26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.17 percent of the residents in 26764 has some form of health insurance. 52.61 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.77 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 26764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,058 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 945 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 60 health care providers accessible to residents in 26764, Terra Alta, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Terra Alta, WV (ZIP Code 26764)

Analyzing hypertension management within the specific geographic confines of Terra Alta, West Virginia (ZIP Code 26764) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the physician-to-patient ratio, examine the adoption of telemedicine, and explore the integration of mental health resources – all critical components in effectively managing hypertension. The ultimate goal is to provide an informed 'Hypertension Score' assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on readily accessible primary care. In Terra Alta, the availability of primary care physicians is a crucial factor. A limited number of primary care providers can severely hinder patient access to preventative care, regular check-ups, and necessary medication management. Conversely, a robust primary care network allows for early detection, consistent monitoring, and proactive intervention, all essential for controlling hypertension. A high 'Hypertension Score' requires a sufficient number of primary care providers to serve the population adequately.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a vital metric in determining the accessibility of care. A high ratio, indicating a large number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially compromised quality of care. Conversely, a lower ratio allows physicians to dedicate more time to each patient, fostering stronger patient-physician relationships and enabling more comprehensive care. A lower physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of a higher 'Hypertension Score'.

Identifying standout practices within Terra Alta is essential. These practices may demonstrate best practices in hypertension management, such as implementing standardized protocols for blood pressure monitoring, utilizing electronic health records for efficient data management, and offering patient education programs. Practices excelling in these areas are likely to achieve better patient outcomes and contribute to a higher 'Hypertension Score' for the region. These practices often serve as models for others to emulate, driving improvements across the entire healthcare system.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of modern healthcare delivery. Telemedicine offers numerous benefits, particularly in rural areas like Terra Alta. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing travel time and associated costs. Telemedicine can facilitate medication management, provide remote blood pressure monitoring, and deliver educational resources. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to improve patient access and contribute to a higher 'Hypertension Score'.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a crucial element in comprehensive healthcare. Hypertension can be significantly impacted by stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, access to mental health services, either within primary care practices or through readily available referrals, is vital. Addressing mental health concerns can improve patient adherence to medication regimens, promote healthier lifestyle choices, and ultimately contribute to better blood pressure control. Practices that prioritize mental health integration are likely to achieve better patient outcomes and contribute to a higher 'Hypertension Score'.

Assessing the 'Hypertension Score' requires considering all these factors. A high score would reflect a strong primary care network, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health integration. Conversely, a low score would indicate significant challenges in one or more of these areas, potentially leading to poorer patient outcomes and a higher prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension. The specific data points for each of these categories are essential to a comprehensive evaluation.

Specifically, assessing the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code 26764 is the first step. Then, calculating the physician-to-patient ratio by dividing the population of Terra Alta by the number of primary care physicians is crucial. Identifying practices with demonstrated excellence in hypertension management, perhaps through patient testimonials or public health data, is also important. Researching the availability of telemedicine services, including the types of services offered and the ease of access for patients, is also necessary. Finally, evaluating the availability of mental health services, including the number of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is a must.

The challenges of rural healthcare are well-documented. Limited resources, geographical isolation, and an aging population can all exacerbate the difficulties of managing chronic conditions like hypertension. However, Terra Alta also presents opportunities. The tight-knit community, the potential for leveraging technology, and the dedication of local healthcare providers can all contribute to improving hypertension management.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not just a number; it's a reflection of the healthcare ecosystem's ability to effectively address a critical public health concern. This analysis aims to provide a framework for understanding the current state of hypertension management in Terra Alta, highlighting areas for improvement and celebrating successes. The ultimate goal is to improve patient outcomes and promote a healthier community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Terra Alta, including the location of primary care providers, the distribution of patient populations, and the availability of resources, we recommend exploring the data using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management within ZIP code 26764.