35147, Sterrett, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35147, Sterrett, Alabama is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.85 percent of the residents in 35147 has some form of health insurance. 28.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.16 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 35147 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,565 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35147. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 721 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,964 health care providers accessible to residents in 35147, Sterrett, Alabama.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35147 & Primary Care Availability in Sterrett**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area, like ZIP code 35147 and the Sterrett community, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will construct a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), their capacity to manage hypertension, and the presence of supportive resources. This is not a definitive medical assessment, but rather an overview based on publicly available information, aiming to provide a general understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of this analysis rests on understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. Sterrett, as a community within ZIP code 35147, likely experiences a variable ratio depending on the specific location and the distribution of medical practices. Publicly available data from the US Census Bureau and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can be utilized to estimate the population within the ZIP code. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and online physician directories can then be consulted to identify practicing PCPs within the area. Dividing the estimated population by the number of PCPs provides a basic physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio generally suggests better access to care, while a higher ratio indicates potential challenges in scheduling appointments and receiving timely care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the "Hypertension Score" considers the quality and accessibility of care. This encompasses factors such as the availability of same-day appointments, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and the implementation of evidence-based hypertension management protocols. Practices that actively monitor patient blood pressure, offer lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise), and prescribe appropriate medications are likely to receive higher scores.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This requires research into individual practices within 35147. Publicly available information, such as patient reviews, practice websites, and information from insurance providers, can be used to identify practices known for their patient-centered care, commitment to preventive medicine, and expertise in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that have earned recognition from professional organizations or have demonstrated positive patient outcomes would be highlighted.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, and its continued use can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for hypertension management, medication refills, and follow-up appointments would be favored. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, allowing patients to track their blood pressure at home and share the data with their physician, would also be a positive factor.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and effective management of hypertension often requires addressing underlying mental health issues. The "Hypertension Score" therefore considers the availability of mental health resources within the community. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would be viewed favorably. The presence of community mental health centers or support groups would also contribute to a higher score.

Furthermore, the analysis will evaluate the availability of resources that support patient education and self-management of hypertension. This includes access to educational materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, and online resources, that provide information on healthy eating, exercise, and medication adherence. Practices that offer group education sessions or individual counseling on lifestyle modifications would receive higher scores.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number. It is a dynamic assessment that reflects the ever-changing healthcare landscape. The score is based on the weighted evaluation of several factors, including physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The weights assigned to each factor would be based on their relative importance in effectively managing hypertension and improving patient outcomes.

For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a robust telemedicine program, and integrated behavioral health services would likely receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine options, and no mental health resources would likely receive a lower score.

The analysis would also consider the socioeconomic characteristics of the population within 35147. Factors such as income levels, education levels, and access to transportation can significantly impact healthcare access and outcomes. The "Hypertension Score" would take these factors into account, recognizing that healthcare disparities can exist within a community.

The analysis would also consider the presence of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes the availability of free or low-cost blood pressure screenings, community health programs, and support groups. The presence of these resources can help to improve patient awareness and promote early detection and management of hypertension.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for doctors in ZIP code 35147 and primary care availability in Sterrett would provide a valuable overview of the local healthcare landscape. This analysis would identify strengths and weaknesses in the system, highlighting areas where improvements are needed to ensure that all residents have access to high-quality hypertension care. The final score would be a composite of the factors discussed, weighted to reflect their importance in effective hypertension management.

To gain a more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 35147, and to see how these resources are geographically distributed, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the location of medical practices, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources, providing a valuable tool for understanding access to care and identifying potential gaps in services. Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and visualize the healthcare resources available in your community.