35651, Mount Hope, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35651, Mount Hope, Alabama is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.34 percent of the residents in 35651 has some form of health insurance. 31.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.96 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 35651 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 362 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35651. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 233 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 673 health care providers accessible to residents in 35651, Mount Hope, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in 35651 & Primary Care in Mount Hope

The task at hand is to analyze the landscape of hypertension management within the 35651 ZIP code, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in the town of Mount Hope. This analysis will delve into several key areas, including physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all factors influencing a patient’s ability to effectively manage hypertension.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Mount Hope (and the surrounding 35651 area) is a crucial starting point. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians, can significantly hinder access to timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing monitoring of hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. Determining the exact ratio requires data collection from various sources, including state licensing boards, insurance provider networks, and potentially, direct surveys of local practices. This data will be used to calculate the number of primary care physicians actively serving the population within the specified geographic area. The population data is obtained from the US Census Bureau. This ratio will be a key metric in assessing the overall health of the hypertension care ecosystem.

Identifying standout practices requires a multifaceted approach. It involves assessing the quality of care provided, patient satisfaction levels, and the implementation of evidence-based practices. One significant factor is the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their capacity for hypertension management. EHR systems facilitate the tracking of blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and the identification of patients at high risk. Practices that effectively utilize EHRs for these purposes are likely to demonstrate superior hypertension management.

Another critical aspect is the adoption of evidence-based guidelines. Practices that consistently adhere to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) are more likely to provide optimal care. This includes the use of appropriate diagnostic tests, the prescription of evidence-based medications, and the implementation of lifestyle modification counseling. The presence of certified hypertension specialists within a practice is also a positive indicator.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Mount Hope. Telemedicine can enhance access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. For hypertension management, telemedicine can be used for medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and providing lifestyle counseling. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflows are likely to improve patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, integrated with telemedicine platforms, further enhances the effectiveness of this approach.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical element in comprehensive hypertension management. Studies have shown a strong link between mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, and hypertension. Patients with these conditions may experience difficulty adhering to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications. Practices that offer or have referral pathways to mental health services, such as counseling or therapy, can provide more holistic care. This includes the screening for mental health conditions during routine check-ups and the integration of mental health professionals into the care team.

Assessing the availability of these resources requires examining the practices’ websites, patient portals, and referral networks. It also involves understanding the accessibility of mental health services in the broader community. The presence of support groups or educational programs focused on stress management and healthy coping mechanisms is also a positive indicator.

Beyond the individual practices, the overall community infrastructure plays a vital role. The availability of pharmacies within the 35651 ZIP code, and specifically in Mount Hope, is crucial for patients to access their medications. The proximity of pharmacies, their operating hours, and their ability to provide medication counseling all impact patient adherence. The presence of community resources, such as free or low-cost health clinics, can also improve access to care for underserved populations.

The analysis of the practices will include a scoring system, assigning points based on the factors discussed above. This scoring system will allow for the ranking of practices within the 35651 ZIP code. The scoring system will consider factors like the physician-to-patient ratio, the use of EHRs, adherence to guidelines, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and patient satisfaction. This will allow for a comprehensive understanding of the quality of care.

The findings of this analysis will provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension management in Mount Hope and the surrounding area. It will highlight areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and integrating mental health services. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to improve the quality of care and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

The culmination of this analysis will be a detailed map of the hypertension care landscape in the 35651 ZIP code. This map will visually represent the location of primary care practices, their scores based on the factors discussed, and the availability of key resources. This map will be an invaluable tool for patients seeking care, healthcare providers looking to collaborate, and policymakers aiming to improve the healthcare system.

For a detailed, interactive map visualizing the hypertension care landscape in the 35651 ZIP code, including physician locations, practice scores, and resource availability, visit CartoChrome maps.