06269, Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 06269, Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.29 percent of the residents in 06269 has some form of health insurance. 3.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 95.15 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 06269 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,361 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06269. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 52 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 473 health care providers accessible to residents in 06269, Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut.

The analysis will focus on evaluating the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 06269, encompassing Storrs Mansfield, Connecticut. The goal is to assess the quality and accessibility of care, specifically focusing on primary care physicians, their resources, and how they manage patients with hypertension. This analysis will not generate a numerical "score" but will provide a comprehensive overview of the factors contributing to effective hypertension management in the area.

The cornerstone of hypertension management is the primary care physician (PCP). In Storrs Mansfield, the availability of PCPs is a critical factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides an initial understanding of access. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. Researching the specific ratio for 06269 is vital. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or the Connecticut Department of Public Health can provide this information. It is imperative to compare this ratio to state and national averages to gauge the relative accessibility of PCPs in Storrs Mansfield.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they clustered in one area, potentially creating geographical disparities in access? Are there practices accepting new patients, and if so, what are their appointment wait times? Identifying the distribution of PCPs, their patient load, and their acceptance of new patients is crucial. This information helps paint a picture of the ease with which residents can access primary care, a vital first step in hypertension management.

Within the existing practices, certain ones may stand out for their commitment to hypertension care. These practices might have invested in specialized equipment, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitors (ABPMs), which are essential for accurate diagnosis and monitoring. They may also have implemented evidence-based protocols for hypertension management, including lifestyle counseling, medication titration, and regular follow-up appointments. Identifying these standout practices requires researching their websites, reviewing patient testimonials, and potentially contacting the practices directly to inquire about their hypertension management strategies.

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. In Storrs Mansfield, the adoption of telemedicine by PCPs is an important consideration. Do practices offer virtual consultations for medication refills, blood pressure monitoring, or follow-up appointments? Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel for patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Assessing the availability and utilization of telemedicine services is a key factor in evaluating the overall quality of hypertension care.

Hypertension is often intertwined with other health conditions, including mental health disorders. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and can hinder adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is crucial. Do PCPs have access to on-site mental health professionals, or do they have established referral networks with psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists? Integrated care, where mental and physical health are addressed collaboratively, can lead to better outcomes for patients with hypertension.

Another critical aspect of hypertension management is patient education. Do practices provide patients with educational materials about hypertension, its risk factors, and lifestyle modifications? Do they offer group classes or individual counseling sessions to help patients adopt healthier habits, such as a low-sodium diet and regular exercise? Patient education empowers individuals to actively participate in their own care and can significantly improve treatment adherence.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a factor to consider. EHRs can facilitate better care coordination, allowing PCPs to easily access patient information, track blood pressure readings, and monitor medication adherence. EHRs can also be used to generate automated reminders for follow-up appointments and medication refills, which can improve patient outcomes. The level of EHR adoption and the sophistication of its use within the practices in 06269 should be investigated.

Finally, the local pharmacy landscape plays a role. Are there readily accessible pharmacies within the community that offer services like medication synchronization and blood pressure monitoring? Convenient access to pharmacies can improve medication adherence and make it easier for patients to manage their hypertension.

In conclusion, evaluating the quality of hypertension care in 06269 requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, examining mental health resources, and considering patient education and EHR utilization. The availability of pharmacies and their services also plays a role. A comprehensive understanding of these factors is essential for assessing the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension care in Storrs Mansfield.