36528, Dauphin Island, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36528, Dauphin Island, Alabama is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.57 percent of the residents in 36528 has some form of health insurance. 47.26 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.14 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 36528 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 150 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36528. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 646 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 40 health care providers accessible to residents in 36528, Dauphin Island, Alabama.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Dauphin Island, Alabama (ZIP Code 36528)**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality for hypertension management in Dauphin Island, Alabama (ZIP Code 36528) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and overall practice characteristics to formulate a 'Hypertension Score' for the area. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the resources available to residents managing this prevalent condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Dauphin Island, as a geographically isolated community, presents unique challenges. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Assessing this ratio requires data from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the US Census Bureau to determine the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the population they serve. Any physician-to-patient ratio analysis must be compared against state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care in Dauphin Island.

Beyond raw numbers, the type and quality of primary care practices are crucial. Some practices may be more proactive in hypertension management than others. This involves evaluating the practices' adherence to clinical guidelines, the availability of in-house diagnostic tools (such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication. Practices that emphasize patient education, offer lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise), and proactively monitor blood pressure control often demonstrate better outcomes for patients with hypertension. Identifying standout practices involves reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, checking online reviews, and researching the practice's accreditations and certifications related to chronic disease management.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool to improve healthcare access, especially in rural and underserved areas. Its adoption in Dauphin Island is a key factor in the 'Hypertension Score'. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence through virtual follow-up appointments. The availability of telemedicine services for hypertension management can be assessed by identifying local primary care practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills. The extent to which these services are utilized by patients in the area should also be considered.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a vital component of the 'Hypertension Score'. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) within the community or readily accessible through referral networks. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and mental health services integrated into primary care practices also contributes to a higher score. Integration of mental health services into the treatment plan for hypertension can lead to improved patient outcomes.

Assessing the availability of pharmacies within the ZIP code is also important. Easy access to pharmacies ensures patients can readily obtain their prescribed medications. The presence of pharmacies with pharmacists who are knowledgeable about hypertension medications and can provide patient counseling is a significant benefit. Furthermore, the availability of medication adherence programs offered by local pharmacies, such as medication synchronization or automated refill reminders, can contribute to improved blood pressure control.

In constructing the 'Hypertension Score', each of these factors is weighted based on its relative importance. Physician-to-patient ratios and the quality of primary care practices are given the highest weight, as they represent the foundation of hypertension management. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources are assigned moderate weights, acknowledging their increasing importance in providing comprehensive care. Pharmacy access receives a lower weight, but it is still a critical element. The final score is then determined by combining the weighted scores for each factor.

The resulting 'Hypertension Score' provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape for hypertension management in Dauphin Island. A high score indicates readily available primary care, robust telemedicine options, integrated mental health services, and accessible pharmacies. A low score highlights areas for improvement, such as addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine services, and increasing the availability of mental health resources.

Based on the information available, it is likely that Dauphin Island faces challenges in providing comprehensive hypertension care. The island's remote location may contribute to a lower physician-to-patient ratio. The adoption of telemedicine may be limited due to infrastructure limitations. The availability of mental health resources may be limited.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not static; it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare access and quality. It is a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify areas for improvement. This analysis serves as a starting point for a more in-depth investigation, which would require direct engagement with local healthcare providers and patients to gather more specific data.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Dauphin Island and surrounding areas, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to explore physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic information related to hypertension. Explore the data, analyze the trends, and make informed decisions about your health.