36919, Silas, Alabama Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 36919, Silas, Alabama is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.60 percent of the residents in 36919 has some form of health insurance. 50.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.62 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 36919 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 347 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36919. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 461 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 13 health care providers accessible to residents in 36919, Silas, Alabama.

The following analysis provides an overview of hypertension care within ZIP code 36919, focusing on primary care availability in Silas, Alabama. This assessment considers factors crucial to effective hypertension management, including physician access, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services.

The foundation of hypertension care lies in accessible primary care. In Silas, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the community’s ability to manage this prevalent condition. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical first step. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially poorer outcomes for individuals with hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access to care, allowing for more frequent check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education. The specific physician-to-patient ratio in 36919, and particularly within Silas, needs to be accurately determined using publicly available data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or similar sources. This data is essential for understanding the baseline access to care.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves are important. Do practices in 36919 accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? This is crucial in a community where a significant portion of the population may rely on these programs. The acceptance of various insurance plans ensures that financial barriers to care are minimized. Furthermore, the availability of extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day slots can significantly improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. Practices offering these services demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, making it easier for individuals to manage their hypertension effectively.

Within the landscape of primary care, certain practices may stand out in their approach to hypertension management. These “standout practices” often employ evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American College of Cardiology (ACC). They may have dedicated staff, like registered nurses or certified diabetes educators, who specialize in hypertension care. These specialists can provide individualized patient education, monitor blood pressure readings, and assist with medication management. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is another key indicator of quality. EHRs facilitate efficient data tracking, allowing physicians to monitor patient progress, identify trends, and make informed decisions about treatment. Practices that actively use EHRs to manage hypertension often demonstrate better patient outcomes.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly relevant in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Silas. Telemedicine allows patients to access care remotely, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. Telemedicine platforms can be used for virtual consultations, medication refills, and remote blood pressure monitoring. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to innovation and improving access to care. The level of telemedicine adoption in 36919 should be assessed by surveying local practices.

Hypertension is often associated with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can negatively impact treatment adherence and overall health outcomes. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an important consideration. Does the primary care practice have an integrated behavioral health specialist, or does it have a referral network for mental health services? The presence of these resources ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs. The integration of mental health services into hypertension management can lead to better patient outcomes and improved quality of life.

The availability of resources for patient education is also crucial. Practices should provide patients with clear and concise information about hypertension, including lifestyle modifications, medication management, and the importance of regular monitoring. Patient education materials should be available in multiple languages, if necessary, to accommodate the diverse needs of the community. Group education sessions, support groups, and online resources can also be valuable tools for empowering patients to take an active role in their care.

The availability of pharmacy services is a key component of effective hypertension management. Are there local pharmacies that offer medication adherence programs, such as pill organizers or medication reminders? These programs can help patients stay on track with their medications and improve their blood pressure control. The proximity of pharmacies to primary care practices and patient homes is also an important consideration. Easy access to pharmacy services reduces barriers to medication adherence.

The overall assessment of hypertension care in 36919 must consider the interplay of all these factors. A comprehensive approach to hypertension management requires accessible primary care, evidence-based practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and robust patient education. By evaluating these elements, we can gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement. This assessment should be considered a dynamic process, requiring ongoing monitoring and evaluation to ensure that patients in Silas receive the best possible care.

To further analyze the spatial relationships of healthcare resources and patient populations within ZIP code 36919, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can visually represent physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant data points, providing a powerful tool for understanding access to care and identifying potential disparities.