35764, Paint Rock, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35764, Paint Rock, Alabama is 89 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.18 percent of the residents in 35764 has some form of health insurance. 69.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.17 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 35764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 43 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35764. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 280 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,943 health care providers accessible to residents in 35764, Paint Rock, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35764 and Primary Care Availability in Paint Rock

The assessment of hypertension management within ZIP code 35764, encompassing the Paint Rock community, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Ultimately, the goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, specifically concerning hypertension, within this defined geographic area.

Paint Rock, Alabama, a rural community within ZIP code 35764, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. The limited population density often translates to a scarcity of medical professionals, especially primary care physicians (PCPs). This scarcity directly impacts the ability of residents to receive timely and consistent care, a critical factor in the effective management of hypertension. The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised preventative care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially improved patient outcomes.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio requires data collection and analysis. This involves identifying the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and estimating the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners can be utilized. The calculation will provide a baseline understanding of the availability of PCPs, a crucial factor in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The specific ratio for 35764 will then be compared to regional and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and structure of primary care practices in Paint Rock play a significant role. Identifying standout practices requires examining factors such as patient reviews, the scope of services offered, and the integration of technology. Practices that prioritize patient education, provide comprehensive hypertension management plans, and offer extended hours or weekend appointments are likely to be more effective. The presence of on-site pharmacies, laboratory services, and specialized care, such as cardiology, would also contribute to a higher rating.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of this analysis. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, offers a potential solution to the challenges of geographical isolation. Within ZIP code 35764, the availability of telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and medication management, can significantly impact the ability of patients to manage their hypertension effectively. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring devices, are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care, especially for patients with mobility issues or transportation limitations.

The integration of mental health resources is also crucial. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, and the presence of mental health support within the primary care setting can greatly improve patient outcomes. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension. Screening for depression and anxiety, and providing access to counseling or medication management, can significantly improve blood pressure control and overall well-being.

The assessment of mental health resources would involve identifying the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within the community. The analysis would also investigate the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. This includes assessing whether PCPs screen patients for mental health conditions, and whether they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists. The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients with hypertension and related mental health concerns would also be considered.

The assessment of hypertension management in 35764 would also consider the availability of patient education resources. Providing patients with clear and concise information about hypertension, its causes, and its management is essential for empowering them to take an active role in their care. Practices that offer educational materials, such as brochures, pamphlets, and online resources, are more likely to promote patient adherence to treatment plans. The availability of group education sessions, where patients can learn from healthcare professionals and share experiences with each other, can also be beneficial.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and limited transportation options can all negatively impact a patient's ability to manage their hypertension effectively. The assessment would consider the availability of resources to address these challenges, such as food banks, transportation assistance programs, and financial assistance for medication.

The final Hypertension Score would be a composite metric, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the availability of patient education and socioeconomic support. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance in hypertension management. The score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP code 35764, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The limitations of this analysis should also be acknowledged. Data availability can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas. The analysis would rely on publicly available data and information gathered through online research. The assessment would be based on the information available at the time of the analysis and may not reflect the most current situation. The final score would be an estimate and should be interpreted with caution.

Ultimately, this analysis aims to provide a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape in 35764, particularly concerning hypertension management. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, this analysis can inform efforts to improve healthcare access and quality for the residents of Paint Rock and surrounding communities. This data can also be used to advocate for policy changes and resource allocation that support better health outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 35764 and surrounding areas, including physician locations, access to care, and demographic data, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can transform complex healthcare data into actionable insights.