 has some form of health insurance. 29.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.62 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 26267 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 368 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26267. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 26 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 554 health care providers accessible to residents in 26267, Ellamore, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Ellamore, WV (ZIP Code 26267)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 26267, encompassing the Ellamore, West Virginia area, reveals a complex interplay of factors impacting hypertension management. A comprehensive "Hypertension Score" analysis, evaluating the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, paints a picture of both strengths and weaknesses in this rural setting. The ultimate goal is to understand the resources available to manage this prevalent condition and identify areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. In Ellamore, primary care availability is a critical consideration. The geographical isolation characteristic of many rural communities presents a significant hurdle. The number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas is a crucial metric. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in timely access to appointments, regular check-ups, and ongoing monitoring, all vital for controlling hypertension. This ratio needs to be compared to both state and national averages to understand the relative position of Ellamore.

Assessing the quality of care requires examining the practices of the available primary care providers. This involves looking beyond just the number of doctors. Are practices accepting new patients? What are the average wait times for appointments? Do they offer extended hours or weekend availability? These practical considerations directly impact patient adherence to treatment plans. Further, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those provided by the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology, is a key indicator. Are physicians routinely screening patients for hypertension, providing lifestyle counseling, and prescribing appropriate medications when necessary?

Standout practices within the Ellamore area deserve specific recognition. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, proactive hypertension management, and innovative approaches to patient engagement is essential. This might include practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient progress, offer patient portals for communication and information sharing, or implement population health management strategies to identify and support at-risk individuals. These practices serve as models for others to emulate, driving improvements across the community.

Telemedicine adoption presents a potentially transformative opportunity for hypertension management in Ellamore. Given the geographical constraints, telemedicine can bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers. Remote monitoring of blood pressure, virtual consultations, and medication management via telehealth platforms can improve access to care and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans. The analysis needs to determine the extent to which local primary care practices have embraced telemedicine. Are they offering virtual appointments? Do they have the infrastructure and technical support to facilitate remote monitoring? The availability of reliable internet access within the community is also a crucial factor.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of the Hypertension Score analysis. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the community or easily accessible through referral networks is essential. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as co-located behavioral health specialists, can further improve patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the availability of support services for hypertension patients. This includes access to registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and other healthcare professionals who can provide specialized guidance on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, which are crucial for managing hypertension. The presence of community resources, such as support groups or educational programs, can also empower patients to take an active role in their health management.

The economic factors in Ellamore must be considered. The affordability of healthcare, including the cost of medications and insurance coverage, is a major barrier to accessing care for many individuals. The analysis needs to consider the prevalence of uninsured or underinsured individuals within the community and the availability of financial assistance programs to help patients afford the care they need. The impact of social determinants of health, such as poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to transportation, must also be taken into account.

The overall Hypertension Score for Ellamore, WV (ZIP code 26267) will be determined by a weighted combination of all these factors. A higher score indicates a stronger healthcare infrastructure and better resources for managing hypertension. A lower score highlights areas that require attention and investment. The ultimate goal is to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify opportunities for improvement.

Understanding the specific strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Ellamore is only the first step. The next step is to visualize this data geographically. To gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and population demographics, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allows for a detailed, visual representation of the data, facilitating the identification of areas with limited access to care and highlighting opportunities for targeted interventions. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and improve healthcare outcomes in Ellamore.