26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.44 percent of the residents in 26385 has some form of health insurance. 39.75 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.47 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 26385 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 681 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26385. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 696 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 465 health care providers accessible to residents in 26385, Lost Creek, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lost Creek, WV (ZIP Code 26385)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within the Lost Creek, West Virginia (ZIP code 26385) area requires a multi-faceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided, and the resources available to manage and mitigate the effects of hypertension. This analysis will provide a 'Hypertension Score' assessment, considering key factors that influence patient outcomes.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in access to primary care physicians. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio generally suggests better access to care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 26385 requires data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine and local healthcare providers. However, anecdotal evidence suggests that rural areas often face physician shortages, potentially impacting the hypertension score negatively.

Beyond the raw numbers, the type of primary care available is important. Does the area have a good mix of family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric specialists? Are there specialized clinics or programs focused on chronic disease management, including hypertension? The presence of such specialized resources would significantly boost the hypertension score.

Standout practices within the area deserve recognition. Are there any primary care clinics that have implemented innovative approaches to hypertension management? This could include:

* **Proactive Screening Programs:** Practices actively identifying and screening at-risk patients.
* **Patient Education Initiatives:** Providing comprehensive education on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques.
* **Care Coordination:** Facilitating communication between primary care physicians, specialists (like cardiologists and nephrologists), and other healthcare providers.
* **Use of Technology:** Utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, generate reminders, and facilitate communication.
* **Data-Driven Outcomes:** Regularly monitoring and analyzing patient outcomes to identify areas for improvement.

These practices would contribute significantly to a higher hypertension score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers can be significant. It can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine would score higher, demonstrating a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine also depends on patient access to technology and reliable internet connectivity, which may be a challenge in some areas of West Virginia.

Mental health resources play a vital role in hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, is crucial. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals are embedded within primary care practices, can improve access and coordination of care. The presence of these resources would positively impact the hypertension score.

Medication adherence is a cornerstone of hypertension control. Are there programs to assist patients in understanding and taking their medications correctly? This could include medication reconciliation services, pharmacy support, and patient education materials. Practices that actively address medication adherence would receive a higher score.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' for Lost Creek (26385) would be derived by weighting these factors. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might contribute 20%, the presence of specialized clinics 15%, telemedicine adoption 15%, mental health resources 20%, standout practices 20%, and medication adherence programs 10%. Each factor would be scored individually, and the weighted average would determine the final score. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management.

To improve the hypertension score, the community could focus on several key areas:

* **Recruiting and Retaining Physicians:** Implementing initiatives to attract and retain primary care physicians, especially in rural areas.
* **Expanding Telemedicine Services:** Increasing access to telemedicine consultations and remote monitoring programs.
* **Integrating Mental Health Services:** Embedding mental health professionals within primary care practices.
* **Promoting Patient Education:** Providing comprehensive education on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring.
* **Supporting Community Health Initiatives:** Partnering with local organizations to promote healthy lifestyles and address social determinants of health.

By addressing these areas, Lost Creek can create a healthier environment for individuals with hypertension and improve overall community well-being. The availability of detailed geographic data, including physician locations, clinic types, and patient demographics, is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation.

To visualize and analyze the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, population demographics, and health outcomes related to hypertension in Lost Creek (26385), consider exploring CartoChrome maps. They can provide valuable insights to improve the hypertension score and overall health outcomes.