35549, Carbon Hill, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35549, Carbon Hill, Alabama is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.48 percent of the residents in 35549 has some form of health insurance. 41.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.25 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 35549 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 574 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35549. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 584 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 763 health care providers accessible to residents in 35549, Carbon Hill, Alabama.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management within the context of primary care availability in Carbon Hill, Alabama (ZIP code 35549). The goal is to assess the landscape for patients managing high blood pressure, considering physician access, practice characteristics, and resources available. This analysis will not produce a numerical 'Hypertension Score' but will provide a qualitative assessment of the factors influencing hypertension care in the area.

The foundation of hypertension management is access to primary care physicians. Carbon Hill, like many rural areas, faces potential challenges in this regard. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially compromised preventative care, all of which can negatively impact hypertension control. The availability of primary care physicians, including family medicine and internal medicine specialists, directly influences the ability of patients to receive consistent monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. A scarcity of specialists, like cardiologists, would further compound the issue, making access to advanced care more difficult.

Standout practices within Carbon Hill should be identified. These practices may exhibit superior performance in hypertension management. This could be evidenced by a focus on patient education regarding lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise. The utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) to track blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and patient outcomes is another key indicator. Practices that actively engage in patient outreach, offering reminders for appointments and medication refills, can also improve patient adherence and outcomes. Furthermore, practices that are proactive in identifying and managing comorbid conditions, such as diabetes or obesity, which frequently exacerbate hypertension, demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption plays a critical role in bridging geographical barriers and improving access to care, particularly in rural communities. Practices utilizing telemedicine platforms can offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and medication management. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those who live a significant distance from their physician's office. The presence of telemedicine services can also increase the frequency of patient interactions, allowing for more frequent monitoring and intervention, ultimately leading to improved hypertension control. The availability of telehealth services may also expand the reach of specialists, such as cardiologists, by facilitating virtual consultations.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to hypertension management. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore an important consideration. Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their care models are better positioned to address the holistic needs of their patients. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for providing comprehensive care. Access to these resources can greatly improve patient outcomes.

The specific characteristics of practices in Carbon Hill should be assessed. Are there practices that are part of larger healthcare systems? This could indicate access to more resources, such as specialized equipment, support staff, and integrated care models. The age and experience of the physicians are also relevant. Experienced physicians may possess a deeper understanding of hypertension management, while younger physicians may be more adept at utilizing technology and incorporating the latest guidelines. The acceptance of various insurance plans is another factor, as it directly impacts the affordability of care.

The availability of ancillary services is also important. This includes access to laboratory services for blood work, pharmacies for medication dispensing, and diagnostic imaging facilities. These services facilitate timely diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of hypertension. The presence of patient education materials, such as pamphlets, online resources, and support groups, can empower patients to actively participate in their care.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the primary care practices in Carbon Hill. The prevalence of hypertension varies among different demographic groups, and practices should be prepared to address the specific needs of their patient population. For example, practices serving a population with a high prevalence of diabetes or obesity may need to focus on addressing these comorbidities as part of their hypertension management strategy.

Furthermore, the integration of community resources is crucial. This includes partnerships with local health departments, community centers, and other organizations that can provide support services, such as exercise programs, healthy cooking classes, and social support groups. Practices that actively engage with the community are better positioned to address the social determinants of health that can impact hypertension control.

The quality of care provided by the practices should be assessed. This can be done by looking at data such as the percentage of patients whose blood pressure is under control, the rates of medication adherence, and the rates of complications related to hypertension. Practices that consistently achieve positive outcomes demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care.

The overall assessment of hypertension care in Carbon Hill, Alabama, will be a complex evaluation. The availability of primary care physicians, the characteristics of the practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of ancillary services are all crucial factors. The ultimate goal is to identify areas where improvements can be made to ensure that patients with hypertension receive the best possible care.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Carbon Hill, including the locations of primary care physicians, the availability of pharmacies, and the proximity of hospitals, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize this information and gain a deeper understanding of the resources available in the area.