35091, Kimberly, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35091, Kimberly, Alabama is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.78 percent of the residents in 35091 has some form of health insurance. 19.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 87.44 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 35091 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 922 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35091. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 353 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,552 health care providers accessible to residents in 35091, Kimberly, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Kimberly, Alabama (ZIP Code 35091)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning hypertension management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the landscape of primary care within Kimberly, Alabama (ZIP Code 35091), focusing on factors influencing a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" for local physicians. This score would reflect a physician's ability to effectively manage hypertension within their patient population, incorporating aspects like patient access, preventative care, and the availability of supporting resources.

The foundation of a good Hypertension Score lies in patient access. The physician-to-patient ratio within Kimberly is a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for hypertension. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be used to estimate this ratio, comparing it to state and national averages. This comparison provides context, revealing whether Kimberly faces a shortage or surplus of primary care physicians.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the distribution of practices matters. Are primary care physicians clustered in one area, or are they geographically dispersed, making access easier for all residents? Analyzing practice locations, using tools like online directories and local government websites, provides insights into this distribution. Areas with limited access, perhaps due to geographic isolation or lack of transportation, would negatively impact the Hypertension Score for physicians serving those populations.

The quality of care provided by individual practices significantly influences the score. This involves evaluating factors such as the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Does the practice regularly screen patients for hypertension? Do they employ protocols for lifestyle interventions, such as dietary recommendations and exercise counseling? Are they proactive in prescribing appropriate medications and monitoring patient responses? Information on these practices would be gathered from publicly available sources, such as practice websites, and potentially through patient reviews and reports from quality-reporting organizations.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in modern healthcare, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that embrace telemedicine offer patients greater flexibility and convenience. Virtual consultations can facilitate medication adjustments, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and regular check-ins, all contributing to better control of hypertension. The Hypertension Score would therefore reward practices actively using telemedicine platforms, assessing the frequency and types of virtual services offered.

Another critical aspect of hypertension management is the integration of mental health resources. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression are often linked to hypertension. Practices that recognize this connection and offer, or refer patients to, mental health services are better equipped to provide holistic care. This includes assessing the availability of on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health providers, and the use of screening tools for mental health conditions. These factors would positively influence the Hypertension Score.

Standout practices within Kimberly would be identified based on their comprehensive approach to hypertension management. These practices would likely demonstrate a commitment to patient education, preventative care, and the use of technology to improve patient outcomes. They might have dedicated staff for chronic disease management, offer group education sessions, or actively participate in quality improvement initiatives. Identifying these practices would involve a deeper dive into their operations, potentially through interviews with staff or reviews of their patient-care protocols.

The availability of supporting resources within the community also plays a role. Does Kimberly have access to pharmacies offering medication adherence programs? Are there local support groups for individuals with hypertension? The presence of these resources can enhance patient self-management and improve treatment outcomes. This analysis would assess the availability and accessibility of these resources, factoring them into the overall Hypertension Score.

Analyzing the data requires a structured approach. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, practice locations, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices – would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. This weighting system allows for the creation of a composite score, providing a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Kimberly.

The final Hypertension Score for physicians in ZIP Code 35091 would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape. It would be a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care, providing insights into the quality and accessibility of hypertension management. It would also be a useful benchmark for physicians, highlighting areas for improvement and encouraging the adoption of best practices.

To visualize and understand the complex healthcare landscape of Kimberly, Alabama, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow for a spatial analysis of the data, providing a powerful tool for decision-making and improving patient care.