06492, Wallingford, Connecticut Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 06492, Wallingford, Connecticut is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.26 percent of the residents in 06492 has some form of health insurance. 31.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.31 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 06492 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,120 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 49 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 06492. An estimate of 20 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,730 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,980 health care providers accessible to residents in 06492, Wallingford, Connecticut.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' assessment for primary care physicians and resources within ZIP code 06492, Wallingford, CT, focusing on factors relevant to hypertension management. This score is conceptual and illustrative, designed to highlight key areas for consideration, not to provide a definitive ranking.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ would evaluate several key factors, giving each a weighted value based on its impact on hypertension management. These factors include, but are not limited to: physician-to-patient ratio, access to primary care, telemedicine availability, integration of mental health services, and patient education resources. Each factor is assessed using available data, public records, and potentially, patient reviews and feedback.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Access:**

A crucial element of the ‘Hypertension Score’ is the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 06492. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less effective management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Assessing this involves analyzing the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing in the area and comparing it to the population size of Wallingford. Data from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, combined with information from professional directories and insurance provider networks, would be necessary.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the accessibility of primary care practices. This involves evaluating the geographic distribution of practices within the ZIP code, considering factors such as public transportation accessibility, and the availability of evening or weekend appointments. Practices located in areas with limited public transportation or offering limited appointment availability would receive a lower score in this category.

**Standout Practices and Hypertension Management Strategies:**

Identifying standout practices within Wallingford requires a deeper dive into their specific hypertension management strategies. This includes examining the use of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Practices that actively implement these guidelines, including regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and medication management protocols, would receive a higher score.

Another crucial factor is the practice’s commitment to patient education. This includes providing patients with clear and concise information about hypertension, its risk factors, and lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Practices that offer educational materials, support groups, or access to certified health educators would be viewed favorably.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in the ‘Hypertension Score’. Telemedicine offers several benefits for hypertension management, including remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, providing patients with convenient access to care, would receive a higher score. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and secure patient portals for communication and data sharing.

The analysis also considers the practice’s ability to integrate telemedicine with other aspects of care. For instance, the ability to share blood pressure readings with specialists or primary care physicians through a secure platform would be viewed positively. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, can improve patient adherence and outcomes.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration:**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to manage the condition. Therefore, the ‘Hypertension Score’ includes an assessment of the availability and integration of mental health resources within primary care practices.

Practices that offer on-site mental health services, such as therapists or counselors, would receive a higher score. Similarly, practices that have established referral pathways to mental health providers in the community would be viewed favorably. The integration of mental health screening tools and assessments into routine care is also a key factor.

**Data Sources and Scoring Methodology:**

The ‘Hypertension Score’ relies on a combination of data sources. Publicly available information, such as the National Provider Identifier (NPI) registry, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provides data on physician demographics, practice locations, and quality metrics. Patient reviews and feedback, gathered through online platforms and surveys, offer valuable insights into patient experiences and satisfaction.

The scoring methodology involves assigning weighted values to each factor based on its importance in hypertension management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted more heavily than the availability of patient education materials. The final score is calculated by summing the weighted scores for each factor, resulting in a composite score that reflects the overall quality of hypertension management resources in the area.

**Illustrative Scenario:**

Hypothetically, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, offering extensive telemedicine options, integrating mental health services, and actively implementing evidence-based guidelines would receive a high ‘Hypertension Score’. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and no mental health integration would receive a lower score. The ‘Hypertension Score’ is designed to be a dynamic tool, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and advancements in hypertension management.

**Conclusion:**

This ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis provides a framework for evaluating primary care resources in Wallingford (06492) concerning hypertension management. It underscores the importance of physician accessibility, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services. This conceptual analysis highlights the complex interplay of factors influencing patient outcomes.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare data and visualize the geographic distribution of resources within Wallingford and beyond, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data in ways that are useful to you.