35746, Fackler, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35746, Fackler, Alabama is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 35746 has some form of health insurance. 55.44 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 92.98 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 35746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35746. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 264 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 432 health care providers accessible to residents in 35746, Fackler, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 35746 & Primary Care in Fackler

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP Code 35746, encompassing the town of Fackler, Alabama, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to evaluate the availability and quality of primary care services, crucial for managing hypertension, and to assess the overall "Hypertension Score" for the region. This score will reflect factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of innovative care models like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all of which contribute to effective hypertension management.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Fackler, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio is essential. This ratio, calculated by dividing the population served by the number of PCPs, indicates the potential workload and accessibility of care. A higher ratio suggests a greater burden on each physician, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time spent with each patient. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners can provide population figures and physician licensing information, respectively. A thorough analysis of these datasets is the initial step.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also important. Are physicians clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Fackler underserved? Geographic accessibility, including the availability of transportation, significantly impacts a patient's ability to access care. The presence of clinics and hospitals within the ZIP code, or in neighboring areas, can mitigate some of these challenges. Examining the types of practices available – solo practices, group practices, or those affiliated with larger healthcare systems – is also valuable. Group practices often offer a broader range of services and may have greater capacity to handle a high patient volume.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves researching individual practices to assess their commitment to hypertension management. Key indicators include the use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, patient education programs, and the availability of on-site diagnostic services like blood pressure monitoring and laboratory testing. Practices that actively monitor patient outcomes, track blood pressure control rates, and participate in quality improvement initiatives demonstrate a stronger commitment to patient care. Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

The adoption of telemedicine offers a significant opportunity to improve hypertension management, especially in rural areas like Fackler. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely monitor their blood pressure, consult with their physician via video calls, and receive medication management support. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve patient access, reduce the need for in-person visits, and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans. Evaluating the availability of telemedicine services, the types of platforms used, and the extent to which they are integrated into the practice's workflow is a key component of the Hypertension Score.

The link between mental health and hypertension is increasingly recognized. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and effective management of hypertension often requires addressing underlying mental health issues. The presence of mental health resources, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to external providers, is therefore a critical factor in the Hypertension Score. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, or that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of these resources, the types of mental health services offered, and the ease with which patients can access them is essential.

Furthermore, consider the availability of other supportive services. This includes access to registered dietitians who can provide nutritional counseling, and certified diabetes educators who can assist patients with lifestyle modifications. The presence of these services can improve patient adherence to treatment plans and contribute to better blood pressure control.

Analyzing the insurance landscape is also important. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, can affect access to care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are more likely to serve a diverse patient population.

The Hypertension Score for ZIP Code 35746 should reflect a holistic assessment of these factors. It is not a simple numerical score, but rather a comprehensive evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in the area. The score should consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the availability of telemedicine services, the integration of mental health resources, the presence of patient education programs, and the overall quality of care provided by local practices.

By compiling and analyzing data on these key indicators, a more accurate assessment of the healthcare landscape in Fackler can be developed. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement, highlight best practices, and inform efforts to improve hypertension management in the community. It can also provide patients with valuable insights into the availability and quality of care in their area, enabling them to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

To visualize and analyze the geographic distribution of these factors, and to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fackler and the surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis. Explore the power of data visualization to improve your understanding of healthcare access and quality.