35148, Sumiton, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35148, Sumiton, Alabama is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.63 percent of the residents in 35148 has some form of health insurance. 35.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.17 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 35148 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 484 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35148. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 485 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 168 health care providers accessible to residents in 35148, Sumiton, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Sumiton, AL (ZIP Code 35148)

Analyzing hypertension management capabilities within Sumiton, Alabama (ZIP Code 35148) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support – all critical components of effective hypertension care. We will assess these factors to derive a “Hypertension Score” for the area, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The cornerstone of hypertension management is access to primary care physicians. In Sumiton, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial starting point. While precise figures fluctuate, understanding the number of primary care physicians serving the population is essential. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient follow-up, and potentially compromised hypertension control. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, within a reasonable distance also impacts the overall score. Referral pathways and the ease of access to specialized care are significant factors.

Examining the practices themselves is vital. Some practices may stand out due to their commitment to hypertension management. This includes the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Practices that proactively monitor blood pressure, offer patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and regularly adjust medication regimens based on patient response will likely demonstrate superior outcomes. Data on patient outcomes, such as the percentage of patients achieving blood pressure control, would be invaluable in this assessment.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Practices embracing telemedicine can potentially improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, especially for routine follow-ups. The availability of user-friendly platforms, the integration of telehealth with electronic health records, and the training provided to both physicians and patients are important considerations.

The link between mental health and hypertension is increasingly recognized. Chronic stress and anxiety can elevate blood pressure, and mental health conditions can impact medication adherence and lifestyle choices. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Sumiton area is a crucial factor. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referrals into their hypertension management protocols demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals can lead to better outcomes for patients with co-occurring conditions.

The "Hypertension Score" for Sumiton (35148) will be a composite measure reflecting these factors. A high score would indicate excellent primary care availability, practices actively engaged in evidence-based hypertension management, robust telemedicine capabilities, and readily accessible mental health resources. A lower score would signal areas for improvement, such as physician shortages, a lack of standardized protocols, limited telemedicine adoption, and inadequate mental health support.

Specific practices within Sumiton warrant closer examination. Identifying those with a strong track record in hypertension control and patient education is essential. Analyzing their patient demographics, the types of services offered, and their use of technology can provide valuable insights. Researching their patient satisfaction scores and reviews can provide a qualitative dimension to the quantitative data. Understanding their staffing models, including the presence of nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals, is also relevant.

Furthermore, the availability of pharmacies and their services plays a role. Pharmacies that offer medication counseling, blood pressure monitoring, and medication synchronization programs can enhance patient adherence and improve outcomes. Proximity to pharmacies and the ease of prescription refills are also important considerations.

The geographic distribution of healthcare resources within Sumiton is a critical element. Are primary care physicians and specialists clustered in certain areas, leaving other parts of the ZIP code underserved? Understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources is essential for identifying potential disparities in access to care. This analysis would also consider the presence of community health centers or other safety-net providers that serve vulnerable populations.

The role of health insurance coverage cannot be overlooked. The percentage of residents with health insurance and the types of insurance plans accepted by local providers can significantly impact access to care. High rates of uninsured or underinsured individuals may lead to delayed or inadequate treatment for hypertension.

In conclusion, evaluating the hypertension management landscape in Sumiton, AL (35148) requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, mental health resources, and the broader healthcare ecosystem. This analysis, when combined with data on patient outcomes and community health indicators, can provide a valuable understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This information can inform strategies to improve hypertension control and overall community health.

To further explore the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, visualize physician locations, and analyze demographic data related to hypertension risk factors, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping and analytical tools to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sumiton and beyond.