35548, Brilliant, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35548, Brilliant, Alabama is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.57 percent of the residents in 35548 has some form of health insurance. 40.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.15 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 35548 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 432 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35548. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 351 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 478 health care providers accessible to residents in 35548, Brilliant, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Brilliant, Alabama (ZIP Code 35548)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within Brilliant, Alabama (ZIP Code 35548), requires a multi-faceted approach, especially concerning hypertension management. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), their practices, and the resources available for patients managing high blood pressure. A comprehensive "Hypertension Score" is established, considering key factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Brilliant is a crucial metric. Data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and local medical societies are essential to determine the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population. A lower ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access. This ratio directly impacts appointment availability, patient wait times, and the ability of physicians to provide comprehensive care, including preventative measures and ongoing monitoring crucial for hypertension control.

Beyond simple numbers, the characteristics of local primary care practices significantly impact the Hypertension Score. Are the practices accepting new patients? What insurance plans do they accept? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Practices that are open and welcoming, with diverse insurance coverage, and flexible scheduling options are more likely to facilitate timely access to care. This is particularly important for patients with hypertension, who need regular check-ups and medication adjustments.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical component of the Hypertension Score. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms provide greater flexibility and convenience for patients. Telemedicine can be used for medication refills, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of blood pressure readings. This is especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve medication adherence and facilitate early intervention when blood pressure readings are elevated. The level of telemedicine integration, including the availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices and the use of secure patient portals, is a key factor in the score.

The integration of mental health resources is another vital aspect of the Hypertension Score. Hypertension is often linked to stress, anxiety, and depression. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can improve patient outcomes by addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of hypertension management. Access to mental health support can enhance patient adherence to lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, which are essential for blood pressure control.

To assess standout practices, several factors are considered. Practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient education, offering educational materials and support groups, receive higher scores. Practices that implement evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, including the use of standardized protocols and regular blood pressure screenings, also score favorably. Practices that actively engage in patient outreach and provide reminders for appointments and medication refills also contribute to a higher score.

The availability of pharmacies within the ZIP code is also considered. Easy access to pharmacies that carry a variety of medications and provide medication counseling is crucial for patients with hypertension. The proximity of pharmacies, their operating hours, and their ability to handle prescription refills efficiently are all important factors. Furthermore, the presence of pharmacies that offer medication adherence programs or blood pressure monitoring services can enhance the overall Hypertension Score.

A comprehensive analysis must also consider the socio-economic factors that can impact hypertension management. The prevalence of food deserts within the ZIP code, the availability of affordable housing, and the levels of health literacy within the community all influence patient outcomes. Addressing these social determinants of health is essential for improving hypertension control. Practices that actively work to address these factors, such as by providing resources for healthy eating or connecting patients with social services, will receive a higher score.

The "Hypertension Score" is a dynamic metric. It is not a static ranking but a reflection of the evolving healthcare landscape. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The score should also be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide the development of targeted interventions.

The final "Hypertension Score" for Brilliant, Alabama (ZIP Code 35548) is a composite score based on the factors discussed above. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its importance in hypertension management. The score is then calculated using a weighted average. The higher the score, the better the access to and quality of hypertension care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Brilliant, Alabama (ZIP Code 35548), and to visualize the distribution of resources and access points, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a visual representation of healthcare data, allowing you to see the location of physicians, pharmacies, and other resources, and to understand the relationships between these resources and the community.