36916, Pennington, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36916, Pennington, Alabama is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.68 percent of the residents in 36916 has some form of health insurance. 55.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.68 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 36916 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 194 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36916. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 27 health care providers accessible to residents in 36916, Pennington, Alabama.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36916 & Primary Care Availability in Pennington**

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare within ZIP Code 36916, encompassing a portion of Pennington, necessitates a comprehensive assessment, especially regarding hypertension management and primary care access. This analysis will evaluate the available resources, physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, ultimately assigning a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the area's capacity to effectively address this prevalent health concern.

The foundation of any effective hypertension management strategy lies in accessible primary care. In Pennington, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a baseline understanding of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced preventative care, crucial for hypertension management. This ratio needs to be compared to state and national averages to determine if Pennington is adequately served.

Within ZIP Code 36916, identifying standout practices is vital. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension care. This involves looking for clinics that prioritize regular blood pressure screenings, offer patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and proactively manage medication regimens. Data on patient outcomes, such as the percentage of patients achieving blood pressure control, can be a key indicator of a practice's effectiveness. Further, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication between providers is essential.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote monitoring, has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, especially in rural areas. Examining the adoption rates of telemedicine by primary care practices in 36916 reveals their ability to reach patients who may face geographical barriers to accessing care. Practices utilizing remote blood pressure monitoring devices and offering virtual follow-up appointments demonstrate a commitment to proactive hypertension management.

Mental health resources are also an integral part of the equation. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, such as therapists and counselors, within the community directly impacts the effectiveness of hypertension management. Assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices or the accessibility of referrals to mental health professionals is crucial. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or collaborate with mental health providers are better equipped to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension.

The "Hypertension Score" will be derived from a weighted assessment of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratio will receive a significant weight, reflecting the fundamental importance of access to care. The presence of standout practices, measured by factors like patient outcomes and use of evidence-based guidelines, will also contribute substantially. Telemedicine adoption will be considered, with practices offering more virtual services receiving higher scores. The availability of mental health resources will be factored in, recognizing the impact of mental well-being on hypertension management.

The final score will be a composite rating, providing a concise overview of the area's capacity to effectively manage hypertension. This score will be categorized (e.g., Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor) to provide a clear and easily understandable assessment.

Specific data points are needed to generate an accurate score. This includes the number of PCPs practicing in 36916, patient demographics, the prevalence of hypertension in the area, and the availability of specific resources. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), state health departments, and local hospital systems can provide some of this information. However, a more in-depth analysis may require data collection from individual practices.

Pennington's specific geographic characteristics, including its population density and the distribution of healthcare facilities, will influence the analysis. Rural areas often face unique challenges in healthcare access. Understanding these geographical factors is crucial for developing effective strategies to improve hypertension management.

The analysis will also consider the socioeconomic factors within the community. Income levels, education levels, and access to healthy food options can all influence the prevalence and management of hypertension. Practices located in areas with higher rates of poverty may face additional challenges in providing care.

The assessment will identify potential areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of PCPs, promoting telemedicine adoption, or improving access to mental health services. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations in their efforts to improve hypertension management.

Finally, the analysis will highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Healthcare landscapes are constantly evolving. Regular assessments are necessary to track progress, identify emerging challenges, and adapt strategies to meet the changing needs of the community.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 36916 and Pennington, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, access to care, and other relevant data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis.