26761, Shanks, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26761, Shanks, West Virginia is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 26761 has some form of health insurance. 56.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.25 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 26761 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 66 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26761. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 269 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 375 health care providers accessible to residents in 26761, Shanks, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 26761 & Primary Care in Shanks

The health of a community is often reflected in its ability to manage chronic conditions, and hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant indicator. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 26761, encompassing the Shanks area, to assess their capacity to address hypertension. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, evaluate the presence of standout practices, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and consider the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components in effective hypertension management.

ZIP code 26761, a predominantly rural area, likely faces challenges common to such regions: limited access to healthcare professionals and potential difficulties in patient follow-up. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less thorough care. Publicly available data, ideally sourced from state licensing boards or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), should be consulted to determine the exact ratio within 26761. This figure will be a cornerstone of our hypertension score. A low ratio will negatively impact the score, highlighting a potential barrier to accessing timely care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive. This involves analyzing factors like patient reviews (gathered from reputable sources like Healthgrades or Vitals), the availability of specialized equipment for hypertension monitoring (e.g., ambulatory blood pressure monitors), and the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that consistently demonstrate a commitment to these areas will receive a higher score. For example, a practice with a high percentage of patients achieving blood pressure control, as indicated by their electronic health records (EHRs), would be considered a standout. This data, however, is often proprietary and requires careful investigation through publicly available information and, where possible, direct contact with practices.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in improving access to care, especially in rural areas. Practices utilizing telehealth for hypertension management, such as virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management, should be given a higher score. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel for patients, improve medication adherence, and allow for more frequent monitoring, all of which are crucial for controlling hypertension. The extent of telemedicine integration, including the types of services offered and the ease of use for patients, will be assessed. Practices that actively promote and utilize telemedicine will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to innovative care delivery.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is increasingly recognized, and this is particularly relevant in hypertension management. Stress and mental health issues can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within or in close proximity to primary care practices is a crucial component of our score. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals, offer on-site counseling, or have established referral pathways for patients struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression will receive a higher score. The integration of mental health services demonstrates a holistic approach to patient care and contributes to better overall health outcomes, including improved hypertension control.

Shanks, within the 26761 ZIP code, is likely to face the same challenges as the broader area. The primary care availability in Shanks will be directly impacted by the physician-to-patient ratio in the region. If the ratio is low, access to primary care, and therefore hypertension management, will be limited. The presence of any primary care practices located directly within Shanks would be a positive factor, even if the physician-to-patient ratio is less than ideal. The score will also consider the accessibility of these practices, including transportation options and the availability of evening or weekend appointments.

To summarize, the Hypertension Score for doctors in 26761 and primary care availability in Shanks will be based on several key factors: physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices (based on patient reviews, equipment, and guideline adherence), the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each of these factors will be weighted based on their relative importance in hypertension management. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the ability of the local healthcare system to effectively address this critical health concern.

This analysis is designed to provide a general overview. A more detailed assessment would require access to specific data, including patient records, practice performance metrics, and information on telemedicine and mental health service integration. The availability of such data varies, and this analysis acknowledges the limitations of publicly available information.

The goal is to highlight areas of strength and weakness in the local healthcare system and to identify opportunities for improvement. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to advocate for better resources and services.

Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation. Visualizing this data can reveal patterns and disparities that might not be apparent from raw numbers alone.

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