35470, Livingston, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35470, Livingston, Alabama is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.23 percent of the residents in 35470 has some form of health insurance. 50.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.50 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 35470 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,233 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35470. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 624 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 30 health care providers accessible to residents in 35470, Livingston, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Livingston, AL (ZIP Code 35470)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Livingston, Alabama (ZIP code 35470), through the lens of hypertension management requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess physician-to-patient ratios, evaluate the adoption of telemedicine, and examine the integration of mental health resources, all factors crucial to effective hypertension control. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Hypertension Score" perspective, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The core of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Livingston, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of residents to receive regular check-ups, screenings, and medication management. This involves considering the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as well as the capacity of their practices to accommodate new patients. A high concentration of primary care physicians, coupled with open appointment slots and efficient patient intake processes, would contribute positively to the Hypertension Score. Conversely, a shortage of primary care providers, long wait times, and limited patient capacity would negatively impact the score, hindering timely diagnosis and treatment.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. Determining the ratio within ZIP code 35470 provides a concrete measure of the potential workload carried by each primary care physician. A favorable ratio, meaning a relatively low number of patients per physician, allows for more individualized attention, more frequent follow-up appointments, and ultimately, better patient outcomes in managing hypertension. Conversely, a high physician-to-patient ratio can lead to rushed appointments, reduced time for patient education, and a greater likelihood of missed diagnoses or inadequate treatment plans. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards would be essential to calculate this ratio accurately and assess its impact on the Hypertension Score.

Identifying standout practices within Livingston is key. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to proactive hypertension management, such as implementing robust patient education programs, offering convenient appointment scheduling, and utilizing evidence-based treatment protocols, would be considered exemplary. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, track patient outcomes, and demonstrate a high rate of blood pressure control would also receive positive recognition. Conversely, practices lacking these elements would see their contribution to the overall score diminished. Researching patient reviews, evaluating practice websites for information on hypertension management protocols, and possibly conducting brief interviews with local healthcare professionals would provide valuable insights.

The adoption of telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. The presence of telemedicine capabilities, such as virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, would significantly enhance the Hypertension Score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can provide more convenient follow-up appointments, medication refills, and educational resources, improving patient adherence to treatment plans. Conversely, practices that have not adopted telemedicine may face challenges in providing timely and accessible care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or transportation limitations.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical factor in hypertension management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric medication management, is crucial. Practices that have integrated mental health professionals into their care teams or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would contribute positively to the Hypertension Score. This integrated approach allows for a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension. Conversely, a lack of access to mental health resources could hinder effective hypertension management, potentially leading to poorer patient outcomes.

Overall, the "Hypertension Score" for Livingston, AL (ZIP code 35470) would be a composite measure reflecting the interplay of these factors. It would be a dynamic assessment, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new data becomes available. The score would provide a valuable snapshot of the community's capacity to effectively manage hypertension, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement. A comprehensive analysis would require detailed data collection and analysis, incorporating information from various sources, including physician directories, patient surveys, and healthcare provider websites.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Livingston and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis of healthcare access and availability. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a clearer picture of hypertension management resources in Livingston and beyond.