26431, Shinnston, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26431, Shinnston, West Virginia is 65 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.35 percent of the residents in 26431 has some form of health insurance. 54.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.83 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 26431 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,544 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26431. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,308 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 525 health care providers accessible to residents in 26431, Shinnston, West Virginia.

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within ZIP Code 26431, encompassing the town of Shinnston, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on creating a "Hypertension Score" that evaluates the landscape of primary care physicians, their patient load, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support – all crucial factors in managing hypertension effectively. The goal is to offer a snapshot of the resources available to residents and identify areas where improvements are needed.

The foundation of our Hypertension Score rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the specified ZIP code. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally indicates better access to care and the potential for more personalized attention. We will examine the number of PCPs actively practicing in 26431, comparing this to the estimated population of Shinnston. Publicly available data, such as the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards, will be used to determine this ratio. A favorable ratio, for example, would be one PCP for every 1,000 residents or less, indicating a greater chance of timely appointments and ongoing care. Conversely, a higher ratio could signal potential challenges in accessing routine checkups and managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

Beyond the raw numbers, we must consider the characteristics of the practices themselves. Are the PCPs accepting new patients? This is a crucial question. Even if the physician-to-patient ratio appears adequate, limited availability of new patient slots can hinder access. We will investigate the practices in 26431, identifying those actively welcoming new patients. Furthermore, we'll assess the types of insurance accepted. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, promote broader access.

Another key element of the Hypertension Score is telemedicine adoption. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve hypertension management. It allows for more frequent check-ins, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling, even when in-person visits are difficult. We will research the telemedicine capabilities of the practices in 26431. Do they offer virtual appointments? Do they use remote blood pressure monitoring devices? Do they have patient portals for secure communication and access to medical records? Practices with robust telemedicine programs will receive higher scores, as they provide greater flexibility and convenience for patients, particularly those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

The integration of mental health resources is another important component. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, and effective management requires addressing the psychological factors that contribute to the condition. We will assess the availability of mental health services within the practices or through referrals. Do the PCPs have mental health professionals on staff? Do they collaborate with local mental health providers? Do they screen patients for depression and anxiety? Practices that actively integrate mental health support into their care models will receive higher scores.

Analyzing the standout practices within 26431 is essential. This involves identifying those that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. We will research practices that have implemented evidence-based protocols for hypertension care, such as guidelines from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology. We will examine their use of medication management strategies, lifestyle counseling, and patient education programs. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to quality improvement and patient outcomes will be highlighted.

To further enhance the Hypertension Score, we must consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in Shinnston. This includes the presence of a local hospital or clinic, the availability of diagnostic services (e.g., blood pressure monitors, electrocardiograms), and the accessibility of pharmacies. The proximity of these resources can significantly impact a patient's ability to manage their hypertension effectively.

The analysis also considers the demographic characteristics of the population in 26431. Certain populations, such as older adults and those with pre-existing conditions, may be at higher risk for hypertension. The availability of culturally sensitive care and language services is also considered. Practices that are equipped to address the specific needs of the local population will be recognized.

The data gathered will be synthesized to create the Hypertension Score. This score will be a composite metric, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and quality of care. The score will be presented in a way that is easy to understand, allowing residents of Shinnston to quickly assess the quality and accessibility of hypertension care in their community.

This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the landscape of healthcare in Shinnston. It is a snapshot in time and should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare system. The data collected will be used to create a comprehensive map of healthcare resources in the area.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shinnston and explore the data visually, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to see the distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and other relevant information. CartoChrome maps can provide a valuable tool for residents of Shinnston, helping them to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improvements in their community.