36017, Clio, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36017, Clio, Alabama is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 48.97 percent of the residents in 36017 has some form of health insurance. 26.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 29.23 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 36017 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 526 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36017. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 393 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 17 health care providers accessible to residents in 36017, Clio, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Clio, Alabama (ZIP Code 36017)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management and primary care access within Clio, Alabama, specifically focusing on ZIP code 36017. We will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of hypertension management based on available data, and explore the adoption of telemedicine and mental health resources. This will culminate in a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" analysis, providing a snapshot of the local healthcare environment.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In Clio, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. This ratio, calculated by dividing the population served by the number of primary care physicians, directly impacts appointment availability and the ability of patients to receive timely care. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide insights into the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code. However, it's important to note that this data might not fully reflect the availability of appointments, as factors like physician specialization, practice size, and patient load influence accessibility.

Furthermore, the quality of hypertension management is a multi-faceted concept. It involves not only the availability of primary care but also the quality of care provided. This can be assessed by examining factors such as the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, the utilization of evidence-based guidelines for treatment, and the frequency of patient education on lifestyle modifications. While specific data on these metrics for individual practices in Clio may be limited, broader datasets from organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can provide regional benchmarks. These benchmarks can be used to gauge the overall effectiveness of hypertension management in the area.

Identifying standout practices within Clio requires a more granular approach. This involves investigating individual clinics and physician groups. Researching the presence of board-certified physicians in internal medicine or family medicine is a good starting point. Furthermore, investigating the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability is crucial. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, medication reconciliation, and communication between healthcare providers, all of which contribute to improved patient outcomes.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to care, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine services by primary care providers in Clio is a significant factor in this analysis. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and medication management. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services requires contacting local clinics and inquiring about their telehealth capabilities. The presence of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered, and the ease of access are all important considerations.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, particularly in the context of hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources in Clio is a critical component of the Hypertension Score. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. Assessing the availability of these resources involves researching local mental health clinics, counseling services, and support groups. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers is also a key indicator of integrated care.

The Hypertension Score, therefore, is a composite measure that reflects the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension management in Clio. It is based on a variety of factors, including the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A higher score indicates a more favorable healthcare environment for hypertension management.

To calculate this score, each factor is weighted based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The score is then calculated based on the available data for each factor. It is important to note that this is an estimate based on available information.

The limitations of this analysis must be acknowledged. Data availability can be a significant challenge, particularly for specific metrics at the local level. Publicly available data may not always be up-to-date or comprehensive. Additionally, the quality of care provided by individual practices can vary significantly, even within the same ZIP code.

The Hypertension Score for Clio, Alabama (36017) is therefore a dynamic measure that will change over time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment guidelines, and healthcare policies emerging regularly. This analysis should be considered a starting point for further investigation and a call to action for continued improvement in the delivery of hypertension care in Clio.

The findings of this analysis highlight the importance of accessible primary care, effective hypertension management, and integrated mental health resources in the community. It also underscores the potential of telemedicine to improve access to care and the need for ongoing efforts to improve the healthcare environment in Clio.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Clio, including the locations of primary care physicians, clinics, and mental health resources, explore CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a valuable tool for visualizing the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and can help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare needs.