26638, Shock, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26638, Shock, West Virginia is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.64 percent of the residents in 26638 has some form of health insurance. 78.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.87 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 26638 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26638. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 78 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 234 health care providers accessible to residents in 26638, Shock, West Virginia.

The following analysis assesses the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 26638, focusing on primary care availability and related resources. This evaluation considers several factors to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" perspective, though a numerical score is not provided due to the complexity of real-world data and the limitations of this text-based format. The aim is to illuminate the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in Shock, West Virginia, concerning hypertension care.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 26638 is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. This can have a detrimental impact on hypertension control, as patients may not receive timely interventions. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, facilitating more frequent check-ups and proactive management strategies. The actual ratio for this specific ZIP code requires investigation through publicly available databases or healthcare provider directories.

Beyond the simple physician count, the types of primary care providers available also play a crucial role. The presence of family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners all contribute to the overall capacity to manage hypertension. Family medicine physicians often serve as the first point of contact, providing comprehensive care and coordinating specialist referrals when necessary. Internal medicine specialists possess advanced knowledge of adult diseases, including hypertension, and can offer specialized expertise. Nurse practitioners, working collaboratively with physicians, can provide a significant portion of primary care services, expanding access and improving patient outcomes.

Standout practices within the area may demonstrate superior hypertension management protocols. These practices might employ evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, offering comprehensive patient education programs, and utilizing electronic health records to track patient progress. They could also have dedicated staff, such as certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians, who can provide specialized support. Identifying these practices and understanding their operational models can provide valuable insights into best practices and opportunities for improvement within the broader healthcare community. Research into patient satisfaction scores, adherence to treatment guidelines, and control rates of hypertension would further illuminate the effectiveness of these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor influencing the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, potentially overcoming geographical barriers and improving access for those with limited mobility or transportation challenges. The availability of virtual consultations for medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and lifestyle counseling can significantly enhance hypertension control. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies and integrated them seamlessly into their workflow are likely to offer a higher quality of care and better patient outcomes. The extent of telemedicine adoption within ZIP Code 26638, including the types of services offered and the patient population served, needs to be investigated.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels, and untreated mental health conditions can hinder patient adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is therefore crucial. Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their hypertension care protocols are likely to achieve better outcomes. The presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, or readily accessible referral pathways to external mental health services, is a positive indicator.

Patient education and support programs are essential components of successful hypertension management. These programs should provide patients with the knowledge and skills they need to understand their condition, monitor their blood pressure, and make lifestyle modifications. This includes education on healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and stress management techniques. The availability of these programs, whether offered by healthcare providers, community organizations, or online resources, can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment and overall health outcomes.

The pharmacy landscape also plays a role. The accessibility of pharmacies within the ZIP Code, including their operating hours and availability of medications, impacts patient adherence. Pharmacies can also provide valuable services, such as medication counseling, blood pressure monitoring, and medication synchronization programs. The integration of pharmacies into the healthcare ecosystem, with seamless communication between physicians and pharmacists, can further enhance hypertension management.

Finally, the socioeconomic characteristics of the population within ZIP Code 26638 influence hypertension management. Factors such as income levels, access to healthy food, and housing conditions can all affect a patient's ability to manage their blood pressure effectively. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for achieving equitable health outcomes. Healthcare providers and community organizations can collaborate to provide resources and support to address these challenges.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for ZIP Code 26638, while not explicitly quantified here, is a complex interplay of factors. Primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, patient education programs, and the socioeconomic characteristics of the population all contribute to the overall effectiveness of hypertension management. A comprehensive assessment requires detailed data collection and analysis across these domains.

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