36720, Alberta, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36720, Alberta, Alabama is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.41 percent of the residents in 36720 has some form of health insurance. 64.67 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.33 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 36720 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 169 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36720. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 90 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 290 health care providers accessible to residents in 36720, Alberta, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Comparing Physician Access and Resources

This analysis evaluates the availability of resources and physician access related to hypertension management, contrasting the situation for doctors in ZIP Code 36720 (in Alabama, USA) with the primary care landscape in Alberta, Canada. We will examine factors influencing a "Hypertension Score," encompassing physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective hypertension care.

**ZIP Code 36720: A Focus on Rural Alabama**

The geographical realities of ZIP Code 36720, likely encompassing a rural area in Alabama, immediately present challenges. Physician shortages are a well-documented problem in rural America. This translates directly into a lower Hypertension Score. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely unfavorable, with fewer primary care physicians available to serve a potentially dispersed population. Patients may face significant travel distances to access care, increasing the barriers to regular check-ups and medication management, both critical for controlling hypertension.

Standout practices, if they exist, would be exceptionally valuable in this context. These practices might demonstrate innovative approaches to patient care, such as extended hours, patient education programs, or proactive outreach to high-risk individuals. The presence of such practices would positively impact the Hypertension Score, but their scarcity in a rural setting is a likely negative factor.

Telemedicine adoption is crucial in overcoming geographical barriers. If practices in 36720 have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication refills, the Hypertension Score will be boosted. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine infrastructure or physician reluctance to adopt these technologies would significantly detract from the score. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is also a crucial factor in determining the feasibility of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, but their importance cannot be overstated. Stress and anxiety can significantly contribute to elevated blood pressure. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, who can address these issues is essential. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or readily accessible referrals, would significantly improve the Hypertension Score. A lack of such resources, common in rural areas, would be a significant detriment.

**Alberta, Canada: A Broader Perspective on Primary Care**

Alberta, with its universal healthcare system, presents a different picture. While challenges exist, the overall infrastructure and resource allocation tend to support a higher Hypertension Score compared to 36720. Physician-to-patient ratios, while varying across the province, are generally more favorable than in rural Alabama. The availability of primary care physicians is likely higher, and access to specialists may be easier.

Standout practices in Alberta might be characterized by their commitment to evidence-based hypertension management guidelines, their use of electronic health records for patient tracking, and their proactive management of high-risk patients. The presence of these practices, and the potential for sharing best practices across the province, would contribute positively to the Hypertension Score.

Telemedicine adoption in Alberta is likely more widespread than in 36720. The province has invested in telehealth infrastructure, and physicians are generally more accustomed to utilizing these technologies. This can lead to improved access to care, especially for patients in remote areas, thereby boosting the Hypertension Score.

Mental health resources in Alberta are integrated into the healthcare system to a greater extent than in many parts of the United States. The availability of mental health professionals, and the emphasis on integrated care models, can help address the psychological factors contributing to hypertension. The presence of these resources would have a positive impact on the Hypertension Score.

**Comparative Analysis and Score Implications**

In a hypothetical scoring system, we can infer the following:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Alberta would likely score higher due to better physician access. 36720 would suffer.
* **Standout Practices:** Alberta would likely have more practices demonstrating best practices, leading to a higher score. The rural nature of 36720 might limit this.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Alberta would likely score higher due to greater investment and adoption. 36720's score would depend on local infrastructure.
* **Mental Health Integration:** Alberta would likely score higher due to better integration of mental health services. 36720 would likely be lower.

Therefore, the overall Hypertension Score for Alberta would likely be significantly higher than that for 36720. This reflects the impact of infrastructure, resource allocation, and healthcare system design on the availability of crucial resources for hypertension management.

**Conclusion**

This analysis highlights the critical factors influencing the quality of hypertension care. It underscores the importance of physician access, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The contrast between 36720 and Alberta demonstrates the significant impact of geographical location and healthcare system design on patient outcomes. For a more detailed and visually rich understanding of physician distribution, practice locations, and the availability of healthcare resources in both areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.