35458, Elrod, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35458, Elrod, Alabama is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 35458 has some form of health insurance. 16.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.45 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 35458 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 228 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35458. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 63 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 691 health care providers accessible to residents in 35458, Elrod, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Elrod, AL (ZIP Code 35458)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within the Elrod, Alabama (ZIP code 35458) area, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the integration of modern healthcare practices. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in providing effective care for individuals with, or at risk of, high blood pressure.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, ongoing monitoring, and medication management. Assessing primary care availability involves considering the number of PCPs actively practicing within the specified geographic area, the patient-to-physician ratio, and the distribution of these physicians across the community. In Elrod, a detailed investigation is needed to determine the exact number of PCPs serving the population. This involves cross-referencing data from medical directories, insurance provider networks, and local healthcare organizations.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating a smaller number of physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential difficulties in establishing a strong doctor-patient relationship. Conversely, a low ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially improved patient outcomes. Determining the precise ratio for Elrod necessitates accurate population data and a reliable count of practicing PCPs. This ratio, along with the availability of specialists like cardiologists and nephrologists, significantly influences the overall "Hypertension Score."

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care within Elrod is crucial. Are PCPs concentrated in specific areas, leaving certain populations underserved? Are there transportation barriers that limit access to care? Factors like the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community clinics can significantly impact accessibility, especially for underserved populations. Investigating the geographic distribution of practices and the accessibility of transportation options are essential components of this analysis.

The integration of telemedicine represents a modern approach to hypertension management. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of blood pressure, virtual consultations, and medication management, potentially improving access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Evaluating the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Elrod is a key aspect of this analysis. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into existing workflows. Practices that have successfully adopted telemedicine will likely receive a higher score.

Mental health plays a significant role in managing hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and addressing these issues is crucial for overall patient well-being. The availability of mental health resources within Elrod, including access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups, directly impacts the effectiveness of hypertension management. This analysis will assess the availability of these resources and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have strong referral networks will be viewed favorably.

Identifying standout practices is another critical element of the analysis. This involves recognizing practices that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. This could include practices that have implemented evidence-based guidelines, achieved high rates of blood pressure control, or have demonstrated a commitment to patient education and engagement. The identification of these practices, along with their specific strategies, will help highlight best practices and provide insights for improving hypertension care across the community. This assessment might involve reviewing patient outcomes data, assessing patient satisfaction surveys, and evaluating the implementation of specific hypertension management protocols.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the factors discussed above. The score will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic distribution of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. Each factor will be assigned a weighted value, reflecting its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension management. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state of hypertension care in Elrod.

To arrive at a robust score, a thorough data collection process is required. This involves gathering information from various sources, including physician directories, insurance provider networks, local healthcare organizations, and public health agencies. Data analysis will be conducted to determine physician-to-patient ratios, assess the geographic distribution of practices, and evaluate the adoption of telemedicine and mental health services. The identification of standout practices will involve a review of patient outcomes data, patient satisfaction surveys, and practice-specific information.

This analysis will provide a valuable resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. It will highlight areas of strength and weakness in hypertension management, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide insights into best practices. The "Hypertension Score" will serve as a benchmark for tracking progress and measuring the impact of interventions aimed at improving hypertension care in Elrod.

The final "Hypertension Score" will be presented in a clear and concise format, along with supporting data and recommendations for improvement. The report will also include a detailed discussion of the methodology used to develop the score, including the data sources, the weighting of factors, and the limitations of the analysis. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and actionable assessment of hypertension care in Elrod.

To visualize the geographic distribution of primary care practices, access to specialists, and other relevant healthcare data, we strongly recommend exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow for the creation of interactive, data-driven visualizations that can enhance understanding and facilitate informed decision-making. They provide a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare access and identifying areas where resources are most needed.