35966, Flat Rock, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35966, Flat Rock, Alabama is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.36 percent of the residents in 35966 has some form of health insurance. 41.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.44 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 35966 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 645 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35966. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 583 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 47 health care providers accessible to residents in 35966, Flat Rock, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Flat Rock, Alabama (ZIP Code 35966)

Flat Rock, Alabama, nestled in the northeastern corner of the state, presents a unique healthcare landscape. This analysis focuses on developing a "Hypertension Score" for physicians practicing within ZIP code 35966, coupled with an assessment of primary care availability, to understand the community's capacity to manage and treat hypertension. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in effective hypertension control.

The foundation of our "Hypertension Score" rests on several key indicators. Firstly, the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain access to care and potentially lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment for conditions like hypertension. We must consider the population density of Flat Rock, the age demographics, and the prevalence of chronic diseases within the community. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Alabama Department of Public Health provides essential information for this calculation.

Secondly, the "Hypertension Score" evaluates the quality of primary care practices within the ZIP code. This involves examining factors like the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Are physicians routinely screening patients, measuring blood pressure accurately, and employing lifestyle interventions alongside medication? The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and the ability to track patient progress are also vital. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these best practices will receive a higher score.

Thirdly, telemedicine adoption plays a significant role. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor blood pressure remotely, and provide medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve hypertension control. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine will score favorably.

Fourthly, the availability of mental health resources is crucial. Hypertension and mental health are often intertwined. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder adherence to treatment plans. The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the community or through referral networks will be considered. Practices that integrate mental health support into their hypertension management strategies will be viewed positively.

Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio within 35966 requires careful data analysis. While the exact number of practicing physicians within the ZIP code is essential, this data may not be readily available. We can use publicly available sources to estimate the physician-to-population ratio. This calculation is a starting point and may need to be refined with local knowledge.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the practices themselves. This involves reviewing their websites, patient reviews, and potentially conducting interviews with healthcare professionals. We will look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, preventative care, and the use of technology to improve patient outcomes. Practices with a strong focus on patient-centered care and a proactive approach to hypertension management will be highly regarded.

Telemedicine adoption is a key factor. We will investigate which practices offer telehealth services. This includes virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms. Practices that have embraced telemedicine and integrated it into their workflow will be considered leaders in hypertension care.

The availability of mental health resources is also critical. We will assess the presence of mental health professionals within the community and the referral networks available to primary care physicians. Practices that collaborate with mental health providers or offer integrated mental health services will be viewed as providing comprehensive care.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the ever-changing healthcare landscape. It is a tool to assess the effectiveness of hypertension management within the community. The score will be a comprehensive assessment, considering all the factors discussed.

Primary care availability in Flat Rock is a crucial factor. The number of primary care physicians practicing in the area, coupled with the availability of appointments, will influence the overall accessibility of care. A shortage of primary care physicians can lead to longer wait times and reduced access to preventative care, potentially worsening hypertension control.

The quality of primary care practices is also a factor. This includes the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, the use of electronic health records, and the ability to track patient progress. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these best practices will be viewed positively.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor blood pressure remotely, and provide medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve hypertension control.

The availability of mental health resources is also critical. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder adherence to treatment plans. The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the community or through referral networks will be considered. Practices that integrate mental health support into their hypertension management strategies will be viewed positively.

The "Hypertension Score" is a tool for evaluating the effectiveness of hypertension management within the community. It is a comprehensive assessment, considering all the factors discussed.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Flat Rock and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can display physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data in an interactive and user-friendly format. They can be an invaluable tool for healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers.