36439, Excel, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36439, Excel, Alabama is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 36439 has some form of health insurance. 43.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 86.59 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 36439 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 28 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36439. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 102 health care providers accessible to residents in 36439, Excel, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36439

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 36439, focusing on factors crucial for effective hypertension management. We will assess the availability of care, the adoption of modern technologies, and the integration of mental health services, culminating in a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" ranking and a call to action for data visualization. This analysis will be structured for easy translation to an Excel spreadsheet, allowing for numerical comparisons and dynamic updates.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The foundation of hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. The first element of our analysis is the sheer number of practicing PCPs within the designated ZIP code. Data from publicly available sources, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provider directory and state medical boards, will be used to identify and verify active physicians.

Next, we'll calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. This involves estimating the population of 36439 using U.S. Census Bureau data. The ratio is then calculated by dividing the estimated population by the number of identified PCPs. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care, a critical factor in hypertension control. We will also factor in the availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often play a vital role in primary care delivery, particularly in rural areas.

**Hypertension Score Components and Weighting**

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite metric, incorporating several key factors. Each factor will be assigned a weighted percentage reflecting its relative importance.

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio (30%):** This is the most significant factor, directly reflecting access to care. A lower ratio will earn a higher score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (25%):** The ability to offer remote consultations and monitoring is increasingly crucial, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms will receive a higher score.
* **Mental Health Integration (20%):** The strong link between mental health and cardiovascular health necessitates the integration of mental health services. Practices offering on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, or screening for mental health conditions will score higher.
* **Electronic Health Record (EHR) System Utilization (15%):** The use of a robust EHR system is essential for efficient patient management, data tracking, and communication. Practices with comprehensive EHR systems, including the ability to track blood pressure readings and medication adherence, will be favored.
* **Patient Education and Support (10%):** Practices actively providing patient education materials, support groups, or resources for lifestyle modifications will be recognized.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics**

Within 36439, we will identify and highlight practices that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. This involves a deeper dive into each practice's operations. We will investigate the following:

* **Appointment Availability:** How quickly can patients schedule appointments? Practices with shorter wait times will be favored.
* **After-Hours Care:** Does the practice offer after-hours access to care, either through on-call physicians or urgent care partnerships?
* **Specialty Referrals:** What is the ease of access to cardiology and nephrology specialists?
* **Patient Satisfaction:** While difficult to quantify directly, we will seek publicly available patient reviews and ratings.

**Telemedicine Adoption in Detail**

The assessment of telemedicine adoption will go beyond a simple "yes" or "no" answer. We will evaluate:

* **Types of Telemedicine Services:** Are virtual visits offered for routine check-ups, medication management, or chronic disease monitoring?
* **Telemonitoring Capabilities:** Does the practice utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices or other technologies for remote patient monitoring?
* **Platform Usability:** What telemedicine platform is used? Is it user-friendly for both patients and providers?
* **Integration with EHR:** Is the telemedicine platform integrated with the practice's EHR system for seamless data transfer?

**Mental Health Resources and Integration**

The analysis will assess the extent to which practices address the critical link between mental health and hypertension. This includes:

* **On-site Mental Health Professionals:** Does the practice have a psychiatrist, psychologist, or licensed clinical social worker on staff?
* **Mental Health Screenings:** Are patients screened for depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions?
* **Referral Networks:** Does the practice have established referral networks with mental health specialists?
* **Collaboration:** Is there collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals in patient care?

**Excel Spreadsheet Implementation**

The findings of this analysis will be meticulously documented in an Excel spreadsheet. Each practice will be listed as a row, with columns representing each of the factors outlined above: physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption score, mental health integration score, EHR system utilization score, patient education score, and the final "Hypertension Score." Formulas will be used to calculate the weighted scores and the overall "Hypertension Score." The spreadsheet will be designed to allow for easy updates as new data becomes available, enabling ongoing monitoring and analysis.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

This comprehensive analysis provides a framework for evaluating primary care practices within ZIP code 36439, specifically in the context of hypertension management. The "Hypertension Score" will provide a valuable benchmark for assessing the quality and accessibility of care. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each practice, patients can make informed decisions about their healthcare, and healthcare providers can identify areas for improvement.

To visualize this data in a dynamic and interactive way, consider leveraging the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform this spreadsheet data into visually compelling maps, allowing for geographic analysis and identification of healthcare disparities within the community. Explore the possibilities of CartoChrome maps to gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of 36439 and improve hypertension management outcomes.