26291, Slatyfork, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26291, Slatyfork, West Virginia is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.49 percent of the residents in 26291 has some form of health insurance. 27.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.24 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 26291 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26291. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 27 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 52 health care providers accessible to residents in 26291, Slatyfork, West Virginia.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management capabilities within the confines of ZIP code 26291, encompassing the community of Slatyfork, West Virginia. This assessment will evaluate the available medical resources, specifically primary care physicians, and their capacity to address the prevalent health concern of hypertension. The goal is to provide a realistic overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas for improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental metric. In a rural area like Slatyfork, the availability of primary care physicians is often limited. The national average, or even the state average, might not accurately reflect the reality on the ground. A thorough investigation would need to identify the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code, or those readily accessible to residents, and compare that number to the estimated population. A low ratio would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions like hypertension. Further, the specialist-to-population ratio for cardiology and nephrology, crucial for managing advanced hypertension cases, would be equally important.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This includes not only diagnosing and prescribing medication but also providing patient education, lifestyle counseling, and regular follow-up care. Identifying such practices requires examining several factors. Are they accepting new patients? Do they have a dedicated staff trained in hypertension management? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to improve accessibility? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate efficient data management and communication? Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on hypertension control, would also be considered high-performing. The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within a practice would be a significant advantage, as these professionals can play a vital role in helping patients manage their blood pressure through lifestyle modifications.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly crucial, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can impede access to care. The availability of telehealth services, such as virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, can significantly improve hypertension management. Practices that offer telehealth options can provide more convenient access to care, particularly for routine follow-up appointments and medication adjustments. Furthermore, telehealth can facilitate communication between patients and their healthcare providers, enabling more frequent monitoring of blood pressure and early intervention when necessary. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine requires determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring), and the patient population utilizing these services.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked, but critical, component of hypertension management. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within the community is crucial. This involves identifying mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, who are accepting new patients and are accessible to residents of Slatyfork. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices, where mental health professionals work alongside primary care physicians, can improve coordination of care and make it easier for patients to access mental health support. Additionally, community-based resources, such as support groups or mental health clinics, contribute to a more comprehensive approach to patient well-being.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' for doctors in ZIP code 26291 would be a composite of these factors. A low physician-to-patient ratio, limited access to specialists, and a lack of telemedicine adoption would negatively impact the score. Conversely, the presence of standout practices with comprehensive hypertension management programs, robust telemedicine capabilities, and readily available mental health resources would improve the score. The score would be a relative measure, comparing the healthcare landscape in Slatyfork to benchmarks, such as national averages or the healthcare environments of similar rural communities.

Data collection is the foundation of a sound analysis. Gathering information on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources requires a multi-pronged approach. This includes reviewing online directories, contacting local healthcare providers directly, and examining publicly available data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources. Patient surveys and community outreach efforts could also provide valuable insights into patient experiences and unmet needs.

The assessment of hypertension management capabilities in Slatyfork highlights the unique challenges faced by rural communities. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach. Increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources are all critical steps. Furthermore, promoting patient education and self-management strategies is essential for empowering individuals to take control of their health. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is vital to create a sustainable healthcare system that effectively addresses the needs of the community.

The data gathered and analyzed in this report can be visualized and explored using powerful mapping tools. To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Slatyfork and visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you identify areas with limited access to care, visualize physician-to-patient ratios, and understand the geographic distribution of mental health resources. Explore the possibilities and gain a visual perspective on the healthcare environment by visiting CartoChrome maps today.