35757, Madison, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35757, Madison, Alabama is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.77 percent of the residents in 35757 has some form of health insurance. 22.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.09 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 35757 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,941 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35757. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,065 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 12,238 health care providers accessible to residents in 35757, Madison, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Madison, Alabama (ZIP Code 35757)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Madison, Alabama (ZIP code 35757) requires a nuanced approach, particularly when assessing the management of hypertension. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components in effectively addressing hypertension within the community. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, although a definitive numerical score is beyond the scope of this text. Instead, a qualitative evaluation will be offered, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

The foundation of hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In Madison, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires data beyond readily available public sources. However, publicly available data, such as those from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, can be combined to provide an estimated ratio. This calculation must account for the total population within ZIP code 35757 and the number of practicing primary care physicians, including general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, and family medicine practitioners. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care.

Madison, being a rapidly growing area, likely faces challenges in keeping pace with the demand for primary care services. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for hypertension. Furthermore, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code is crucial. Are primary care practices clustered in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Geographic accessibility, including transportation options and proximity to pharmacies, plays a significant role in patient adherence to treatment plans.

Identifying standout practices within Madison is essential. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management. This includes implementing standardized protocols for blood pressure monitoring, offering patient education programs, and proactively managing patients at risk. The presence of certified hypertension specialists or practices with a strong focus on preventative care would be highly beneficial. Furthermore, practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, identify trends, and facilitate communication between providers are likely to achieve better outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in the context of chronic disease management like hypertension. Telemedicine offers several advantages: increased convenience for patients, reduced travel time, and the potential for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure readings. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management support, are likely to achieve better control rates. The availability of telehealth options can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in geographically isolated areas, or those with busy schedules.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is undeniable, especially in managing hypertension. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. This includes offering on-site mental health professionals, providing referrals to mental health specialists, and educating patients about the connection between mental and physical well-being. Practices that prioritize the mental health of their patients are better positioned to achieve positive outcomes in hypertension management.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources requires investigation into the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the community. Are these resources readily accessible, or are there long wait times for appointments? Are there programs specifically designed to address the mental health needs of individuals with chronic conditions? The integration of mental health services into primary care practices can improve patient outcomes and enhance overall well-being.

The "Hypertension Score" for Madison, Alabama (ZIP code 35757) would be higher if the following conditions are met: a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, widespread adoption of telemedicine, strong integration of mental health resources within primary care practices, and the presence of standout practices demonstrating best practices in hypertension management. Conversely, a lower score would reflect challenges in these areas, such as physician shortages, limited access to telemedicine, a lack of mental health support, and inconsistent adherence to evidence-based guidelines.

The data collection and analysis needed to provide a truly comprehensive "Hypertension Score" requires a deep dive into local healthcare data, including physician directories, insurance provider networks, and patient surveys. The availability of this data and its accessibility to the public are crucial factors in evaluating the healthcare landscape of Madison, Alabama.

Understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources is vital for effective hypertension management. Visualizing the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and mental health resources in relation to the population distribution allows for identifying areas with limited access to care. This spatial analysis can be greatly enhanced by using mapping tools that can overlay multiple datasets, highlighting areas of need and informing resource allocation decisions.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Madison, Alabama (ZIP code 35757) and gain a deeper understanding of the factors impacting hypertension management, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the community's healthcare resources and identifying areas for improvement.