35987, Steele, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 35987, Steele, Alabama is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.83 percent of the residents in 35987 has some form of health insurance. 29.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.93 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 35987 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 663 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35987. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 517 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 622 health care providers accessible to residents in 35987, Steele, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Steele, Alabama (ZIP Code 35987)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management resources and primary care availability within Steele, Alabama (ZIP Code 35987), aiming to generate a "Hypertension Score" ranking for local physicians. This score will consider various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective hypertension care. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, empowering residents to make informed decisions about their health.

The foundation of any hypertension management strategy lies in accessible primary care. In Steele, assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of practicing physicians, the population they serve, and the geographic distribution of their practices. A high physician-to-patient ratio suggests a greater potential for timely appointments, preventative care, and ongoing monitoring, all critical for managing hypertension. Conversely, a low ratio could indicate challenges in accessing care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Furthermore, the physical location of practices within the ZIP code is vital. Areas with limited access, such as those further from the main town center, require special consideration.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating several key indicators. These include the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data tracking and patient communication, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices demonstrating a commitment to these areas likely offer superior care. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on lifestyle modifications such as diet, exercise, and stress management, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. The presence of dedicated hypertension clinics or specialized programs within a practice would significantly enhance its ranking.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote locations. Practices utilizing telemedicine for hypertension management, such as virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management, would receive a higher score. The effectiveness of telemedicine hinges on the availability of reliable internet connectivity, which is a factor to be considered in this specific geographic area. Practices that proactively address potential technological barriers for their patients are demonstrating a commitment to equitable care.

The intricate connection between hypertension and mental health cannot be overstated. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial component of the overall Hypertension Score. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. The integration of mental health screening into routine checkups and the availability of resources for stress management and coping mechanisms are essential elements of a well-rounded approach to hypertension management.

To generate a meaningful Hypertension Score, a weighted system incorporating these factors is essential. Physician-to-patient ratios could account for a significant portion of the score, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to care. The implementation of evidence-based guidelines, EHR utilization, and patient satisfaction scores could contribute to the "standout practice" component. Telemedicine adoption would receive a moderate weighting, acknowledging its growing importance in providing accessible care. Finally, the availability of mental health resources would be weighted to reflect the critical role of mental well-being in hypertension management.

The final Hypertension Score for each physician or practice would be a composite of these weighted factors. Practices with high scores would be those demonstrating a commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered care. These practices would likely excel in physician-to-patient ratios, implement best practices for hypertension management, embrace telemedicine where appropriate, and prioritize mental health support. Conversely, practices with lower scores might face challenges in one or more of these areas, highlighting potential areas for improvement.

The analysis would also identify potential gaps in care. For example, if physician-to-patient ratios are consistently low, it suggests a need for increased recruitment of primary care physicians in the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, it could indicate a need for infrastructure improvements or physician training. If mental health resources are scarce, it underscores the importance of community partnerships and the development of integrated care models.

This detailed assessment, considering various aspects of healthcare, provides a more comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape in Steele, Alabama. It empowers residents to make informed decisions about their health, and it offers a valuable resource for healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement and enhance their services. This type of analysis is not a simple ranking but a complex evaluation of the resources available.

For a dynamic and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Steele, Alabama, including physician locations, population density, and other relevant data points, we encourage you to explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can bring the data to life, allowing you to visualize the information and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.