26570, Fairview, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26570, Fairview, West Virginia is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.15 percent of the residents in 26570 has some form of health insurance. 33.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.41 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 26570 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 694 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26570. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 726 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,340 health care providers accessible to residents in 26570, Fairview, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Fairview, WV (ZIP Code 26570)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of Fairview, West Virginia, specifically focusing on primary care availability and the management of hypertension, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, presented as a "Hypertension Score," aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents within ZIP code 26570, considering factors crucial for effective hypertension control.

Fairview, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area often translates to limited access to specialists and, potentially, a scarcity of primary care physicians. This scarcity directly impacts the ability of patients to receive timely diagnoses, consistent monitoring, and appropriate treatment for conditions like hypertension.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing appointments, longer wait times, and increased pressure on existing healthcare providers. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates of this ratio. However, this information must be coupled with local observations.

To calculate a preliminary Hypertension Score, we must assess the following categories:

* **Primary Care Availability:** Number of practicing physicians in the area, including family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric specialists.
* **Access to Specialists:** Availability of cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, all crucial for managing complex hypertension cases.
* **Practice Characteristics:** Telemedicine adoption, patient education programs, and the availability of support staff (nurses, medical assistants).
* **Mental Health Resources:** Integration of mental health services, as stress and mental health conditions significantly impact blood pressure.
* **Community Resources:** Availability of pharmacies, exercise facilities, and healthy food options.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 26570 is essential. This involves evaluating practices based on their patient outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and adherence to best practices in hypertension management. This information can be gleaned from patient reviews, publicly available quality metrics, and, ideally, direct interviews with patients and physicians. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to hypertension management, such as offering comprehensive blood pressure screenings, providing patient education materials, and employing evidence-based treatment protocols, would score higher.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in overcoming geographical barriers and increasing access to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through online portals, are better positioned to serve patients, especially those in remote areas or with mobility limitations. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure allows for more frequent check-ins and adjustments to treatment plans, leading to better control of hypertension.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, component of hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly elevate blood pressure. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integration ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of their condition.

The availability of community resources also significantly impacts hypertension management. Access to pharmacies, where patients can easily obtain their medications, is essential. Furthermore, the presence of exercise facilities and healthy food options promotes lifestyle changes that are crucial for controlling blood pressure. Communities with robust support systems, such as community health centers and wellness programs, will likely exhibit better outcomes in hypertension management.

The Hypertension Score would be calculated by assigning weights to each of these categories. The weights would reflect the relative importance of each factor. For example, primary care availability might receive a higher weight than the availability of exercise facilities, reflecting its more direct impact on patient care. Each practice within the ZIP code would then be assessed based on the criteria within each category, and a composite score would be generated. This score could then be used to rank practices and identify areas for improvement.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. Data availability can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas. Publicly available data may be outdated or incomplete. Furthermore, the subjective nature of patient satisfaction scores and the complexity of assessing practice characteristics require careful consideration.

The final Hypertension Score provides a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Fairview, WV. It can serve as a tool for patients seeking primary care, as well as for healthcare providers looking to improve their services. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, the score can inform targeted interventions to improve hypertension management and ultimately, the health of the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and patient populations, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping capabilities allow for a visual representation of the data, highlighting areas with limited access to care and identifying potential opportunities for improvement.