36912, Lisman, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36912, Lisman, Alabama is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.23 percent of the residents in 36912 has some form of health insurance. 56.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.98 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 36912 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 241 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36912. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 528 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 36 health care providers accessible to residents in 36912, Lisman, Alabama.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lisman, Alabama (ZIP Code 36912)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Lisman, Alabama (ZIP code 36912), necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of hypertension management, explore the adoption of telemedicine, and examine the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components in providing effective and accessible care for individuals managing this prevalent condition. The goal is to provide a comprehensive ‘Hypertension Score’ assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The foundation of hypertension care rests upon accessible primary care. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio within Lisman is the first step. While precise figures fluctuate, the availability of primary care physicians in rural areas often lags behind urban centers. We must consider the population density of Lisman, its geographic isolation, and the potential for residents to seek care outside the immediate ZIP code. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced continuity of care, and ultimately, poorer hypertension control. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners will provide the base information, allowing us to estimate the ratio and compare it to state and national averages.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by the existing primary care practices is paramount. Assessing this requires a deeper dive into practice characteristics. Are the practices using evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology? Do they have systems in place for regular blood pressure monitoring, medication adherence support, and patient education? The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within the practices can significantly impact patient outcomes, given the frequent co-occurrence of hypertension and diabetes. We need to investigate the electronic health record (EHR) systems used by these practices, as they can facilitate data tracking and analysis, enabling better management of patient populations.

Identifying standout practices within Lisman is essential. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care and serve as models for others. Factors that contribute to a practice's success in hypertension management include proactive patient outreach, personalized treatment plans, and a focus on patient empowerment. We will look for practices that have a high percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, a low rate of cardiovascular events, and positive patient satisfaction scores. Reviewing patient testimonials and public health data will help us identify these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to improve access to care, particularly in rural communities like Lisman. The adoption of telemedicine technologies by primary care practices can mitigate the challenges of geographic isolation and limited physician availability. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of blood pressure. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption within Lisman requires understanding the availability of reliable internet access, the willingness of physicians to embrace these technologies, and the comfort level of patients in using them. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms can potentially improve patient outcomes and satisfaction by providing more convenient access to care.

The intricate relationship between hypertension and mental health necessitates considering the availability of mental health resources. Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure control. Patients with hypertension may experience depression or anxiety, making it essential to integrate mental health services into their care plans. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, is crucial. The presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is particularly beneficial, allowing for seamless coordination of care. We will examine the availability of these services, including their accessibility, affordability, and integration with primary care.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ for Lisman, Alabama, will be derived from a composite of these factors. Each element, from physician-to-patient ratio to mental health integration, will be assigned a weighted score reflecting its impact on hypertension care. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state of hypertension management within the community. This score can be used to benchmark the area against other regions, identify areas for improvement, and inform the development of targeted interventions.

Analyzing the data will reveal strengths and weaknesses. For example, a low physician-to-patient ratio might negatively affect the score, while a high adoption rate of telemedicine might positively influence it. The analysis will also uncover opportunities for improvement. This could include advocating for policies that attract more physicians to the area, promoting the adoption of telemedicine technologies, or increasing the availability of mental health services.

The findings of this analysis will serve as a valuable resource for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members. It will provide a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities related to hypertension care in Lisman. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the overall health of the community.

For a visual representation of the data, including geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offers a user-friendly platform to visualize and analyze the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the complex factors influencing hypertension care in Lisman, Alabama.