35543, Bear Creek, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35543, Bear Creek, Alabama is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.15 percent of the residents in 35543 has some form of health insurance. 61.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 34.20 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 35543 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 436 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35543. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 211 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 307 health care providers accessible to residents in 35543, Bear Creek, Alabama.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant public health concern, often requiring consistent medical management. Evaluating healthcare accessibility and quality for individuals within a specific geographic area, such as Bear Creek, Alabama (ZIP code 35543), is crucial for understanding the landscape of hypertension care. This analysis provides an assessment of the resources available to manage this condition, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support.

The foundation of hypertension management rests upon accessible primary care. Bear Creek, being a relatively small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities. Assessing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within ZIP code 35543 and the surrounding areas is the first step. Data from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and health insurance provider directories can provide this information. The physician-to-patient ratio offers a crucial metric. A lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) typically indicates better access to care. The ideal ratio varies, but a higher number suggests potential strain on existing resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are the practices concentrated in one area, leaving other parts of Bear Creek underserved? Geographic information system (GIS) mapping can visualize the distribution of practices, revealing potential healthcare deserts. Furthermore, understanding the types of practices is essential. Are there solo practitioners, group practices, or larger healthcare systems present? Group practices often offer a broader range of services and potentially more comprehensive care, including access to specialists and ancillary services like laboratory testing.

Identifying standout practices within Bear Creek is important. This involves looking beyond the basic metrics. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive hypertension management programs, and demonstrate positive patient outcomes should be recognized. This assessment requires gathering information from various sources. Patient reviews, if available, can offer insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care. Reviews may highlight specific practices that are lauded for their patient-centered approach.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare, particularly in rural areas where access to in-person care can be limited. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Bear Creek is a critical factor. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of blood pressure. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely providing more convenient and accessible care, especially for patients with mobility issues or transportation challenges. Examining practice websites and contacting practices directly to determine their telemedicine capabilities is crucial.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and overall health. The availability of mental health resources within Bear Creek is therefore an essential component of a comprehensive hypertension care assessment. Does the community have access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists? Are there collaborations between primary care practices and mental health providers? Integrated care models, where mental health services are offered within the primary care setting, are particularly beneficial. They allow for seamless coordination of care and address the complex interplay between physical and mental health.

Evaluating the insurance landscape is also important. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, impacts access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are likely to serve a broader patient population. This information can be obtained by contacting the practices directly or by reviewing their websites.

The availability of patient education materials and resources is another indicator of quality care. Practices that provide patients with educational materials about hypertension, lifestyle modifications, and medication management empower patients to actively participate in their care. These resources can include brochures, online information, and support groups.

Finally, understanding the technological infrastructure of the practices is important. Electronic health records (EHRs) are essential for efficient care coordination and data management. Practices that utilize EHRs are better equipped to track patient progress, share information with other providers, and provide more personalized care.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of hypertension care in Bear Creek (ZIP code 35543) requires a multi-faceted approach. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources are all crucial. This data-driven assessment helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the delivery of hypertension care.

For a detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Bear Creek, including physician locations, practice types, and access to resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, offering valuable insights into healthcare accessibility and resource distribution.