26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 45.71 percent of the residents in 26273 has some form of health insurance. 20.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.00 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 26273 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 304 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26273. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 129 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 351 health care providers accessible to residents in 26273, Huttonsville, West Virginia.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management within ZIP Code 26273, specifically Huttonsville, West Virginia, evaluating primary care availability and identifying key factors influencing patient outcomes. A comprehensive "Hypertension Score" would be a complex metric, incorporating various elements. This analysis attempts to simulate such a score, considering available data and highlighting crucial aspects.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Huttonsville, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of patient outcomes. Physician-to-patient ratios are a primary indicator of access. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Analyzing publicly available data, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) data, can help ascertain the current physician-to-patient ratio within the ZIP code. This data would provide a baseline understanding of access.

Standout practices are those demonstrating excellence in hypertension care. These practices often exhibit several characteristics. First, they have a robust system for regular blood pressure monitoring, both in-office and potentially at-home monitoring programs. Second, they utilize evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, including the latest recommendations from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Third, they have a strong focus on patient education, empowering patients to understand their condition, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence. Fourth, they have a multidisciplinary approach, potentially involving nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists in the care team. Identifying these practices involves reviewing patient reviews, examining practice websites, and potentially contacting local healthcare organizations for recommendations.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access, especially in rural areas like Huttonsville, where geographic barriers can limit access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management services. This can be particularly beneficial for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments or who need more frequent monitoring. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining practice websites, inquiring about telehealth services, and reviewing patient feedback on virtual care experiences.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models are better positioned to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integration might involve providing on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, or implementing screening tools for mental health conditions. Evaluating mental health resource integration involves examining practice websites, reviewing patient feedback, and contacting practices to inquire about their mental health services.

The "Hypertension Score" for each practice would be a composite of these factors. A practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, excellent blood pressure monitoring systems, robust patient education programs, and integrated mental health services would likely receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and no apparent mental health resources would likely receive a lower score.

For the Huttonsville area, the analysis would attempt to identify the practices that excel in these areas. The analysis would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each practice, providing a comparative overview of hypertension care availability. The identification of standout practices could involve a combination of data analysis, patient feedback, and expert opinions.

The analysis would also consider the overall healthcare landscape in Huttonsville. This includes the presence of hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare providers. The availability of these resources can influence the quality of care and the patient experience.

The analysis would provide recommendations for improving hypertension management in Huttonsville. These recommendations might include strategies for increasing physician availability, promoting telemedicine adoption, and integrating mental health services into primary care.

The analysis would also acknowledge the limitations of the available data. Publicly available data might not always provide a complete picture of the healthcare landscape. Patient feedback can be subjective. Expert opinions can vary. However, by combining these sources of information, the analysis would provide a valuable overview of hypertension management in Huttonsville.

The "Hypertension Score" analysis should not be interpreted as a definitive ranking. It is intended to be a starting point for understanding the complexities of hypertension management in Huttonsville. The analysis should be updated regularly as new data becomes available and healthcare practices evolve.

The findings of this analysis could be used to inform patient decision-making, healthcare provider strategies, and public health initiatives. Patients can use the information to select a primary care physician who is well-equipped to manage their hypertension. Healthcare providers can use the information to identify areas for improvement and to benchmark their performance against other practices. Public health officials can use the information to develop targeted interventions to improve hypertension control in Huttonsville.

To visualize the data and gain a spatial understanding of healthcare access and resources in Huttonsville, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the hypertension landscape.