The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26739, Mount Storm, West Virginia is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 96.40 percent of the residents in 26739 has some form of health insurance. 49.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.05 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 26739 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 216 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26739. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 218 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 208 health care providers accessible to residents in 26739, Mount Storm, West Virginia.
Health Scores in 26739, Mount Storm, West Virginia
Hypertension Score | 38 |
---|---|
People Score | 76 |
Provider Score | 12 |
Hospital Score | 55 |
Travel Score | 32 |
26739 | Mount Storm | West Virginia | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
The analysis below provides a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" for primary care physicians within the 26739 ZIP code, focusing on their capacity to manage hypertension, and the availability of primary care services in the Mount Storm area. This score isn’t a formal metric but rather a composite assessment based on available data and reasonable assumptions. It considers several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, all relevant to effective hypertension management.
**Assessing the Landscape: Hypertension Score Components**
The "Hypertension Score" begins with an evaluation of physician density. A higher physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access to care, which is crucial for regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling, all cornerstones of hypertension control. The 26739 ZIP code, encompassing Mount Storm, is a rural area, and it is assumed that the physician-to-patient ratio is lower compared to urban areas. This factor alone would negatively impact the score.
Next, the analysis considers the characteristics of primary care practices. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient schedules? Do they have robust electronic health records (EHR) systems that facilitate data sharing and medication management? Practices with these features are considered more patient-centric and likely to provide better hypertension care. Practices with modern EHR systems are better equipped to track blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes, crucial for effective hypertension management.
Telemedicine adoption is another critical component. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Practices that offer telemedicine services, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, would receive a higher score. This is especially beneficial for hypertension patients who need frequent monitoring.
The availability of mental health resources is also factored in. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, and patients with these conditions may benefit from integrated mental health services. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists receive a higher score. This integrated approach can lead to improved patient outcomes.
**Specifics of the Mount Storm Context**
The Mount Storm area, being rural, likely faces specific challenges. Limited access to specialists, pharmacies, and healthy food options can exacerbate hypertension management difficulties. The analysis considers the proximity of primary care practices to these resources. Practices located closer to pharmacies and specialists, and those that actively counsel patients on healthy eating habits, would receive a higher score.
Furthermore, the analysis considers the prevalence of chronic diseases within the community. If the area has a higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, it may indicate a greater need for comprehensive hypertension management programs. Practices that are actively involved in community health initiatives, such as health screenings and educational programs, would receive a higher score.
**Standout Practices: Hypothetical Examples**
Based on the available information, it is challenging to identify standout practices definitively. However, if a practice in the 26739 ZIP code is accepting new patients, offers extended hours, utilizes a modern EHR system, and has integrated telemedicine capabilities, it would likely receive a high score. If this practice also has a mental health professional on staff or readily available referrals, it would be considered a leader in hypertension care.
Another standout practice might be one that is actively involved in community outreach. This could include offering free blood pressure screenings, providing educational materials on healthy lifestyles, and partnering with local organizations to promote healthy eating habits. Such a practice would be recognized for its commitment to improving community health.
**Telemedicine and Mental Health: Critical Considerations**
The successful adoption of telemedicine is crucial for improving hypertension management in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to receive care remotely, reducing the need for travel and increasing access to specialists. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to serve their patients effectively.
The integration of mental health services is another critical factor. Hypertension can be linked to stress, anxiety, and depression, and patients with these conditions may benefit from integrated mental health support. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals or have established referral pathways to mental health specialists are better equipped to provide comprehensive care.
**Putting it all together: The Hypertension Score**
The final "Hypertension Score" would be a composite of these factors. Practices with higher physician-to-patient ratios, patient-centric features, telemedicine integration, and mental health support would receive higher scores. The score would also reflect the practice's location, proximity to resources, and involvement in community health initiatives.
In the hypothetical context of the 26739 ZIP code, the overall "Hypertension Score" is likely to be lower than in more urban areas due to the challenges of rural healthcare. However, practices that have embraced technology, integrated mental health services, and are committed to community outreach would be recognized for their efforts to improve hypertension management.
**Conclusion**
Understanding the landscape of primary care in the 26739 ZIP code, particularly in Mount Storm, is crucial for improving hypertension management. The "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of local practices. To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources and the factors influencing hypertension management, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps.
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