26430, Sand Fork, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26430, Sand Fork, West Virginia is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 19.94 percent of the residents in 26430 has some form of health insurance. 11.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 10.81 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 26430 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 76 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26430. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 24 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 493 health care providers accessible to residents in 26430, Sand Fork, West Virginia.

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP Code 26430, encompassing the Sand Fork area, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine the adoption of telemedicine, and explore the integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, offering insights into the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this prevalent condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in consistent access to primary care. In Sand Fork, the density of primary care physicians is a crucial factor. To determine the 'Hypertension Score,' we must first assess the number of practicing primary care physicians within the specified ZIP Code. This includes general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, and family medicine doctors. Data from the West Virginia Board of Medicine, combined with information from insurance provider networks and online physician directories, will be necessary to generate a precise count.

Once the number of physicians is established, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes paramount. This metric quantifies the availability of physicians relative to the population. A lower ratio indicates a greater availability of physicians per capita, potentially leading to improved access to care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests a scarcity of physicians, which may lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced opportunities for preventative care. The US Census Bureau data, specifically the population demographics of ZIP Code 26430, is essential for calculating this ratio.

Beyond physician density, the quality of care delivery is crucial. Identifying standout practices within Sand Fork that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management is vital. This involves evaluating several factors. The practice's commitment to evidence-based guidelines, such as those established by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), is essential. This includes adherence to recommended blood pressure targets, the use of appropriate medications, and the implementation of lifestyle interventions.

Another key indicator is the practice's use of technology. Electronic health records (EHRs) are critical for managing patient data, tracking blood pressure readings, and ensuring timely follow-up appointments. Practices that proactively monitor patient adherence to medication regimens and lifestyle recommendations demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care. Patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews can offer valuable insights into the patient experience, revealing how well practices communicate with patients and address their concerns.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Sand Fork. Telemedicine offers the potential to overcome geographical barriers, providing patients with convenient access to consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote blood pressure monitoring, are likely to receive higher scores in the 'Hypertension Score' assessment. This technology can also facilitate easier communication with specialists, enhancing the overall quality of care.

The intricate connection between hypertension and mental health is undeniable. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Sand Fork is a critical component of the 'Hypertension Score' analysis. This involves assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, and their integration into primary care practices.

Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, either directly or through referral networks, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension. This can include providing counseling, stress management techniques, and access to support groups. A well-coordinated approach that addresses both physical and mental health concerns is essential for achieving optimal patient outcomes.

The 'Hypertension Score' will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted contributions of all the factors discussed. Each factor will be assigned a score based on its significance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio may carry a higher weight than telemedicine adoption. The overall score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of hypertension care in Sand Fork.

The final 'Hypertension Score' will offer a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Patients can use the score to identify practices that offer the best care. Healthcare providers can use the score to benchmark their performance and identify areas for improvement. Policymakers can use the score to allocate resources and address healthcare disparities.

The methodology for calculating the 'Hypertension Score' will involve a rigorous review of available data. Data sources will include publicly available information, such as physician directories and government health statistics. Data from healthcare providers will be collected through surveys and interviews. All data will be analyzed using statistical methods to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The 'Hypertension Score' will not only reflect the current state of hypertension care in Sand Fork but will also provide insights into trends over time. Regular updates to the score will be essential to track changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This will allow for ongoing monitoring of the quality and accessibility of care.

This analysis aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the hypertension care landscape in Sand Fork. The 'Hypertension Score' will be a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and improve the management of this critical health condition. The integration of various factors, from physician density to mental health resources, will provide a comprehensive view of the healthcare ecosystem in the area.

For a visual representation of this data, including the locations of physicians, practices, and available resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping platform allows you to visualize and analyze geographical data, providing a powerful tool for understanding healthcare accessibility in Sand Fork.