35978, Henagar, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35978, Henagar, Alabama is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.61 percent of the residents in 35978 has some form of health insurance. 43.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.18 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 35978 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,612 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35978. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 831 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 820 health care providers accessible to residents in 35978, Henagar, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Henagar, AL (ZIP Code 35978)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care in Henagar, Alabama (ZIP Code 35978) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the physician-to-patient ratio, examine standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and consider the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Hypertension Score” assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Henagar, a relatively small community, presents specific challenges. The availability of primary care physicians is the initial hurdle. Determining the exact number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code is crucial. This number, combined with the estimated population of Henagar, allows for the calculation of a physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of physicians, would negatively impact the Hypertension Score. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care. Data on this ratio will serve as a foundational element of the overall assessment.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts hypertension management. Identifying standout practices within Henagar is critical. This requires evaluating factors such as patient reviews, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools (e.g., blood pressure monitors, EKG machines), and the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on controlling blood pressure levels, would receive higher marks. The presence of certified diabetes educators, dietitians, or other specialists within the practice would further enhance the score.

Telemedicine adoption presents another critical aspect of the analysis. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Henagar. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing patients with convenient and accessible options, will be recognized. The sophistication of the telemedicine platform, including its ease of use and integration with electronic health records, will also be considered. A high degree of telemedicine adoption would positively influence the Hypertension Score.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder effective treatment. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Henagar is a crucial factor. The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors is essential. The ability of primary care practices to integrate mental health services, either through in-house providers or referral networks, would be highly beneficial. Easy access to mental health support will positively influence the Hypertension Score, recognizing the holistic approach to patient well-being.

The assessment of the Hypertension Score also considers factors like community outreach programs. Practices actively participating in community health initiatives, such as blood pressure screenings, educational workshops, and health fairs, would receive favorable recognition. These efforts contribute to raising awareness about hypertension and promoting early detection and management. The extent to which these programs target specific populations, such as the elderly or those with a family history of hypertension, would also be considered.

To provide a comprehensive and objective Hypertension Score, a weighted approach is necessary. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources will each contribute a percentage to the overall score. The weighting assigned to each factor will reflect its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension management outcomes.

The final Hypertension Score will be presented as a numerical value, allowing for easy comparison with other communities. The score will be accompanied by a detailed analysis, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in Henagar. This analysis will provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members, enabling them to improve hypertension management within the area.

The assessment process will involve collecting data from various sources. Publicly available information, such as physician directories and hospital websites, will be utilized. Patient reviews and online ratings will be reviewed to gauge patient satisfaction and practice quality. Direct contact with healthcare providers in Henagar may be necessary to gather specific information about their services and programs. The goal is to gather a complete picture of the local healthcare landscape.

The analysis will consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and limited transportation options can all create barriers to care. The assessment will identify any existing disparities in access to care and make recommendations for addressing them. The aim is to ensure that all residents of Henagar, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality hypertension care.

The implementation of this analysis requires diligent data collection, careful analysis, and objective evaluation. The findings will be used to provide a clear understanding of the current state of hypertension care in Henagar and to identify opportunities for improvement. The ultimate goal is to contribute to a healthier community by improving the management of hypertension.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Henagar, Alabama, including physician locations, practice details, and potential areas for improvement, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a powerful tool for visualizing data and gaining a deeper understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem.