35618, Courtland, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35618, Courtland, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.36 percent of the residents in 35618 has some form of health insurance. 43.58 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.52 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 35618 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 471 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35618. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 479 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,481 health care providers accessible to residents in 35618, Courtland, Alabama.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP Code 35618, focusing on their capacity to manage hypertension and the availability of primary care resources in Courtland, Alabama. This score is not based on real-world data but is constructed for illustrative purposes, highlighting the factors influencing hypertension care access and quality.

The 'Hypertension Score' is a composite metric reflecting several key areas. These include the physician-to-patient ratio within the area, the adoption of telemedicine for hypertension management, the availability of mental health support for patients, and the specific practices and resources employed by individual physicians. The score aims to provide a snapshot of the overall healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.

In the hypothetical scenario, ZIP Code 35618, encompassing a portion of Courtland, faces challenges common to rural areas. Primary care physician availability is a critical factor. A high physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can limit access to timely appointments and ongoing care. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring of blood pressure, and reduced adherence to treatment plans. The 'Hypertension Score' would therefore consider the physician-to-patient ratio a significant negative factor.

Within Courtland, the 'Hypertension Score' would also assess the specific practices of individual physicians. Some might stand out for their proactive approach to hypertension management. These practices might incorporate regular blood pressure screenings, comprehensive patient education about lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and the use of evidence-based treatment protocols. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) allows for efficient tracking of patient data, medication management, and the generation of reminders for follow-up appointments. These practices would positively influence the 'Hypertension Score'.

Telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in managing chronic conditions like hypertension, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows physicians to monitor patients' blood pressure remotely, adjust medications, and provide counseling without requiring frequent in-person visits. The 'Hypertension Score' would give significant weight to the adoption and effective use of telemedicine by physicians in ZIP Code 35618. This includes the availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, secure video conferencing platforms, and the ability to transmit patient data electronically.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it harder for patients to adhere to treatment plans. The 'Hypertension Score' would therefore evaluate the availability of mental health resources for patients within the primary care setting. This includes access to on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and the integration of mental health screening tools into routine check-ups. Practices that prioritize mental health support would receive a higher score.

The 'Hypertension Score' would also consider the availability of resources within the community. This includes access to pharmacies, healthy food options, and exercise facilities. A lack of these resources can hinder patients' ability to manage their hypertension effectively. The score would factor in the presence of community health programs, such as free blood pressure screenings, educational workshops, and support groups.

Specific examples of standout practices within ZIP Code 35618 would be highlighted. For instance, a practice that offers extended hours, same-day appointments for urgent needs, and bilingual staff to serve a diverse patient population would receive a higher score. A practice that actively participates in quality improvement initiatives, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition, would also be favorably evaluated.

Conversely, a practice with a high patient volume, long wait times, and limited access to telemedicine would receive a lower score. The lack of patient education materials, the absence of mental health support, and a reliance on outdated record-keeping systems would also negatively impact the score.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not intended to be a definitive ranking, but rather a starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape. The analysis would provide insights into areas where improvements are needed. This could include advocating for increased physician recruitment, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding access to mental health services.

The hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' for Courtland and ZIP Code 35618 would be a dynamic assessment, reflecting changes in healthcare practices and community resources. The score would be updated regularly to reflect the evolving healthcare landscape.

CartoChrome maps offer a powerful visualization tool for understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient populations. By mapping the 'Hypertension Score' data, CartoChrome can help identify areas with limited access to care, highlight disparities in healthcare outcomes, and inform the development of targeted interventions.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Courtland and ZIP Code 35618, and to visualize the 'Hypertension Score' data, we encourage you to explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps.