Health Scores Near 36579, Stockton, Alabama
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The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36579, Stockton, Alabama is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 95.37 percent of the residents in 36579 has some form of health insurance. 48.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.81 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 36579 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 204 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36579. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 263 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 135 health care providers accessible to residents in 36579, Stockton, Alabama.
Health Scores in 36579, Stockton, Alabama
| Hypertension Score | 26 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 82 |
| Provider Score | 10 |
| Hospital Score | 44 |
| Travel Score | 20 |
| 36579 | Stockton | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
**Hypertension Score Analysis: Stockton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36579)**
Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Stockton, Alabama, requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing factors related to hypertension management. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and identify standout practices within the ZIP code 36579. The ultimate goal is to develop a "Hypertension Score" that reflects the ease of access to quality care for residents managing or at risk of developing high blood pressure.
Stockton, like many rural communities, often faces challenges in healthcare access. The geographic isolation, socioeconomic factors, and potential shortages of healthcare professionals can significantly impact the quality and availability of care. This analysis will seek to quantify these challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**
The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is regular access to primary care physicians. These physicians are responsible for initial diagnoses, ongoing monitoring, medication management, and patient education. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially poorer health outcomes.
Data from the Alabama Department of Public Health and the U.S. Census Bureau will be necessary to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 36579. This data will be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of primary care in Stockton. If the ratio is unfavorable, it suggests a potential bottleneck in healthcare access, necessitating strategies to improve physician recruitment and retention.
**Standout Practices and their Hypertension Management Strategies**
Identifying standout practices involves evaluating their approach to hypertension management. This includes assessing their commitment to evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and the use of technology to enhance care. Practices that prioritize patient education, offering resources on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), are likely to achieve better patient outcomes.
The analysis will investigate the presence of patient portals that facilitate communication between patients and physicians, allowing for easier medication refills, appointment scheduling, and access to health records. Practices that embrace a team-based approach, involving nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals, are often better equipped to provide comprehensive hypertension care. These practices will be recognized as high-performing and serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**
Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address the challenges of healthcare access in rural areas. It allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. The analysis will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Stockton.
The presence of telemedicine capabilities, such as virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and online patient education resources, will be a significant factor in the Hypertension Score. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care. The analysis will also consider the availability of reliable internet access, a prerequisite for effective telemedicine implementation.
**Mental Health Resources and their Role**
The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources in Stockton, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists.
The integration of mental health services into primary care practices is becoming increasingly important. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals or have established referral networks are better equipped to provide holistic care. The Hypertension Score will reflect the availability of these resources, recognizing the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of hypertension management.
**Developing the Hypertension Score**
The Hypertension Score will be a composite metric, considering the factors discussed above. Each factor will be weighted based on its relative importance in influencing hypertension management outcomes. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of evidence-based hypertension management protocols might be given higher weights.
The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison of healthcare access and quality within Stockton and potentially against other communities. The score will be regularly updated as new data becomes available and healthcare practices evolve.
**Conclusion and Call to Action**
The analysis of healthcare in Stockton, Alabama, reveals a complex interplay of factors that influence hypertension management. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the presence of mental health resources, and the commitment of practices to evidence-based guidelines all play a crucial role.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stockton and visualize these factors, consider utilizing the mapping and data visualization capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize physician density, telemedicine adoption rates, and the location of mental health resources, providing a powerful tool for understanding and improving healthcare access in your community.
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