35571, Hodges, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35571, Hodges, Alabama is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.67 percent of the residents in 35571 has some form of health insurance. 23.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.80 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 35571 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 213 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35571. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 90 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 198 health care providers accessible to residents in 35571, Hodges, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Hodges, AL (ZIP Code 35571)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, within Hodges, Alabama (ZIP Code 35571), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern healthcare solutions to formulate a "Hypertension Score" for the area. This score, though not a single numerical value, reflects the overall landscape of care available to residents.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians. Hodges, a relatively small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: a potentially lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban centers. While precise figures require data from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the US Census Bureau, it's crucial to investigate the actual number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and, more importantly, their patient load. A higher patient-to-physician ratio can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time spent per patient during consultations, impacting the ability to effectively manage chronic conditions like hypertension.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices are paramount. Are there practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate varying schedules? Do they have a robust electronic health record (EHR) system? EHR systems are essential for tracking patient data, facilitating communication between providers, and ensuring consistent adherence to hypertension management guidelines. Practices employing certified medical assistants (CMAs) or registered nurses (RNs) who can assist with patient education, medication management, and blood pressure monitoring are also indicative of a more comprehensive approach to care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in the modern healthcare environment, particularly in areas with limited access to specialists or geographical constraints. The ability to conduct virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication adjustments, and patient education can significantly improve hypertension management. Practices that embrace telemedicine can reach a broader patient base, provide more convenient care, and potentially reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. This is especially important for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. Investigating which practices in 35571 offer telemedicine services and the types of services offered is crucial for a high Hypertension Score.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and its consideration is vital in managing hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community, or readily accessible through referral networks, is a key component of a comprehensive hypertension management strategy. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that screen for mental health issues and proactively address them, either internally or through referral, contribute significantly to a better Hypertension Score.

Standout practices in the area deserve specific attention. Identifying practices that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management can provide valuable insights. This could involve practices that have implemented specific protocols for blood pressure monitoring, medication adherence, lifestyle counseling, and patient education. Are there any practices that have achieved recognition for their hypertension control rates or patient outcomes? Do they actively participate in quality improvement initiatives or collaborate with other healthcare providers? These factors distinguish practices committed to providing superior care.

To assess the "Hypertension Score" for Hodges, AL, a thorough review of the following is needed:

* **Physician Availability:** Number of primary care physicians, patient-to-physician ratio, and acceptance of new patients.
* **Practice Characteristics:** EHR system usage, extended hours, availability of support staff (CMA/RN).
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Availability of virtual consultations, types of services offered.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Access to mental health professionals, screening practices, and referral networks.
* **Standout Practices:** Identification of practices with exemplary hypertension management protocols and outcomes.

Gathering this information requires a combination of data sources: the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, the US Census Bureau, local hospital systems, and direct outreach to primary care practices within the ZIP code. Patient reviews and online ratings can also provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

Based on the collected data, a qualitative assessment of the "Hypertension Score" can be formulated. The score would not be a single number, but rather a descriptive analysis. A high score would indicate a robust primary care infrastructure, readily available telemedicine options, integrated mental health support, and practices demonstrating a commitment to excellence in hypertension management. Conversely, a lower score would reflect challenges in physician availability, limited access to telemedicine, inadequate mental health resources, and a lack of standardized hypertension management protocols.

The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hodges, AL, specifically concerning hypertension management. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to identify areas for improvement, allocate resources effectively, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of the residents of 35571.

CartoChrome Maps can assist in visualizing this data. By using their mapping tools, the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant data can be displayed visually. This visualization can help identify areas with the greatest need for resources and facilitate the development of targeted interventions.