36790, Stanton, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36790, Stanton, Alabama is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.01 percent of the residents in 36790 has some form of health insurance. 48.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.22 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 36790 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 137 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36790. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 59 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1 health care providers accessible to residents in 36790, Stanton, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Stanton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36790)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Stanton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36790) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess their practices regarding hypertension management, and explore the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced 'Hypertension Score' for the area, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and potential avenues for improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 36790 is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide estimates of the number of primary care physicians practicing in the area. However, this data often lacks granular detail, and the actual number of physicians accepting new patients, particularly those with complex health needs like hypertension, can vary significantly. A low physician-to-patient ratio, coupled with a high prevalence of hypertension, would indicate a potential challenge in accessing timely and appropriate care.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by primary care physicians is paramount. Assessing this requires examining several factors. First, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management is critical. This includes adherence to national standards for blood pressure measurement, diagnosis, and treatment. Practices that consistently follow these guidelines are more likely to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Second, the availability of resources within the practice is important. This includes access to on-site laboratory services for monitoring blood pressure and kidney function, as well as the availability of registered dietitians and certified diabetes educators who can provide lifestyle modification counseling.

Identifying standout practices within the area requires a deeper dive. This can involve reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, analyzing clinical outcomes data (where available), and conducting interviews with healthcare professionals. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, proactive management of hypertension, and a willingness to embrace innovative approaches are likely to score higher on the 'Hypertension Score'. These practices may have implemented systems for automated blood pressure monitoring, electronic health record integration for improved care coordination, and patient education programs.

The integration of telemedicine offers significant potential to improve hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Stanton. Telemedicine can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer greater convenience for patients, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and improve adherence to treatment plans. However, the successful implementation of telemedicine requires adequate internet connectivity, patient access to technology, and physician training in telehealth modalities.

Mental health often plays a significant, yet often overlooked, role in hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder adherence to treatment. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community and within primary care practices is an important factor. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension.

The 'Hypertension Score' for Stanton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36790) will be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines, the availability of resources within primary care practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing for easy comparison and identification of areas for improvement.

The analysis of primary care availability in Stanton requires a comprehensive assessment. This includes identifying the types of primary care providers available (e.g., family physicians, internal medicine physicians), the hours of operation of their practices, and the insurance plans they accept. Practices that offer extended hours, accept a wide range of insurance plans, and have a diverse team of healthcare professionals are more likely to improve access to care.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' for Stanton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36790) will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare, guide healthcare providers in improving their practices, and inform policymakers about the need for resource allocation and healthcare initiatives. The score will be a dynamic measure, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of healthcare delivery.

The process of gathering the necessary data for this analysis can be complex. It involves accessing public data, conducting surveys, and potentially engaging in direct outreach to healthcare providers. The accuracy of the 'Hypertension Score' depends on the quality and completeness of the data collected. The analysis should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The challenges of providing quality healthcare in a rural area like Stanton are significant. These include physician shortages, limited access to specialized services, and socioeconomic disparities. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies.

The 'Hypertension Score' can be used as a catalyst for improvement. By identifying areas of weakness, it can guide the development of targeted interventions. These interventions may include recruiting more primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, increasing access to mental health resources, and implementing patient education programs.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stanton, Alabama (ZIP Code 36790), including physician locations, practice characteristics, and potential areas for improvement, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data, identify patterns, and make informed decisions about your healthcare.