26448, Wallace, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26448, Wallace, West Virginia is 75 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.85 percent of the residents in 26448 has some form of health insurance. 59.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.99 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 26448 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 331 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26448. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 295 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 461 health care providers accessible to residents in 26448, Wallace, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Wallace, WV (ZIP Code 26448)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of hypertension management capabilities within the Wallace, WV area, specifically focusing on physicians practicing within ZIP code 26448. The evaluation considers factors crucial for effective hypertension control, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and access to mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and its capacity to address the significant public health challenge of hypertension.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in readily accessible primary care. In Wallace, the availability of primary care physicians is directly linked to the overall health outcomes of the community. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Data from various sources, including the West Virginia Board of Medicine and publicly available healthcare databases, will be analyzed to determine the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the designated ZIP code. This number is then compared to the estimated population of Wallace to calculate a ratio, expressing the number of patients per physician. A higher ratio suggests potential challenges in timely access to appointments and ongoing care, potentially impacting hypertension control.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves play a significant role. The analysis will delve into the types of practices present in the area. Are they solo practices, group practices, or affiliated with larger healthcare systems? Group practices often offer the advantage of shared resources, including access to specialists, diagnostic equipment, and administrative support. The presence of these resources can contribute to a more coordinated and comprehensive approach to hypertension management. Furthermore, the analysis will examine the patient-centeredness of these practices, considering factors such as extended hours, weekend availability, and the ease of scheduling appointments.

Identifying standout practices within the Wallace area is a key objective. This involves evaluating practices that demonstrate exemplary performance in hypertension management. This evaluation will consider several factors. First, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment is crucial. This includes the use of standardized protocols for diagnosis, medication management, and lifestyle interventions. Second, the analysis will look at patient outcomes, such as the percentage of patients achieving blood pressure control within recommended targets. Third, the practices' commitment to patient education and engagement will be assessed. This includes the provision of educational materials, support for lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and the use of patient portals for communication and monitoring.

The integration of technology is transforming healthcare, and its impact on hypertension management is significant. Telemedicine, in particular, offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Wallace. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in the area have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes the use of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data sharing and care coordination. The adoption of these technologies can enhance patient convenience, improve medication adherence, and allow for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure.

The complex interplay between physical and mental health is increasingly recognized. Hypertension is often exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive hypertension management. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services in the Wallace area, including the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. It will also assess the extent to which primary care practices integrate mental health screening and referrals into their services. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for providing holistic care and addressing the underlying factors that contribute to hypertension.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for the Wallace area will be a composite metric reflecting the various factors discussed above. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of primary care practices, the adoption of technology, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will provide a comparative assessment of the area's capacity to effectively manage hypertension. This score will be used to highlight areas of strength and areas where improvement is needed.

The analysis will also consider the specific challenges faced by the Wallace community. Rural communities often experience disparities in healthcare access and health outcomes. Factors such as socioeconomic status, transportation limitations, and access to healthy food options can impact hypertension management. The analysis will consider these factors and their potential impact on the effectiveness of hypertension control efforts.

The final report will provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. It will identify best practices, highlight areas for improvement, and offer recommendations for enhancing hypertension management in the Wallace area. This includes suggestions for improving physician-to-patient ratios, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, increasing access to mental health services, and supporting patient education and engagement.

The findings of this analysis will be invaluable for understanding the current state of hypertension management in Wallace, WV. It will provide a roadmap for improving healthcare delivery and ensuring that residents have access to the care they need to effectively manage their blood pressure and improve their overall health and well-being.

To visualize the geographical distribution of primary care resources, identify potential gaps in access, and explore the spatial relationships between healthcare providers and the population, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can provide a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wallace and beyond.