Health Scores Near 35984, Mentone, Alabama
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The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35984, Mentone, Alabama is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 84.30 percent of the residents in 35984 has some form of health insurance. 42.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.09 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 35984 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 96 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35984. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 505 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 699 health care providers accessible to residents in 35984, Mentone, Alabama.
Health Scores in 35984, Mentone, Alabama
| Hypertension Score | 11 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 40 |
| Provider Score | 28 |
| Hospital Score | 29 |
| Travel Score | 27 |
| 35984 | Mentone | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Hypertension Score Analysis: Mentone, AL (ZIP Code 35984)**
This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension care within Mentone, Alabama (ZIP code 35984), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to assess the overall quality of care and identify areas for potential improvement in managing hypertension, a significant public health concern.
Mentone, a small town nestled in the Appalachian foothills, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area, coupled with potential socioeconomic factors, can influence access to care and the effectiveness of hypertension management strategies.
**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**
The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient follow-up, and potentially poorer blood pressure control. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and local healthcare providers should be analyzed to determine the precise ratio for Mentone. This analysis must consider the total population of 35984, the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code, and the capacity of those physicians to see new patients.
Furthermore, the presence of specialists, such as cardiologists, is important. While PCPs are the primary point of contact, timely access to specialists is crucial for complex cases or when hypertension is resistant to initial treatments. The availability of specialists within a reasonable distance from Mentone needs to be considered.
**Standout Practices and Their Approaches**
Identifying practices that demonstrate exemplary hypertension management is essential. These practices often employ evidence-based guidelines, implement patient-centered care models, and leverage technology to improve outcomes. Characteristics of standout practices might include:
* **Proactive Screening:** Regular blood pressure checks for all patients, especially those at risk.
* **Comprehensive Patient Education:** Providing patients with clear information about hypertension, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence.
* **Medication Management:** Careful selection and titration of medications, with regular monitoring for side effects.
* **Lifestyle Counseling:** Offering guidance on diet, exercise, and stress management.
* **Team-Based Care:** Utilizing nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals to support patients.
* **Data-Driven Improvement:** Tracking patient outcomes and using data to identify areas for improvement.
These practices may also participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning.
**Telemedicine Adoption: A Rural Advantage**
Telemedicine holds significant potential for improving hypertension management in rural areas like Mentone. Telemedicine can overcome geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their PCPs remotely for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and educational sessions.
The level of telemedicine adoption among practices in 35984 should be evaluated. This includes assessing the availability of virtual visits, the types of technology used (e.g., video conferencing, remote blood pressure monitoring), and patient satisfaction with telemedicine services. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their hypertension management protocols should be highlighted.
**Mental Health Resources: An Important Consideration**
The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to manage. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension care.
The analysis must explore the availability of mental health providers (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in Mentone and the surrounding areas. This includes assessing the ease of access to these services, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices. Practices that collaborate with mental health professionals or offer integrated mental health services should be recognized.
**Overall Hypertension Score and Areas for Improvement**
Based on the assessment of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, an overall "Hypertension Score" can be assigned to the healthcare landscape in Mentone. This score should reflect the overall quality of care and identify areas where improvements are needed.
Areas for potential improvement might include:
* **Increasing the number of PCPs:** Addressing any physician shortages.
* **Expanding telemedicine services:** Making virtual visits more accessible.
* **Integrating mental health care:** Providing more resources for mental health support.
* **Promoting patient education:** Empowering patients to take control of their health.
* **Implementing evidence-based guidelines:** Ensuring that all practices follow best practices.
**Conclusion**
Effective hypertension management requires a multi-faceted approach that encompasses access to care, patient education, medication management, lifestyle modifications, and mental health support. This analysis provides a snapshot of the current state of hypertension care in Mentone, Alabama (ZIP code 35984). By identifying strengths and weaknesses, this analysis can inform efforts to improve the quality of care and promote better health outcomes for residents.
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