26276, Kerens, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26276, Kerens, West Virginia is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.43 percent of the residents in 26276 has some form of health insurance. 33.80 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.14 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 26276 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 169 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26276. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 195 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 472 health care providers accessible to residents in 26276, Kerens, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Kerens, WV (ZIP Code 26276)

The health landscape of Kerens, West Virginia, a community nestled within the 26276 ZIP code, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities when considering hypertension management. This analysis aims to provide a granular understanding of the available resources, physician-to-patient ratios, and overall accessibility of care, culminating in a 'Hypertension Score' assessment. This score will consider various factors, including the availability of primary care physicians, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of supporting mental health services, all critical components in effective hypertension control.

Primary care availability in Kerens is a crucial factor. The physician-to-patient ratio, a key metric, provides insight into the potential burden on existing medical professionals. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised preventative care, all negatively impacting hypertension management. Analyzing publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the US Census Bureau is essential to calculate this ratio accurately. Furthermore, the geographic distribution of primary care practices within the 26276 ZIP code and its surrounding areas must be examined. Are practices clustered in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Accessibility, particularly for those with mobility limitations or lacking transportation, is a vital consideration.

Identifying standout practices within Kerens is also important. These practices may demonstrate exemplary hypertension management protocols, including regular blood pressure screenings, patient education programs, and adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines. Examining patient reviews, if available, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care. Are practices actively involved in community outreach programs to educate residents about hypertension risks and prevention strategies? Are they utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient progress and ensure continuity of care? These are crucial indicators of a practice's commitment to hypertension control.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve hypertension management in a rural setting like Kerens. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services among primary care practices in the area is crucial. Are physicians offering virtual consultations for medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and lifestyle counseling? Are they utilizing remote monitoring devices to track patient data and provide timely interventions? The integration of telemedicine can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and facilitate early intervention, ultimately leading to better hypertension control.

The crucial role of mental health resources in hypertension management cannot be overstated. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Assessing the availability of mental health services in Kerens is therefore a critical component of this analysis. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, available in the area? Are these services accessible and affordable for residents? Are primary care practices collaborating with mental health providers to provide integrated care? The presence of readily available mental health support can help patients manage stress, improve their overall well-being, and enhance their ability to adhere to hypertension treatment plans.

Beyond the direct provision of healthcare services, the availability of community resources also plays a significant role. Are there local pharmacies that provide medication counseling and blood pressure monitoring services? Are there community health programs that offer education and support for individuals with hypertension? The presence of these supportive resources can significantly improve patient outcomes and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to hypertension management.

To formulate a 'Hypertension Score' for Kerens (26276), we must assign weighted values to each of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio would carry a significant weight, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to care. The adoption of telemedicine would also be heavily weighted, recognizing its potential to overcome geographical barriers. The presence of mental health resources and community support programs would contribute to the overall score, reflecting the importance of holistic care. Standout practices, with their demonstrated commitment to hypertension management, would be recognized through positive scoring.

The final 'Hypertension Score' would be a composite value, reflecting the overall strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Kerens. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management, with greater access to care, the integration of technology, and a focus on holistic patient well-being. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health support.

Analyzing the health data for Kerens, WV, is a complex endeavor. The specific data points needed to calculate the 'Hypertension Score' must be gathered from various sources. Public health data, local health organizations, and potentially even patient surveys are all needed. This information, combined with the factors discussed, will create a more accurate picture of the health landscape.

The final assessment of Kerens’ healthcare environment is that it is a challenge. The rural nature of the community presents barriers to access to care. The physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health services will greatly impact the community's health.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Kerens and visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, telemedicine availability, and the accessibility of mental health services, allowing for a more informed assessment of the community's needs.