35951, Albertville, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35951, Albertville, Alabama is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.80 percent of the residents in 35951 has some form of health insurance. 43.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.88 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 35951 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,652 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35951. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,665 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,277 health care providers accessible to residents in 35951, Albertville, Alabama.

The analysis below assesses hypertension care within ZIP Code 35951, focusing on primary care availability in Albertville, Alabama. It considers factors influencing hypertension management, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, culminating in a call to action for advanced mapping tools.

ZIP Code 35951, encompassing Albertville and surrounding areas, presents a unique landscape for healthcare delivery. Assessing the quality of hypertension care requires a multifaceted approach, moving beyond simple metrics to understand the practical realities faced by patients and providers. The core of this assessment centers on primary care, as these physicians often serve as the first point of contact for hypertension diagnosis and management.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of access to care. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced opportunities for preventative care, including hypertension screenings and lifestyle counseling. Data suggests that rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially impacting these ratios negatively. The specific physician-to-patient ratio within 35951 needs careful examination, comparing it to state and national averages to determine the degree of access limitations.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is also important. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas, leaving other parts of the ZIP code underserved? This spatial analysis is essential for understanding the true accessibility of care. Furthermore, the types of primary care physicians available (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) and their specializations (e.g., cardiology) play a role in the comprehensive management of hypertension.

Identifying standout practices within 35951 is critical. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management, serving as models for others. Key indicators of excellence include: consistent blood pressure screenings, patient education programs focusing on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), medication adherence support, and the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment. The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within a practice can significantly enhance patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers opportunities for remote consultations, medication management, and patient monitoring, potentially improving access to care for patients with hypertension. The degree of telemedicine adoption within 35951 needs investigation. Are local primary care practices utilizing telemedicine platforms? Are patients comfortable with and able to access these technologies? The availability of reliable internet access is also a significant factor in telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, but they are crucial. Stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. The availability of mental health services within 35951, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is essential. Integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as on-site counseling or referral pathways, can improve patient outcomes.

The coordination of care is another vital aspect of hypertension management. Effective communication between primary care physicians, specialists (e.g., cardiologists, nephrologists), and other healthcare providers is essential for comprehensive care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and data sharing platforms facilitates this coordination. The interoperability of EHRs within the 35951 area is an important consideration.

Analyzing insurance coverage is also necessary. The percentage of residents with health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid, affects access to care. The affordability of medications and other services is a significant barrier for many patients. The availability of patient assistance programs and other resources can help mitigate these financial challenges.

Specific practices within 35951 that demonstrate strong hypertension management should be highlighted. These practices may have implemented innovative programs, such as group education sessions, home blood pressure monitoring programs, or proactive outreach to patients with uncontrolled hypertension. The practices’ patient satisfaction scores, as well as the outcomes they have achieved, can serve as benchmarks for other providers.

Furthermore, the integration of community resources is vital. Partnerships with local pharmacies, community centers, and other organizations can enhance patient support. Community health workers can play a valuable role in hypertension education and outreach.

The quality of data available for this analysis is important. The accuracy and completeness of data on physician availability, patient demographics, and health outcomes are critical for drawing meaningful conclusions. The use of standardized metrics and data sources ensures the reliability of the assessment.

Finally, the role of patient education and empowerment should be emphasized. Patients need to understand their condition, the importance of medication adherence, and the benefits of lifestyle modifications. Patient-centered care, which prioritizes patient preferences and values, is essential for successful hypertension management.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in 35951, including physician locations, patient demographics, and the distribution of health resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer powerful visualization tools for analyzing spatial data, providing insights that can inform healthcare planning and improve patient outcomes.