26354, Grafton, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26354, Grafton, West Virginia is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.76 percent of the residents in 26354 has some form of health insurance. 48.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.46 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 26354 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,882 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26354. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,033 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,826 health care providers accessible to residents in 26354, Grafton, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Grafton, WV (ZIP Code 26354)

This analysis provides an in-depth look at the landscape of hypertension care within Grafton, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26354), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the adoption of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to assess the overall "Hypertension Score" for the region, considering factors that impact access to care, quality of treatment, and patient outcomes. This score is a composite measure, reflecting the ease with which residents can manage their hypertension effectively.

The foundation of good hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Grafton's primary care infrastructure is the initial point of evaluation. Data on the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code, coupled with the estimated population, allows for a calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per doctor, can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and a diminished ability for proactive preventative care. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests better access to timely screenings, diagnoses, and ongoing management of hypertension. Publicly available data from sources like the West Virginia Board of Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau are vital for this initial assessment.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs across the community is crucial. Are physicians concentrated in a single clinic or hospital system, or are they dispersed across various locations, making access more convenient for residents in different parts of Grafton? The geographic accessibility of primary care facilities directly influences the ability of patients to adhere to treatment plans and attend follow-up appointments. Factors such as public transportation availability and the presence of clinics in underserved areas must be considered.

The quality of care provided by local practices is another critical component of the Hypertension Score. This involves evaluating the extent to which practices adhere to established guidelines for hypertension management, such as those published by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. This includes assessing the availability of in-office blood pressure monitoring, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively engage in these practices are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Standout practices within Grafton should be identified. These are the clinics or individual physicians that demonstrate exemplary performance in hypertension care. This might involve a clinic with a dedicated hypertension management program, a physician who consistently achieves high rates of blood pressure control among their patients, or a practice that actively participates in quality improvement initiatives. Identifying these standout practices can provide insights into best practices that can be replicated across the community.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly relevant in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers patients the convenience of remote consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of blood pressure readings. This can be especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, those living in rural areas, or those who find it challenging to attend in-person appointments regularly. The extent to which Grafton's primary care practices utilize telemedicine services significantly impacts the overall Hypertension Score. Practices that embrace telemedicine are better positioned to provide accessible and convenient care.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and can hinder adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Grafton is an important factor. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, as well as the availability of mental health support groups and community-based programs. Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their hypertension management protocols are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology consultations and access to diagnostic testing (e.g., echocardiograms, stress tests), also plays a role. Timely access to these services is crucial for patients with complex hypertension or those who require further evaluation. The presence of a local hospital with cardiology services and the ease with which patients can access these services contribute to the overall Hypertension Score.

The presence of community resources, such as health education programs, support groups for patients with hypertension, and access to healthy food options, also influences the overall score. These resources empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition and can improve adherence to treatment plans. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations is essential to create a supportive environment for patients with hypertension.

The overall Hypertension Score for Grafton (ZIP Code 26354) is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated. This analysis provides a snapshot of the current situation, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. The score can be improved by addressing the identified shortcomings, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and expanding mental health resources.

The ultimate goal is to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Grafton by ensuring they have access to high-quality, comprehensive hypertension care. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the current landscape and identifying areas for improvement. The insights gained can inform the development of targeted interventions and initiatives designed to enhance the management of hypertension in the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Grafton, including the locations of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant facilities, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome. By visualizing the data, you can gain a deeper understanding of the accessibility of care and identify potential areas for improvement.