26269, Hambleton, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26269, Hambleton, West Virginia is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.11 percent of the residents in 26269 has some form of health insurance. 52.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.21 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 26269 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 103 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26269. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 348 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 94 health care providers accessible to residents in 26269, Hambleton, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26269 and Primary Care Availability in Hambleton

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 26269, encompassing the town of Hambleton, West Virginia, with a particular emphasis on hypertension management and primary care accessibility. The goal is to provide a ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis, evaluating the availability and quality of care for individuals managing or at risk of hypertension within this community.

The foundation of a robust hypertension management program lies in the availability of primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. In Hambleton and the surrounding areas within 26269, this ratio likely presents a significant challenge. Rural areas often face shortages of primary care doctors, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, including regular blood pressure screenings and management. This scarcity directly impacts the Hypertension Score, potentially lowering it due to limited access to essential medical services.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ considers not only the number of physicians but also their capacity to manage hypertension effectively. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment. Practices that consistently follow guidelines, including recommending lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and prescribing appropriate medications when necessary, would contribute positively to the score. Conversely, practices with less emphasis on these aspects would negatively impact the score.

Standout practices, those demonstrating a commitment to superior hypertension management, could significantly influence the overall score. These practices might implement proactive strategies such as patient education programs, regular blood pressure monitoring in the office, and the use of electronic health records to track patient progress and ensure consistent care. They might also participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on hypertension control. Identifying and highlighting these practices is crucial for improving community health.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing the ‘Hypertension Score’. In a rural setting like Hambleton, telemedicine offers a potential solution to address the challenges of physician shortages and geographical barriers. Practices that utilize telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The degree of telemedicine integration, including the types of services offered and the ease of use for patients, would significantly impact the score.

The presence and integration of mental health resources also play a vital role in hypertension management. Hypertension and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are often comorbid. Effective management of hypertension requires addressing any underlying mental health issues. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house providers or referrals to external mental health professionals, would contribute positively to the ‘Hypertension Score’. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing both their physical and mental well-being.

Specific examples of practices within ZIP code 26269 and their approaches to hypertension management would be essential for a comprehensive analysis. This would involve gathering information on the number of primary care physicians in the area, the average wait times for appointments, the types of services offered, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, and local hospital systems would be valuable in this data collection process.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ should also incorporate patient-reported outcomes. Gathering feedback from patients regarding their experiences with hypertension management, including their satisfaction with their care, their understanding of their condition, and their adherence to treatment plans, would provide valuable insights. Patient satisfaction surveys and focus groups could be used to collect this data. This patient-centered approach would ensure that the score reflects the real-world experiences of individuals living with hypertension in Hambleton.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that can influence hypertension prevalence and management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food options, and limited opportunities for physical activity can all contribute to poor hypertension control. The ‘Hypertension Score’ should account for these factors by analyzing the demographic characteristics of the population within 26269 and identifying any disparities in access to care or health outcomes.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ is not a static number. It should be a dynamic measure that is regularly updated and refined. The score should be based on a comprehensive set of metrics, including physician-to-patient ratios, adherence to clinical guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, patient-reported outcomes, and socioeconomic factors. By regularly monitoring and analyzing these factors, healthcare providers and policymakers can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to enhance hypertension management within the community.

The creation of a ‘Hypertension Score’ for 26269 requires a detailed, data-driven approach. The availability of primary care, the quality of care provided by existing practices, and the integration of innovative healthcare delivery models like telemedicine are all critical components. A comprehensive analysis should identify areas of strength and weakness and suggest actionable strategies to improve hypertension management and overall community health.

To visualize the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, and to analyze the spatial relationships between these resources and the population, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, making it easier to identify areas with limited access to care and to develop targeted interventions.