26884, Seneca Rocks, West Virginia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 26884, Seneca Rocks, West Virginia is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.12 percent of the residents in 26884 has some form of health insurance. 18.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 91.67 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 26884 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 62 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 26884. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 51 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 103 health care providers accessible to residents in 26884, Seneca Rocks, West Virginia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Seneca Rocks, WV (ZIP Code 26884)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, in Seneca Rocks, West Virginia (ZIP code 26884) presents a unique challenge. This rural community, nestled within Pendleton County, faces inherent geographical limitations that impact access to care. This analysis will attempt to provide a 'Hypertension Score' ranking, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions. It will also examine the availability of mental health resources, a critical component of holistic hypertension management.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on readily available primary care physicians. In Seneca Rocks, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. Due to the rural nature of the area, the ratio is likely to be significantly higher than the national average. This means fewer physicians are responsible for a larger patient population. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a less proactive approach to preventative care, including hypertension screening and management.

Identifying specific practices within the ZIP code is essential. A 'Hypertension Score' would consider several factors related to each practice. The first is the number of primary care physicians actively practicing. A higher number of physicians indicates potentially better access. The second factor is the practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. This includes regular blood pressure screenings, the use of appropriate medications, and lifestyle counseling. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these practices would score higher.

Standout practices within the area would be those that excel in patient care. This could include practices that have a dedicated nurse or medical assistant specializing in hypertension management, practices that offer extended hours or weekend appointments to improve accessibility, and those that actively engage patients in their care through patient education materials and support groups. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, enabling efficient data tracking and communication, would also be considered high-scoring.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial factor in improving healthcare access in rural areas like Seneca Rocks. The 'Hypertension Score' would give significant weight to practices that offer telemedicine consultations for hypertension management. Telemedicine can bridge the geographical gap, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, integrated with telemedicine platforms, would further enhance the score.

The integration of mental health resources is a critical aspect of comprehensive hypertension management. Hypertension is often linked to stress, anxiety, and depression, which can exacerbate the condition and hinder treatment adherence. The 'Hypertension Score' would assess the availability of mental health services within the community. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and other mental health professionals. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have strong referral networks to mental health providers would receive a higher score.

Furthermore, the 'Hypertension Score' would consider the availability of patient education resources. This includes access to educational materials about hypertension, its causes, and its management. It would also include access to support groups or other community resources that promote healthy lifestyle choices, such as exercise and healthy eating. Practices that actively promote patient education and engagement would score higher.

The assessment of the 'Hypertension Score' for Seneca Rocks would not be a simple numerical calculation. It would involve a qualitative assessment of the available data, considering the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the rural environment. The final score would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of hypertension management services available within the community.

The challenges in Seneca Rocks are not just limited to the availability of primary care physicians. The physical infrastructure can also play a role. The availability of reliable internet access is crucial for telemedicine adoption. The availability of transportation options, such as public transportation or ride-sharing services, can also impact access to care. These factors would also be considered in the overall assessment.

Ultimately, the 'Hypertension Score' for Seneca Rocks would serve as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system and identify areas for improvement. It would also provide a benchmark for tracking progress over time.

The analysis is not just about the current state. It also has to look forward. The future of hypertension management in Seneca Rocks depends on embracing innovation. This includes the adoption of telehealth, the integration of mental health services, and the development of community-based programs that promote healthy lifestyles. The 'Hypertension Score' should be a dynamic tool, constantly updated to reflect the changing landscape of healthcare in the community.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility and the specific locations of medical facilities, including those offering primary care, mental health services, and telemedicine capabilities, consider exploring interactive mapping solutions. CartoChrome maps can visually represent this data, providing a detailed geographical overview of the healthcare landscape in Seneca Rocks (ZIP code 26884).