26543, Osage, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26543, Osage, West Virginia is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.00 percent of the residents in 26543 has some form of health insurance. 35.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.00 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 26543 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 20 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 65 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26543. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 34 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 26543, Osage, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Osage, WV (ZIP Code 26543)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Osage, West Virginia (ZIP code 26543) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis assesses the availability and quality of primary care, focusing on factors crucial for effective hypertension management. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents and identify areas for potential improvement. The ultimate goal is to empower individuals to make informed healthcare decisions and to provide a foundation for community health initiatives.

The foundation of effective hypertension control lies in accessible and quality primary care. Within Osage, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios provide a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time a physician can dedicate to each patient. Conversely, a favorable ratio supports more comprehensive care, including proactive screening, regular monitoring, and personalized treatment plans. Publicly available data, such as that from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, needs to be examined to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the specific ZIP code. This data, however, may be insufficient. Further investigation is needed to assess the actual patient loads of individual practices.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the distribution of PCPs is also important. Are practices concentrated in a central location, or are they geographically dispersed, potentially limiting access for residents in more remote areas of Osage? Transportation challenges, especially for elderly or disabled individuals, can further exacerbate this issue. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers is also a crucial consideration. These facilities often serve underserved populations and provide a range of services, including hypertension management, regardless of a patient's ability to pay.

Standout practices within Osage can significantly impact the overall hypertension score. Identifying practices with a demonstrated commitment to hypertension management is essential. This includes those that utilize evidence-based guidelines, offer patient education programs, and actively track patient outcomes. Practices that have implemented electronic health records (EHRs) with robust features for hypertension management, such as automated reminders for appointments and medication refills, are also likely to perform better. Reviews from patients are important.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in the context of hypertension care. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. Virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient education resources can enhance patient engagement and improve adherence to treatment plans. However, successful telemedicine implementation requires adequate internet access, digital literacy among patients, and the ability of practices to integrate telemedicine platforms into their existing workflows. The availability of broadband internet access within the Osage area is a critical factor in the feasibility of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, including counseling and medication management, is crucial for holistic care. Practices that integrate mental health services into their primary care model, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, are better equipped to address the complex needs of patients with hypertension. The presence of mental health professionals within the community, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is another key factor to consider.

The specific practices within Osage need to be assessed for their integration of these resources. Are they actively screening patients for mental health conditions? Do they offer on-site counseling services, or do they have established referral networks? These are critical questions to answer.

The overall hypertension score for Osage will be influenced by the interplay of these factors. A high score indicates a robust healthcare infrastructure that supports effective hypertension management, while a low score suggests areas for improvement. This score should be considered a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts of healthcare providers and community stakeholders.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Osage, including the location of primary care practices, the distribution of healthcare resources, and the demographics of the population, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform for visualizing complex healthcare data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the community.

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