35747, Grant, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35747, Grant, Alabama is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.45 percent of the residents in 35747 has some form of health insurance. 36.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.58 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 35747 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,398 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35747. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,013 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 647 health care providers accessible to residents in 35747, Grant, Alabama.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35747 and Primary Care Availability in Grant, Alabama**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographical area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 35747, encompassing the Grant, Alabama, area, evaluating physician availability, particularly for primary care, and assessing factors relevant to hypertension management. The aim is to develop a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" reflecting the community's preparedness to address and manage this prevalent health condition. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources.

The foundation of any effective hypertension management program is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). ZIP code 35747, and the surrounding Grant area, requires a detailed examination of the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio is a crucial indicator of access. A high ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would be necessary to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio for this specific area. This data would be essential for determining the initial score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the type of primary care available is important. Are there enough family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and geriatricians to meet the needs of a diverse population? The presence of specialists like cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists, who often play a crucial role in hypertension management, also contributes to the score. The availability of these specialists, and the ease of referral to them, is a key component.

Identifying standout practices within the 35747 ZIP code is another critical element. This involves looking for practices that demonstrate a commitment to hypertension management through specific programs or initiatives. This could include practices that actively screen patients for hypertension, offer comprehensive patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), provide convenient appointment scheduling, and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively. Practices that have implemented patient portals for communication and medication refills, or that offer group classes on hypertension management, would also be considered favorably. These factors would contribute to a higher score.

The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially lowering healthcare costs. Practices that offer telehealth services, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education related to hypertension, would receive a higher score. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices and the integration of these devices into the patient's care plan would also be viewed positively.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and effective management of hypertension often requires addressing underlying mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore a critical factor in the Hypertension Score. This includes the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, counselors) and the accessibility of mental health services. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions, offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers would contribute to a higher score. The presence of support groups or community programs focused on stress management and mental well-being would also be considered.

The integration of data analytics and population health management tools is another important aspect. Practices that utilize data to identify patients at risk for hypertension, track their progress, and tailor interventions are likely to achieve better outcomes. This involves using EHR data to monitor blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and lifestyle factors. Practices that participate in quality improvement initiatives focused on hypertension management would also be viewed favorably.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for the Grant area would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted contribution of all these factors. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to specialists might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, although all factors would contribute to the final score. The score could be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-100), with a higher score indicating a greater capacity to effectively manage hypertension within the community.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape in Grant, Alabama, for hypertension management requires a detailed understanding of physician availability, the quality of primary care, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating these factors and developing a comprehensive "Hypertension Score."

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 35747 and surrounding areas, including the distribution of physicians, access to healthcare facilities, and demographic data relevant to hypertension prevalence, consider exploring the capabilities of CartoChrome maps.