35207, Birmingham, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35207, Birmingham, Alabama is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.19 percent of the residents in 35207 has some form of health insurance. 66.60 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.24 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 35207 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,663 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 115 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35207. An estimate of 109 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,806 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,813 health care providers accessible to residents in 35207, Birmingham, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35207 & Primary Care Availability in Birmingham

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 35207 and the broader context of primary care availability in Birmingham, Alabama, requires a nuanced approach. This analysis will consider several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the prevalence of specific practice characteristics, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” assessment, highlighting areas of strength and weakness within the healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In Birmingham, the overall primary care physician (PCP) to population ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment initiation. Within 35207, a more granular analysis is needed. We must ascertain the specific PCP availability within this ZIP code, considering both the number of practicing physicians and the demographic makeup of the population. Are there enough PCPs to adequately serve the residents, or are patients forced to seek care outside the immediate area?

Physician-to-patient ratios alone don't paint the full picture. We need to delve deeper into the practices themselves. The "Hypertension Score" should consider the presence of dedicated hypertension clinics or specialized programs. Do these practices have registered nurses or other healthcare professionals specifically trained in hypertension management? Do they offer comprehensive lifestyle counseling, including dietary guidance and exercise recommendations? The availability of these resources significantly impacts a patient's ability to effectively manage their condition.

Standout practices will demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. This includes extended hours, weekend appointments, and efficient appointment scheduling systems. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively can improve care coordination and facilitate seamless communication between providers. The "Hypertension Score" will give higher marks to practices that have implemented robust EHR systems with capabilities for patient portals and secure messaging.

Telemedicine has rapidly evolved, offering a powerful tool for hypertension management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth platforms, deserve recognition. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the degree to which practices have integrated telemedicine into their workflows, considering factors like the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and the ease of use for patients.

The intricate link between mental health and hypertension cannot be ignored. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. The "Hypertension Score" must assess the availability of mental health resources within the practices or through referral networks. Do practices screen for mental health conditions? Do they have partnerships with mental health professionals? The integration of mental health services is a critical component of comprehensive hypertension care.

Beyond individual practices, the overall healthcare infrastructure in Birmingham plays a role. The presence of hospitals with specialized cardiology departments and access to diagnostic testing facilities, such as echocardiograms and stress tests, contributes to the overall quality of care. The "Hypertension Score" will consider the proximity of these resources and the ease with which patients can access them.

Data collection and analysis are crucial. Gathering information from various sources, including insurance providers, healthcare directories, and patient reviews, is essential. This data should be analyzed to identify trends and patterns, revealing areas where the healthcare system excels and areas where improvements are needed. Patient satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including wait times, communication with providers, and the overall quality of care.

The "Hypertension Score" for 35207 and Birmingham should be a dynamic measure, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This score should be transparent and accessible to the public, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare. The score should also be used to identify best practices and to guide efforts to improve hypertension management throughout the region.

The analysis of hypertension care in 35207 and Birmingham requires a multifaceted approach. It is not merely about counting physicians; it is about assessing the quality, accessibility, and comprehensiveness of care. The "Hypertension Score" should be a comprehensive metric that considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall healthcare infrastructure. By focusing on these key factors, we can gain a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system and identify opportunities for improvement.

Are you interested in visualizing the data behind this analysis and exploring the spatial relationships between healthcare resources and patient populations? CartoChrome maps offers a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing this data. Explore the geographic distribution of healthcare providers, identify areas with limited access to care, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.