36453, Kinston, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36453, Kinston, Alabama is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 78.80 percent of the residents in 36453 has some form of health insurance. 41.46 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.37 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 36453 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 369 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36453. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 538 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 239 health care providers accessible to residents in 36453, Kinston, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36453 and Primary Care Availability in Kinston

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 36453, encompassing the city of Kinston, Alabama, examining the landscape of primary care physicians, their ability to manage hypertension, and the broader healthcare ecosystem supporting patients. The goal is to assess the availability of resources for individuals managing high blood pressure, a prevalent health concern.

The foundation of hypertension management lies within primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, meaning more patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially impact the quality of care, including the ability to effectively manage chronic conditions like hypertension. Data on physician density in 36453 needs investigation. Publicly available resources, like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), can provide some insights, but local data collection and verification are essential for an accurate picture. This includes accounting for retired physicians still listed in directories, physicians who primarily practice in specialized fields, and the actual patient load each primary care physician carries.

Beyond physician numbers, the distribution of these physicians across Kinston is important. Are they concentrated in specific areas, creating "healthcare deserts" for some residents? Are there sufficient practices in different parts of the city to make access easy for all residents? Transportation challenges within the community also play a role. Patients without reliable transportation may face significant hurdles in accessing care, particularly for regular check-ups and medication refills, crucial for effective hypertension management.

Identifying standout practices is also important. These are facilities demonstrating excellence in hypertension management. This could involve implementing evidence-based guidelines, offering comprehensive patient education programs, and consistently achieving positive patient outcomes. Assessing these practices requires evaluating several factors. This includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for tracking patient data and managing medications. It also requires looking at the frequency of patient follow-up appointments, the availability of on-site diagnostic testing, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Patient satisfaction surveys and reviews are another source of information.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element. Telemedicine, or telehealth, has the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor blood pressure remotely, and provide medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve hypertension control. Assessing telemedicine adoption rates in Kinston requires determining which practices offer these services, the types of services offered, and the level of patient utilization. This includes an evaluation of the technological infrastructure available to both patients and providers.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of a comprehensive hypertension management strategy. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and mental health support groups. Assessing the availability of these resources in Kinston requires examining the number of mental health providers, their accessibility, and their integration with primary care practices. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is crucial for providing holistic care.

Furthermore, the availability of resources beyond direct medical care is also important. This includes access to affordable medications, healthy food options, and community-based programs that promote healthy lifestyles. The presence of pharmacies, grocery stores with affordable and healthy food choices, and community health programs that offer education and support can all contribute to better hypertension control. These resources help patients manage their condition and make healthier choices.

The quality of care is also important. This involves assessing the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, the frequency of blood pressure monitoring, and the provision of patient education. The use of medication adherence programs and the availability of resources for managing side effects are also important. The implementation of these elements requires a commitment to quality improvement and ongoing evaluation of patient outcomes.

The assessment should also consider the cultural and linguistic diversity of the population. The availability of healthcare providers who speak multiple languages and the provision of culturally sensitive care can improve patient satisfaction and outcomes. Language barriers can significantly impact a patient's ability to understand their condition and follow treatment recommendations.

The analysis should also address the impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension management. Poverty, lack of education, and limited access to resources can all contribute to poor health outcomes. Understanding the socioeconomic challenges faced by residents of Kinston is crucial for developing effective interventions. This includes assessing the availability of social services, such as food assistance programs and transportation assistance.

Finally, the analysis should consider the overall health of the community. This includes assessing the prevalence of other chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. The presence of these conditions can complicate hypertension management. The analysis should also consider the availability of preventative care services, such as screenings for cardiovascular disease.

In conclusion, evaluating the hypertension management landscape in Kinston requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the broader healthcare ecosystem. This requires a combination of quantitative data analysis and qualitative assessments of practice processes and patient experiences.

To visualize and analyze the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics within Kinston and the surrounding areas, consider utilizing the power of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping tools provide a powerful way to understand the geographic distribution of physicians, patient populations, and other relevant factors. Explore the healthcare landscape of Kinston with CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management.