26571, Farmington, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26571, Farmington, West Virginia is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.40 percent of the residents in 26571 has some form of health insurance. 35.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.77 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 26571 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 402 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26571. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 257 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,376 health care providers accessible to residents in 26571, Farmington, West Virginia.

The analysis below focuses on hypertension management within the context of primary care availability in Farmington, West Virginia, specifically examining the practices of physicians practicing in ZIP Code 26571. This assessment considers several key factors contributing to effective hypertension control, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an informed overview of the landscape and identify potential areas for improvement.

Farmington, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of access to hypertension management services. A low physician-to-patient ratio can strain resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. Conversely, a higher ratio, while seemingly advantageous, might indicate a lack of specialized care or a less comprehensive approach to patient management if resources are not adequately distributed.

The practices within ZIP Code 26571 vary in their approaches to hypertension management. Some practices may emphasize a more proactive approach, incorporating regular blood pressure screenings, patient education, and lifestyle counseling. Others may focus primarily on medication management, which is crucial but may not address the underlying causes of hypertension. The quality of care also depends on the adoption of evidence-based guidelines, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, and the availability of ancillary services such as registered dietitians or certified diabetes educators.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension care. These practices likely have well-defined protocols for screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They may utilize EHRs to monitor patient outcomes, identify patients at high risk, and tailor interventions accordingly. They may also offer patient education materials, support groups, or other resources to help patients manage their condition effectively. The presence of a dedicated care coordinator who helps patients navigate the healthcare system and adhere to their treatment plans is also a significant advantage.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, especially in rural areas like Farmington. Telemedicine allows physicians to remotely monitor patients' blood pressure, provide medication adjustments, and offer virtual consultations. This can improve access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans. The success of telemedicine depends on factors such as the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the integration of telemedicine into existing workflows.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, but they are critical. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and interfere with treatment adherence. Practices that recognize the link between mental and physical health and offer access to mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric medication management, are better positioned to provide holistic care. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is also essential to ensure coordinated care.

Assessing the availability of mental health services in Farmington is crucial. This includes evaluating the presence of mental health providers, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services to patients. The integration of mental health screening into primary care visits can help identify patients who may benefit from mental health support.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 26571 needs to be carefully considered. A low ratio could strain resources, while a high ratio might indicate a lack of specialized care. Analyzing the actual number of physicians, the number of patients served, and the specialties of the physicians is essential to understand the current situation. This data should be compared to national benchmarks to determine whether the area has an adequate supply of primary care physicians.

Specific practices should be evaluated based on their adherence to evidence-based guidelines, the use of EHRs, and the availability of ancillary services. Practices that proactively screen patients for hypertension, provide patient education, and offer lifestyle counseling are likely to achieve better outcomes. The presence of a dedicated care coordinator can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption should be assessed by examining the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the patient experience. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows are likely to improve access to care and patient outcomes. The availability of reliable internet access is also a key factor in the success of telemedicine.

Mental health resources should be evaluated by assessing the availability of mental health providers, the types of services offered, and the accessibility of these services to patients. Practices that offer mental health screening and collaborate with mental health professionals are better positioned to provide holistic care. The integration of mental health services into primary care is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of patients with hypertension.

A comprehensive analysis of these factors is essential for understanding the quality of hypertension management in Farmington. This analysis should include data on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to identify areas for improvement and promote the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

Ultimately, understanding the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations and the availability of specialized services, is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation. To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Farmington, and visualize the distribution of these key factors, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide detailed geographic visualizations of physician locations, practice characteristics, and the availability of essential services, enabling a more comprehensive assessment of the quality of hypertension management in the area.