35444, Brookwood, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35444, Brookwood, Alabama is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.80 percent of the residents in 35444 has some form of health insurance. 35.89 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.43 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 35444 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,008 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35444. An estimate of 11 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 507 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,319 health care providers accessible to residents in 35444, Brookwood, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Brookwood, AL (ZIP Code 35444)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of Brookwood, Alabama (ZIP Code 35444) requires a multi-faceted approach to assess the availability and quality of care, specifically concerning hypertension management. This analysis will delve into the physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources – all crucial factors influencing a patient's ability to effectively manage hypertension.

The foundation of any hypertension management strategy lies in accessible primary care. In Brookwood, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, less effective hypertension control. Data from reputable sources like the American Medical Association (AMA) and state health departments needs to be consulted to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code. This data will be a critical component of the overall Hypertension Score. Furthermore, the distribution of primary care physicians within the area needs examination. Are they concentrated in specific areas, potentially leaving certain neighborhoods underserved? This geographic analysis is crucial for identifying potential disparities in access to care.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is essential. Identifying standout practices in Brookwood requires a review of patient reviews, physician ratings, and performance metrics. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, including regular blood pressure screenings and patient education, will likely score higher. Additionally, practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) and integrated care models, which facilitate communication between specialists and primary care physicians, will be viewed favorably. Practices that actively engage in population health management, identifying and proactively managing patients with hypertension, will also receive a higher score. This includes programs focused on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and regular follow-up appointments.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in hypertension management, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption in Brookwood is a significant factor in this analysis. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and virtual patient education programs will receive a higher score. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in remote areas. The availability of these services, along with the ease of use and patient satisfaction with telemedicine platforms, will be assessed.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources in Brookwood is a crucial component of the Hypertension Score. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and mental health support groups. Practices that integrate mental health services into their primary care offerings, such as on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, will be given preferential consideration. The presence of community mental health centers and their accessibility to residents of Brookwood will also be assessed.

The Hypertension Score will also consider the presence of specialized care options. While primary care is the cornerstone, access to cardiology specialists is vital for managing complex cases of hypertension. The availability of cardiologists, vascular surgeons, and other specialists within a reasonable distance of Brookwood will contribute to the overall score. Furthermore, the presence of diagnostic facilities, such as echocardiography and stress testing, is crucial for comprehensive cardiac care.

The scoring system will be designed to reflect the relative importance of each factor. Physician-to-patient ratios will be weighted heavily, as access to care is the foundation. The quality of primary care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability will also be significant factors. The presence of specialized care options will be considered, but with a slightly lower weight, as these services are often accessed through referrals from primary care physicians.

Data collection will involve a combination of methods. Publicly available data from government agencies, healthcare organizations, and professional societies will be used. Patient reviews and physician ratings will be gathered from reputable online platforms. Direct outreach to healthcare providers in Brookwood may be necessary to gather specific information about their services and practices.

The final Hypertension Score will be a numerical value, with a higher score indicating a more favorable environment for hypertension management. This score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Brookwood, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. This analysis will also identify areas for improvement, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine services, and improving access to mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in Brookwood, leading to improved hypertension control and overall health outcomes.

To visualize the findings and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Brookwood, consider exploring the data through CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can display physician locations, practice locations, and other relevant data, allowing for a more comprehensive and geographically informed analysis.