35953, Ashville, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35953, Ashville, Alabama is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.01 percent of the residents in 35953 has some form of health insurance. 35.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.04 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 35953 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35953. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,456 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 595 health care providers accessible to residents in 35953, Ashville, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35953 and Primary Care in Ashville

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care within ZIP Code 35953, encompassing the town of Ashville, Alabama, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the landscape of hypertension management, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement within the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of any hypertension management strategy lies in access to primary care physicians (PCPs). In Ashville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, understanding the number of PCPs actively practicing within the area, and the estimated patient population, provides a baseline. A low physician-to-patient ratio can strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially impacting the quality of care, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more frequent check-ups, proactive management, and improved patient outcomes.

Beyond simple numbers, the characteristics of local practices are essential. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have a strong focus on preventative care, including regular blood pressure screenings and patient education? Examining the availability of ancillary services, such as on-site labs for blood work, can also significantly impact the convenience and efficiency of hypertension management. Practices that streamline these processes contribute positively to the 'Hypertension Score'.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant, particularly in rural areas like Ashville. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and can potentially reduce the burden on in-person appointments, allowing for more focused care for complex cases. Assessing the availability of telehealth services, the types of platforms used, and patient satisfaction with these services are crucial components of the 'Hypertension Score'.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. 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 a critical element of effective hypertension management. Does the practice have a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker on staff or readily available through referral? Do they offer screening for mental health conditions? Do they provide patient education on stress management techniques and coping mechanisms? Practices that recognize and address the interplay between mental and physical health receive a higher 'Hypertension Score'.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves evaluating practices based on the criteria outlined above: physician-to-patient ratio, availability of services, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. Practices that demonstrate excellence in multiple areas, providing accessible, comprehensive, and patient-centered care, should be recognized as models for others to emulate. This could include practices with a dedicated hypertension management program, offering specialized education and support to patients.

A comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' for ZIP Code 35953 should consider all of these factors. The score itself would be a composite metric, potentially incorporating weighted scores for each category. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might contribute 20% to the overall score, while telemedicine adoption might contribute 15%, and the integration of mental health resources might contribute 25%. The remaining percentage could be allocated to practice characteristics and preventative care initiatives.

The final score would provide a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension management in Ashville. A low score would indicate a need for improvement, highlighting areas where resources are lacking or where practices could enhance their services. A high score would signify a robust healthcare ecosystem, offering accessible, high-quality care to patients with hypertension.

Furthermore, the analysis should also consider external factors that may influence the 'Hypertension Score'. Socioeconomic factors, such as income levels and access to healthy food options, can significantly impact hypertension prevalence and management. The availability of community resources, such as support groups and educational programs, also plays a role. These external factors, while not directly controlled by healthcare providers, can influence patient outcomes and should be considered when interpreting the 'Hypertension Score'.

The analysis process would involve data collection from various sources, including publicly available databases, insurance providers, and practice websites. Patient surveys and interviews could also provide valuable insights into the patient experience. This data would be analyzed to generate the 'Hypertension Score', which would then be presented in a clear and concise format.

The 'Hypertension Score' analysis is not a static assessment. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new practices open, telemedicine adoption increases, and healthcare policies evolve, the 'Hypertension Score' should be reevaluated to ensure its accuracy and relevance. This ongoing process would provide a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients, helping to improve hypertension management and promote better health outcomes in Ashville and beyond.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ashville, explore the power of geographic information systems (GIS). CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the 'Hypertension Score' data, allowing you to see the distribution of PCPs, the availability of services, and the impact of socioeconomic factors on a map.

Ready to see the bigger picture? **Visit CartoChrome maps today to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of hypertension management in Ashville!**