26731, Lahmansville, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26731, Lahmansville, West Virginia is 22 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.26 percent of the residents in 26731 has some form of health insurance. 38.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.31 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 26731 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 36 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26731. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 83 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 97 health care providers accessible to residents in 26731, Lahmansville, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lahmansville, WV (ZIP Code 26731)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of Lahmansville, West Virginia (ZIP code 26731) through the lens of hypertension management reveals a complex picture. A 'Hypertension Score,' a composite metric reflecting access to care, quality of treatment, and patient outcomes, would be crucial in evaluating the area's strengths and weaknesses. This analysis will attempt to approximate this score, focusing on key indicators like primary care physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and overall practice characteristics.

The cornerstone of effective hypertension control is access to primary care. In Lahmansville, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios are a primary consideration. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and ongoing management. The specific ratio for 26731 needs to be assessed. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards is essential to determine the exact number of practicing primary care physicians and the population they serve. This number would then be compared to national and regional averages to gauge the level of access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the geographic distribution of primary care practices within Lahmansville matters. Are practices clustered in one area, leaving residents in other parts of the ZIP code with limited options? Public transportation availability and road infrastructure are also crucial considerations. Residents without reliable transportation face significant hurdles in accessing care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and suboptimal treatment. This would negatively impact the 'Hypertension Score.'

Identifying standout practices within Lahmansville is essential. These practices would likely exhibit characteristics contributing to better hypertension management. This could include a proactive approach to patient education, the implementation of evidence-based treatment guidelines, and a commitment to regular monitoring. The presence of certified diabetes educators, registered dietitians, and other allied health professionals within a practice would also be a significant positive indicator. These practices might also demonstrate a commitment to patient outreach, providing reminders for appointments and medication refills.

Telemedicine adoption presents both opportunities and challenges in the context of hypertension management in Lahmansville. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor blood pressure remotely, and provide medication management through telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. However, successful telemedicine implementation requires reliable internet access and digital literacy among both patients and providers. The availability of these resources in Lahmansville and the extent to which local practices have adopted telehealth platforms would significantly influence the 'Hypertension Score.'

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. The availability of mental health services within Lahmansville, including access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is therefore a crucial factor. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals work collaboratively with primary care physicians, are particularly beneficial. The presence of such integrated services would be a significant advantage, contributing positively to the 'Hypertension Score.'

Specific practices within Lahmansville should be investigated for their approach to hypertension management. Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data and facilitate medication management? Do they offer patient education materials and support groups? Are they actively participating in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving hypertension control rates? The answers to these questions would provide valuable insights into the quality of care being provided.

The 'Hypertension Score' would also need to incorporate data on patient outcomes. This includes information on the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, the rates of cardiovascular events (heart attacks, strokes), and the utilization of preventative services. Access to this data, often requiring collaboration with local hospitals and healthcare systems, is essential for a complete assessment.

The overall picture in Lahmansville likely reveals a mixed bag. The rural nature of the area could present challenges in terms of physician availability and access to specialized services. However, dedicated practices, leveraging telemedicine and integrating mental health support, could be making a significant positive impact. A thorough investigation, incorporating the factors discussed above, would be necessary to arrive at a definitive 'Hypertension Score' for the area.

The data available to assess the quality of hypertension management in Lahmansville, WV, is often fragmented and difficult to access. Publicly available data sources, such as the CDC’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and the HRSA’s Area Health Resources Files (AHRF), can provide some information, but a comprehensive assessment requires a more granular and integrated approach. This is where the power of data visualization and mapping becomes invaluable.

CartoChrome maps can be used to visualize the geographic distribution of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources within Lahmansville. This mapping capability would highlight areas with limited access to care and pinpoint potential gaps in service delivery. These maps can also be used to overlay data on patient demographics, socioeconomic factors, and health outcomes, providing a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management.

The ability to visualize and analyze data spatially is critical for understanding the complexities of healthcare access and delivery. This is especially true in rural areas like Lahmansville, where geographic barriers can significantly impact patient outcomes. CartoChrome maps can be used to identify areas where targeted interventions are needed, such as mobile health clinics or telehealth programs.

By visualizing the data, healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations can make more informed decisions about resource allocation and program development. This data-driven approach can help to improve access to care, enhance the quality of treatment, and ultimately, improve the 'Hypertension Score' for the residents of Lahmansville.

Ready to unlock the power of data visualization and mapping to improve healthcare access and outcomes in Lahmansville, WV? Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape and drive positive change.