26717, Elk Garden, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26717, Elk Garden, West Virginia is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.23 percent of the residents in 26717 has some form of health insurance. 55.87 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.44 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 26717 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 660 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26717. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 182 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 230 health care providers accessible to residents in 26717, Elk Garden, West Virginia.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Elk Garden, WV (ZIP Code 26717)**

The analysis focuses on evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services within the Elk Garden, WV (ZIP Code 26717) area, specifically concerning the management of hypertension. This involves assessing physician availability, practice characteristics, the integration of technology, and the presence of supporting mental health resources, all factors critical for effective hypertension control. This analysis does not endorse any specific medical practice or provider.

Elk Garden, a rural community, likely faces unique challenges in healthcare access. A key indicator is the physician-to-patient ratio. The US average hovers around 250-300 patients per primary care physician. However, rural areas often experience a significantly higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors are available to serve a larger population. To gauge the situation in 26717, we would need to assess the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and compare that to the estimated population. This ratio directly impacts appointment wait times, the ability to establish a consistent patient-physician relationship, and overall access to care for chronic conditions like hypertension. A higher ratio would negatively impact the Hypertension Score.

Beyond raw numbers, the types of primary care practices present in the area are important. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger multi-specialty clinics? Larger clinics often have more resources, including access to specialists, diagnostic equipment, and support staff like nurses and medical assistants. These resources are essential for comprehensive hypertension management, including regular blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and patient education. The presence of certified hypertension specialists or practices with a demonstrated focus on hypertension care would significantly boost a practice’s score.

Standout practices, if any, would be identified based on a combination of factors. These include the availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, and same-day appointments for urgent needs. A practice that actively utilizes electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient data management, medication reconciliation, and communication is also highly valued. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education through readily available educational materials, group classes, or individual counseling sessions on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) would be considered exemplary. Patient reviews and satisfaction scores, if available, would also be considered.

The adoption of telemedicine is a crucial aspect of modern healthcare, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and even initial consultations. Practices that offer telehealth services, particularly for hypertension management, would receive a higher score. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, which allow patients to track their blood pressure at home and share the data with their physician, is another positive indicator.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and this is particularly true for hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the Elk Garden area is a vital component of the Hypertension Score. This includes the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) who are accepting new patients, as well as the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would be considered more supportive of comprehensive hypertension care. The availability of support groups or educational programs focused on stress management and coping mechanisms would also be beneficial.

The overall Hypertension Score for the 26717 area would be a composite score based on all the above factors. It would reflect the relative strengths and weaknesses of the primary care landscape in terms of hypertension management. A high score would indicate a well-resourced environment with readily accessible primary care physicians, advanced technology integration, and comprehensive support services, including mental health resources. A low score would suggest a more challenging environment with limited access to care, fewer resources, and potential barriers to effective hypertension control.

The analysis would also consider the specific challenges faced by the Elk Garden community. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food options, and transportation limitations can all impact a patient’s ability to manage their hypertension. The score would be adjusted to reflect these factors and the efforts of the healthcare providers to address them. For example, practices that offer assistance with medication costs or provide transportation assistance would receive additional credit.

In summary, the Hypertension Score is a multifaceted assessment designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the primary care environment in 26717, specifically concerning hypertension management. It considers physician availability, practice characteristics, technological advancements, and the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide valuable insights into the quality and accessibility of care for individuals living with hypertension in Elk Garden, WV. This information can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to advocate for better healthcare resources in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Elk Garden, including the locations of primary care practices, their services, and related information, explore the power of CartoChrome maps.