36613, Eight Mile, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36613, Eight Mile, Alabama is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.09 percent of the residents in 36613 has some form of health insurance. 42.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.26 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 36613 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,604 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 69 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36613. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,033 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,816 health care providers accessible to residents in 36613, Eight Mile, Alabama.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36613 and Primary Care in Eight Mile**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within ZIP Code 36613, encompassing portions of Mobile, Alabama, and specifically focusing on primary care availability in the Eight Mile community, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will develop a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" to evaluate the landscape for individuals seeking care for hypertension within this specific geographic region. The score will incorporate elements like physician availability, resource accessibility, and the integration of innovative healthcare delivery models.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment is understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In ZIP Code 36613, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio, where a limited number of doctors are responsible for a large patient population, can significantly impact access to care. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnosis and treatment of conditions like hypertension. Researching the exact number of practicing primary care physicians within 36613, alongside population data, is the first step. Publicly available data from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the U.S. Census Bureau would be essential.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP Code is also important. Are primary care practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving other parts of 36613 underserved? The Eight Mile community, a distinct area within the ZIP Code, deserves specific attention. Is there a sufficient number of primary care physicians located within Eight Mile itself, or do residents need to travel significant distances to access care? This geographical analysis is critical for understanding disparities in healthcare access.

Standout practices within 36613, and specifically those serving the Eight Mile community, can significantly influence the Hypertension Score. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Identifying practices that prioritize hypertension management is key. This includes practices that offer regular blood pressure screenings, provide patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and utilize evidence-based treatment protocols. Practices that have a dedicated nurse or medical assistant to monitor patients and provide support are also valuable.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals can significantly improve hypertension management, especially for patients with mobility issues or transportation challenges. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve the Hypertension Score, as they can reach more patients and provide more frequent monitoring. The level of telemedicine adoption within the practices serving Eight Mile is particularly relevant, as it can improve access for a community with potential transportation barriers.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in the context of hypertension, but they are critically important. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals, is a key factor in comprehensive hypertension management. Practices that integrate mental health screening and offer access to therapists or psychiatrists can contribute positively to the Hypertension Score. The proximity of these resources to the Eight Mile community is a significant factor.

The infrastructure supporting healthcare delivery also plays a role. The availability of pharmacies within 36613, particularly in the Eight Mile area, is essential for patients to easily access their prescribed medications. The presence of laboratories for blood testing, and imaging centers for further evaluation, are also important. Practices that have strong relationships with these ancillary services can ensure a seamless and efficient healthcare experience for patients.

The presence of community health initiatives and educational programs related to hypertension can also positively influence the score. Organizations that offer free blood pressure screenings, provide educational materials, and promote healthy lifestyle choices can play a vital role in preventing and managing hypertension. These initiatives are particularly important in underserved communities like Eight Mile.

Furthermore, the language capabilities of the healthcare providers are a factor. Does the primary care physician speak the language of the community? This is an important factor in the ability to care for a patient.

The hypothetical Hypertension Score would be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of these factors. The weight assigned to each factor would depend on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to medications might be weighted more heavily than community health initiatives. The score could be presented on a scale, allowing for a comparative assessment of different areas within 36613, and specifically highlighting the performance of Eight Mile.

To calculate the score, data collection is essential. This would involve:

1. **Data Gathering:** Collecting data on the number of primary care physicians, their locations, telemedicine adoption, mental health services, pharmacy availability, and community health initiatives.
2. **Practice Surveys:** Contacting primary care practices in 36613, and particularly those serving Eight Mile, to gather information on their services, patient demographics, and hypertension management protocols.
3. **Community Input:** Gathering feedback from residents of 36613, especially in Eight Mile, regarding their experiences accessing healthcare and managing hypertension.
4. **Data Analysis:** Analyzing the collected data to calculate the Hypertension Score, identifying areas of strength and weakness, and developing recommendations for improvement.

The analysis would also include a comparison of the 36613 score to regional and national benchmarks, providing context for the performance of the area. This comparative analysis can highlight areas where 36613 is excelling and areas where improvement is needed.

Finally, the analysis should provide actionable recommendations. These recommendations might include:

* Strategies to increase the number of primary care physicians in 36613, particularly in the Eight Mile area.
* Recommendations for practices to adopt telemedicine and improve patient access.
* Suggestions for integrating mental health services into primary care.
* Strategies to promote community health initiatives and patient education.
* Recommendations for improving access to medications and ancillary services.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape within 36613, with a specific focus on primary care availability in Eight Mile, and to identify opportunities to improve hypertension management and overall health outcomes for the community.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources within ZIP Code 36613 and the Eight Mile community, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource accessibility, helping to visualize the factors influencing the Hypertension Score.