36426, Brewton, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36426, Brewton, Alabama is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.86 percent of the residents in 36426 has some form of health insurance. 34.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.87 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 36426 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,983 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36426. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,756 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 187 health care providers accessible to residents in 36426, Brewton, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Brewton, AL (ZIP Code 36426)

Brewton, Alabama, nestled in Escambia County, presents a unique challenge when evaluating hypertension management. The town's demographics, including a significant older population and potentially limited access to specialized care, necessitate a comprehensive analysis of primary care availability and the quality of hypertension management within ZIP code 36426. This analysis, a "Hypertension Score," will consider several key factors to paint a picture of the local healthcare landscape.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Patient Ratios:**

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is critical. Nationally, the recommended ratio hovers around 1:1,500. In Brewton, the reality may differ. Researching the number of active, practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code is the first step. This data, coupled with the estimated population of 36426, allows for calculating the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, could hinder timely appointments, follow-up care, and proactive management of hypertension.

Further analysis should consider the types of primary care providers. Are there enough family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs)? The presence of NPs and PAs is particularly important, as they often play a vital role in providing accessible primary care, especially in rural areas. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, is also crucial, as they are often involved in managing complex cases of hypertension.

**Standout Practices and Their Approaches:**

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating their approach to hypertension management. This involves assessing several key metrics. First, the percentage of patients diagnosed with hypertension who are actively managed. This includes regular blood pressure monitoring, medication adherence, and lifestyle interventions. The practices' use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also important. EHRs facilitate efficient data collection, tracking of patient progress, and communication between healthcare providers.

Secondly, the use of evidence-based guidelines is crucial. Do practices adhere to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)? This ensures patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatment. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on hypertension control, should be recognized.

Thirdly, patient education and engagement are paramount. Do practices provide patients with resources and support to understand their condition, manage their medications, and adopt healthy lifestyle habits? This could include educational materials, counseling sessions, and access to support groups. Evaluating patient satisfaction scores related to hypertension management is also essential.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for improving access to care, especially in rural areas like Brewton. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine by local practices is crucial. Do practices offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education? Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel, improve appointment adherence, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of blood pressure.

The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices is another factor to consider. These devices allow patients to monitor their blood pressure at home and share the data with their healthcare providers. This can improve medication management and identify potential problems early on. Evaluating the practices' technology infrastructure, including the availability of secure video conferencing platforms and patient portals, is also important.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration:**

Hypertension is often linked to stress and mental health conditions. Therefore, assessing the availability and integration of mental health resources is essential. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, available in Brewton? The proximity and accessibility of these resources are crucial.

Furthermore, evaluating the integration of mental health services within primary care practices is vital. Do PCPs screen patients for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health professionals? Coordinated care between primary care and mental health providers can improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.

**Specific Considerations for Brewton:**

Brewton, with its specific demographics and potential resource limitations, demands a tailored approach. The analysis should consider the prevalence of hypertension within the local population. This requires access to public health data and local health reports. The socioeconomic factors in Brewton, including income levels and access to healthy food options, should also be considered. These factors can significantly impact a patient's ability to manage their hypertension.

**Conclusion:**

Developing a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for Brewton requires a multi-faceted approach. It necessitates a detailed analysis of primary care availability, the practices' approaches to hypertension management, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis should also be informed by local demographics and socioeconomic factors. This information will help patients and healthcare providers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system. This will allow the community to improve the quality of hypertension management.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Brewton, including physician locations, practice details, and potential access barriers, explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps.