36569, Saint Stephens, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36569, Saint Stephens, Alabama is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.10 percent of the residents in 36569 has some form of health insurance. 61.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.28 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 36569 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 31 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36569. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 209 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 106 health care providers accessible to residents in 36569, Saint Stephens, Alabama.

The analysis below provides a hypertension score assessment for primary care physicians within ZIP code 36569, focusing on Saint Stephens, Alabama. This score considers various factors impacting hypertension management, including physician availability, resource accessibility, and technological integration. The objective is to offer a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and highlight areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in readily accessible primary care. In Saint Stephens, the physician-to-patient ratio serves as a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments. Assessing the current ratio requires analyzing the number of active primary care physicians within 36569 and comparing it to the estimated population. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners will be essential to determine this ratio accurately. A lower ratio, ideally, suggests a more accessible healthcare system.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of physicians matters. Are primary care providers clustered in specific areas, leaving other parts of Saint Stephens underserved? Geographic information systems (GIS) can reveal these disparities. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) within the ZIP code significantly impacts the hypertension score. These clinics often provide a safety net for vulnerable populations, offering affordable care and integrated services, including hypertension screening and management. Their presence positively influences the overall score.

Standout practices, if any, within 36569 deserve special attention. These practices demonstrate exemplary hypertension management strategies. This requires a review of publicly available data and potentially, direct outreach to local practices. Factors to consider include: the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, patient education programs focused on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, and stress management), and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the hypertension score. Telemedicine offers patients convenient access to care, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine, providing virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring (e.g., blood pressure monitoring at home), enhance patient engagement and improve adherence to treatment plans. The availability of telehealth services, particularly for patients in rural areas, can significantly improve access to care and positively impact the hypertension score.

The integration of mental health resources is crucial. Hypertension and mental health often intersect. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and complicate treatment. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals receive a higher score. This integration ensures that patients receive comprehensive care addressing both their physical and mental well-being.

Patient education plays a vital role. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing resources and support for lifestyle modifications, demonstrate a commitment to empowering patients to manage their hypertension effectively. This includes providing educational materials on healthy eating, regular exercise, and stress reduction techniques. Practices that offer group education sessions or individual counseling on these topics are particularly commendable.

The availability of pharmacy services is another important consideration. Easy access to pharmacies, both brick-and-mortar and mail-order, ensures patients can readily obtain their prescribed medications. The presence of pharmacies within Saint Stephens and the ability of physicians to electronically prescribe medications contribute positively to the score.

The score also considers the use of technology. Practices that utilize EHRs to track patient data, generate automated reminders for appointments and medication refills, and facilitate communication with patients are better equipped to manage hypertension effectively. The ability to share patient data securely with other healthcare providers also enhances care coordination.

The overall hypertension score for doctors in 36569 is not a single number but a composite assessment. It reflects the interplay of multiple factors, each contributing to the quality and accessibility of hypertension care. A high score indicates a healthcare environment conducive to effective hypertension management, with readily available primary care, integrated resources, and a commitment to patient education and technological innovation. A lower score indicates areas where improvements are needed.

To conduct a comprehensive analysis, a detailed review of available data is essential. This includes public health records, physician directories, and practice websites. Direct outreach to local practices may also be necessary to gather information on their specific services and programs.

The hypertension score serves as a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care in Saint Stephens. It helps them make informed decisions about their healthcare and identify practices that prioritize hypertension management. It also provides valuable insights for healthcare providers, highlighting areas where they can improve their services and enhance patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Saint Stephens, including the location of primary care physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their maps offer a powerful way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.