35634, Florence, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35634, Florence, Alabama is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.85 percent of the residents in 35634 has some form of health insurance. 36.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.78 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 35634 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,110 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35634. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,674 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,006 health care providers accessible to residents in 35634, Florence, Alabama.

The analysis below assesses the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP Code 35634, focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources in Florence, Alabama. This evaluation considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, innovative practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial for effective hypertension management.

The foundation of hypertension control rests on accessible and responsive primary care. In ZIP Code 35634, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. Accurate data on this ratio requires examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) actively accepting new patients within the specified area and comparing it to the population of the zip code. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient access, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for hypertension. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards, combined with local surveys, are necessary to establish a precise ratio. This data then forms the baseline for evaluating the overall availability of primary care services.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. Standout practices in the Florence area are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This includes employing evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, offering patient education programs, and proactively monitoring patients' blood pressure and medication adherence. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, generate reminders, and facilitate communication between healthcare providers are also highly valued. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient-centered care, emphasizing shared decision-making and cultural sensitivity, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Identifying these practices requires a combination of factors, including patient reviews, peer recommendations, and an examination of the services offered.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to care, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. In the context of ZIP Code 35634, the adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices can significantly improve patient management. Telemedicine allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits. The availability of telemedicine services can be particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires identifying practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring programs, and patient portals for secure communication. The integration of telemedicine also requires an assessment of the technological infrastructure available to both providers and patients, including internet access and the availability of necessary devices.

The intricate relationship between mental health and hypertension is increasingly recognized. Stress, anxiety, and depression can elevate blood pressure and interfere with adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension care. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions, offer counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the healthcare system. An assessment of mental health resources requires evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, the integration of mental health screening tools, and the availability of patient support groups or educational programs.

Specific examples of practices in the Florence area that excel in hypertension management should be identified. This involves researching individual practices, examining their websites, and interviewing healthcare professionals. The analysis should highlight practices that have implemented innovative programs, such as patient education workshops, remote blood pressure monitoring, or medication adherence support. The analysis should also identify practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their care models, providing virtual consultations and remote monitoring services. Furthermore, the analysis should identify practices that have established strong referral pathways to mental health professionals, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care.

The analysis should also consider the challenges faced by patients in ZIP Code 35634. These challenges may include limited access to transportation, financial constraints, and a lack of health literacy. The analysis should identify practices that are addressing these challenges through initiatives such as transportation assistance, financial counseling, or culturally sensitive patient education materials. The analysis should also consider the impact of social determinants of health, such as poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to safe housing, on hypertension management. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies.

In conclusion, a comprehensive analysis of hypertension care in ZIP Code 35634 requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources. It also requires an understanding of the challenges faced by patients and the initiatives that are being implemented to address these challenges. By providing a clear and concise assessment of the current landscape, this analysis can inform efforts to improve hypertension care and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

To further explore the geographic distribution of primary care physicians, healthcare resources, and patient demographics in the Florence area, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of the healthcare landscape.