35963, Dawson, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35963, Dawson, Alabama is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.50 percent of the residents in 35963 has some form of health insurance. 36.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.19 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 35963 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 210 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35963. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 174 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,510 health care providers accessible to residents in 35963, Dawson, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Dawson, Alabama (ZIP Code 35963)

This analysis provides an in-depth assessment of hypertension management capabilities within the Dawson, Alabama (ZIP Code 35963) area, focusing on primary care physician availability, resources for hypertension control, and overall healthcare infrastructure. The goal is to generate a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the community's capacity to effectively diagnose, treat, and manage hypertension, a significant public health concern. This score will be based on several key factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized care, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, which is crucial given the link between stress and elevated blood pressure.

The foundation of effective hypertension management is access to primary care physicians. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. Based on available data, Dawson, AL, may experience a relatively low physician-to-patient ratio, potentially indicating limited access to primary care. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring, and ultimately, poorer control of hypertension within the community. The analysis will investigate the exact ratio, considering the number of actively practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the estimated population.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the quality of primary care is essential. The analysis will identify and evaluate standout practices within the area. This involves assessing factors like patient satisfaction scores, the availability of extended hours or weekend appointments, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient management, and the implementation of evidence-based hypertension treatment protocols. Practices that actively engage in patient education, provide comprehensive lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and offer regular blood pressure monitoring are likely to receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in bridging geographical barriers and enhancing access to care, especially in rural communities like Dawson. The analysis will evaluate the extent to which local primary care practices have integrated telemedicine into their services. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and the use of telehealth platforms for medication management and patient education. Practices that embrace telemedicine can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and facilitate more frequent check-ins, leading to better hypertension control.

The intricate relationship between mental health and hypertension necessitates careful consideration. Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure levels, making it imperative to integrate mental health support into hypertension management strategies. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources within Dawson and the surrounding areas. This includes identifying psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors who can provide support to patients struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression, all of which can negatively impact blood pressure control. Furthermore, the analysis will evaluate the degree to which primary care practices collaborate with mental health professionals to provide integrated care.

Specialized care options, while not always directly related to primary hypertension management, can be beneficial for patients with complex cases or secondary hypertension. The analysis will investigate the presence of cardiologists, nephrologists, and endocrinologists within a reasonable distance of Dawson. Access to these specialists is crucial for diagnosing and treating underlying conditions that may contribute to hypertension. Their availability can impact the overall quality of care provided to patients.

To generate the "Hypertension Score," each of the above factors will be assigned a weighted value based on its importance in hypertension management. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and access to specialized care will all contribute to the final score. The score will provide a comprehensive overview of the community's capacity to effectively manage hypertension.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community health initiatives and programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing hypertension. This includes evaluating the availability of local exercise programs, healthy food options, and community education campaigns focused on hypertension awareness and prevention. These initiatives can play a vital role in empowering individuals to take control of their health and reduce their risk of developing hypertension.

Data collection for this analysis will involve a combination of methods, including publicly available data from sources such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), and state health departments. Further, the analysis will utilize online directories, practice websites, and potentially, phone calls to local clinics to gather information about services and resources. Patient reviews and feedback will also be considered to gain insights into patient experiences and satisfaction levels.

The final "Hypertension Score" will be presented as a numerical value, along with a detailed explanation of the methodology and the factors considered. The analysis will identify areas of strength and weakness in the community's hypertension management capabilities, providing valuable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. The findings can be used to inform strategic planning, resource allocation, and the development of targeted interventions to improve hypertension control and promote overall health in Dawson, AL.

This analysis is designed to be a dynamic assessment, capable of being updated as new data becomes available and as the healthcare landscape evolves. The goal is to provide a useful tool for understanding and addressing the challenges of hypertension management in Dawson, AL, and to ultimately improve the health and well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of this data and to gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Dawson, AL, and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides powerful tools for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to explore physician locations, access to care, and other relevant factors in a user-friendly and informative way.