35115, Montevallo, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35115, Montevallo, Alabama is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.95 percent of the residents in 35115 has some form of health insurance. 38.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.00 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 35115 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,323 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35115. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,327 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 556 health care providers accessible to residents in 35115, Montevallo, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35115 and Primary Care Availability in Montevallo

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care within ZIP code 35115 (Montevallo, Alabama) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will develop a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" for local physicians, considering factors crucial for effective hypertension management. We'll also examine the broader landscape of primary care access, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital elements in controlling and mitigating the risks associated with high blood pressure.

The Hypertension Score, for the purpose of this analysis, would be a composite measure reflecting a physician's commitment to hypertension care. The score would incorporate several key metrics. First, adherence to established clinical guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, such as those outlined by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). This involves consistent blood pressure monitoring, appropriate medication selection, and lifestyle counseling. Second, patient outcomes. This would include the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure levels, documented through electronic health records (EHRs) or patient surveys. Third, the utilization of preventative care strategies, such as screening for related conditions like diabetes and hyperlipidemia, which often co-occur with hypertension. Fourth, patient education and engagement, reflecting the physician's ability to empower patients to actively manage their condition through understanding their diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications.

Calculating a precise Hypertension Score for individual physicians in 35115 would necessitate access to detailed patient data, which is beyond the scope of this analysis. However, we can infer a general assessment based on publicly available information and industry trends.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Montevallo is a critical factor. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially, poorer outcomes for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. Researching the specific ratio in 35115 would involve consulting data from the Alabama Department of Public Health or the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). A low ratio would automatically depress the overall "Hypertension Score" for the area, as it would limit the ability of physicians to provide comprehensive care.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the local healthcare ecosystem. These practices would be characterized by a commitment to quality, patient-centered care. Features to look for would include: accreditation by recognized bodies like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a robust EHR system that facilitates data tracking and analysis, and a demonstrated focus on patient satisfaction. Patient reviews, if available, would provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices that proactively engage patients in their care, offering educational materials, support groups, and readily available communication channels, would also be highly regarded.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Montevallo. Telemedicine allows physicians to monitor patients remotely, adjust medication dosages, and provide virtual consultations, improving access to care and enhancing patient convenience. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual visits for follow-up appointments and medication management, would likely receive a higher Hypertension Score. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, integrated with the practice's EHR, would be another indicator of a progressive approach.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, and patients with hypertension often experience depression or anxiety. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their care model, either through on-site therapists or referrals to local mental health providers, would be better positioned to address the holistic needs of their patients. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for effective hypertension management. The presence of integrated behavioral health services would significantly boost the Hypertension Score.

Furthermore, consider the availability of resources for patients with limited financial means or those facing social determinants of health challenges. Practices that actively connect patients with community resources, such as food banks, transportation assistance, and medication assistance programs, demonstrate a commitment to addressing the broader factors that impact health outcomes. This level of support would positively influence the overall Hypertension Score.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of hypertension care in 35115 requires a multi-faceted approach. The "Hypertension Score" is a valuable framework for evaluating the quality of care provided by local physicians. Factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the availability of patient education resources all contribute to the overall effectiveness of hypertension management. Identifying standout practices and promoting best practices are crucial steps in improving patient outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Montevallo and surrounding areas, including physician locations, access to care, and demographic data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations that can help identify areas with high needs, pinpoint underserved populations, and highlight areas of potential improvement in healthcare access.