35645, Killen, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35645, Killen, Alabama is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.34 percent of the residents in 35645 has some form of health insurance. 31.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 75.71 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 35645 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,085 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35645. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,320 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,014 health care providers accessible to residents in 35645, Killen, Alabama.

The analysis below provides an assessment of hypertension management within ZIP code 35645, focusing on primary care availability in Killen, Alabama. This evaluation considers factors crucial for effective hypertension control, including physician access, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services.

The physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 35645 presents a critical starting point. Determining the exact ratio requires data from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the U.S. Census Bureau. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can impede timely access to care, which is vital for hypertension management. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater availability, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. This initial assessment influences the overall ‘Hypertension Score’ because it directly impacts the ability of individuals to receive regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling – all essential components of hypertension control.

Primary care availability in Killen, a key component of the overall evaluation, requires a deeper dive. The number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the Killen area, and their respective patient loads, forms the core of this assessment. We need to consider the distribution of these PCPs. Are they concentrated in a few large practices, or is there a more dispersed network? Concentration can sometimes lead to longer wait times for appointments, especially for new patients. Dispersed practices, on the other hand, might offer greater choice and potentially shorter wait times, contributing positively to the ‘Hypertension Score’.

Standout practices within Killen warrant specific attention. Identifying practices demonstrating excellence in hypertension management is crucial. This involves examining their adherence to clinical guidelines for hypertension treatment, their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and monitor progress, and their patient education initiatives. Practices that proactively engage patients in their care, providing educational materials on diet, exercise, and medication adherence, are more likely to achieve favorable outcomes. The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within a practice further enhances its ability to support patients with hypertension, often co-occurring with diabetes.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the ‘Hypertension Score’. The integration of telehealth services offers several advantages for hypertension management. Telemedicine allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations, especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Practices actively utilizing telehealth platforms can improve patient access to care and potentially reduce the burden on the healthcare system. The sophistication of the telehealth platform, including its ability to integrate with EHRs and provide secure communication, also impacts the score.

Mental health resources play a critical role in hypertension control. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is essential. Practices that screen for mental health conditions and offer integrated behavioral health services are better equipped to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension. This integration can lead to improved patient adherence to treatment plans and better overall health outcomes.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ is a composite metric. It's not a single number but rather a nuanced assessment based on the factors discussed above. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the density and distribution of primary care physicians in Killen, the presence of standout practices with robust hypertension management protocols, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each component contributes to the overall score, reflecting the capacity of the local healthcare system to effectively manage hypertension. A high score indicates a favorable environment for hypertension control, while a low score suggests areas needing improvement.

The analysis of the physician-to-patient ratio requires a detailed review of available data. The Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the U.S. Census Bureau are key sources. The number of actively practicing PCPs in ZIP code 35645 needs to be determined. The population within the ZIP code is then calculated. The ratio is calculated by dividing the population by the number of PCPs. This number, along with the distribution of PCPs across Killen, informs the score.

Standout practices are identified through a combination of factors. These include their adherence to national guidelines, as published by organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. The use of EHRs, and the ability to track and monitor patient progress, is also a key factor. Practices offering patient education programs, including materials on diet, exercise, and medication adherence, are given a higher score. The availability of specialized staff, such as certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians, further boosts the practice's score.

Telemedicine adoption is assessed by considering the types of telehealth services offered. Practices that offer remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management are given higher scores. The sophistication of the telehealth platform, including its integration with EHRs and its security features, is also evaluated. Practices that have demonstrated successful patient engagement with telehealth services are considered to be performing well.

Mental health resource availability is evaluated by determining the presence of mental health services within primary care practices or through referral networks. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, offer integrated behavioral health services, and have established referral pathways to mental health specialists are given higher scores. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, in the Killen area also contributes to the score.

The final ‘Hypertension Score’ is a dynamic measure. It can be updated as new data becomes available, as practices improve their services, and as healthcare policies evolve. The goal is to provide a comprehensive and accurate assessment of the local healthcare environment's ability to support effective hypertension management. This assessment serves as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, identify practices with strong hypertension management programs, and explore the availability of telemedicine and mental health services in Killen (ZIP code 35645), we encourage you to utilize the power of location intelligence.
**Click here to explore the data and visualize the landscape with CartoChrome maps.**