06254, North Franklin, Connecticut Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 06254, North Franklin, Connecticut is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.89 percent of the residents in 06254 has some form of health insurance. 30.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.13 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 06254 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 454 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06254. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 304 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 317 health care providers accessible to residents in 06254, North Franklin, Connecticut.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 06254 and Primary Care Availability in North Franklin**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 06254 (North Franklin, Connecticut), focusing on primary care physician availability, quality of care indicators, and resources available to patients managing hypertension. We'll explore physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components of effective hypertension management.

The foundation of effective hypertension care lies in readily accessible primary care. ZIP code 06254, a primarily rural area, likely faces challenges in physician distribution. The physician-to-patient ratio, a critical metric, is the starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Publicly available data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health or the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) can be used to determine the physician-to-population ratio. The analysis would need to pinpoint the number of primary care physicians practicing in the area and compare this to the total population of 06254. A ratio significantly below the national or state average would raise concerns about access.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care offered by primary care practices is paramount. Several factors contribute to this. First, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines is crucial. Practices adhering to the latest recommendations from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) are more likely to provide optimal care. This includes regular blood pressure screenings, lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and appropriate medication management. We can assess this by looking at the practices' adherence to these guidelines. Publicly available data on the quality of care metrics, such as the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, might be available through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or other health insurance providers.

Furthermore, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is essential for efficient and coordinated care. EHRs allow for better tracking of patient data, medication reconciliation, and communication between healthcare providers. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively are better positioned to monitor patient progress, identify potential problems, and intervene promptly. The analysis would need to investigate the level of EHR adoption within the practices in 06254.

Telemedicine, particularly in rural areas, offers a valuable tool for expanding access to care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and medication management. The analysis will investigate the extent to which practices in 06254 have embraced telemedicine. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and the use of patient portals for communication and information sharing. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine can potentially overcome geographical barriers and provide more convenient and accessible care to patients.

Mental health is an often-overlooked aspect of hypertension management, but it is crucial. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health resources within the primary care practices in 06254. This includes assessing whether practices have integrated behavioral health specialists, offer mental health screenings, or provide referrals to mental health professionals. Practices that recognize the link between mental health and hypertension are better equipped to provide comprehensive care.

Identifying standout practices within 06254 is also important. These practices may demonstrate excellence in several areas, such as high patient satisfaction scores, superior blood pressure control rates, or innovative approaches to care delivery. The analysis will seek to identify these practices based on available data, patient reviews, and expert opinions. Highlighting these practices can serve as a model for other providers and encourage the adoption of best practices.

The availability of resources for patients is also a key consideration. This includes access to educational materials, support groups, and community-based programs. Practices that provide patients with the tools and support they need to manage their hypertension are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. The analysis will assess the availability of these resources within the practices in 06254.

The analysis will also consider the potential impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension care. Factors such as income, education, and access to healthy food can significantly influence blood pressure control. Practices that are aware of these factors and address them through targeted interventions are more likely to provide equitable care.

Finally, the analysis will provide a comprehensive overview of the hypertension care landscape in 06254. The findings will be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, and to make recommendations for improvement. This may include suggestions for increasing physician access, improving the quality of care, expanding the use of telemedicine, and integrating mental health resources.

The data collected and analyzed for this report can be visualized and explored using mapping software. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping capabilities to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and health outcomes. By using CartoChrome maps, healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients can gain a deeper understanding of the hypertension care landscape in 06254 and make informed decisions about how to improve access to care and promote better health outcomes.