20390, Washington, District of Columbia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 20390, Washington, District of Columbia is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 0.00 percent of the residents in 20390 has some form of health insurance. 0.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 0.00 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 20390 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 20390. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 264 health care providers accessible to residents in 20390, Washington, District of Columbia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 20390 & Primary Care in Washington

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 20390, a specific area within Washington, while also providing a broader perspective on primary care availability across the state. The goal is to assess the quality and accessibility of care related to hypertension, a prevalent and serious condition. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in effective hypertension control.

The initial assessment focuses on the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 20390. A low ratio, indicating a higher number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially limit the time available for comprehensive hypertension management. This can manifest in shorter appointment times, less detailed patient education, and potentially, delays in diagnosis or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a higher ratio might indicate greater accessibility, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive interventions. Precise data on physician-to-patient ratios requires access to specific databases that track physician distribution and patient demographics, which are often proprietary. However, publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide estimates and comparisons.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of primary care practices within 20390 is paramount. Standout practices are those demonstrating a commitment to best practices in hypertension management. This includes consistent blood pressure monitoring, adherence to established treatment guidelines (like those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology), and patient education programs. These practices often employ multidisciplinary teams, including nurses, pharmacists, and dietitians, to provide comprehensive care. They might also utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, identify at-risk individuals, and facilitate communication between healthcare providers. Identifying these standout practices requires reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, analyzing clinical outcomes data (if available), and assessing the practice's adherence to national quality standards.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including video consultations, remote patient monitoring, and secure messaging, offers significant advantages in hypertension management. It can improve access to care, especially for patients in remote areas or those with mobility limitations. It also allows for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure readings and medication adherence. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves evaluating the availability of virtual appointment options, the use of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practice's workflow. Practices actively using telemedicine can demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive management.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked in hypertension management, yet it is critically important. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, primary care practices should offer or have access to mental health services. This might include on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, or referral pathways to specialized care. Assessing the availability of mental health resources requires investigating the practice's referral network, the presence of mental health professionals on staff, and the integration of mental health screening tools into routine patient assessments.

Expanding the scope to primary care availability across Washington, the analysis considers broader trends and challenges. Washington, like many states, faces geographical disparities in healthcare access. Rural areas often have fewer primary care physicians, leading to longer wait times and increased travel distances for patients. Analyzing primary care availability requires examining physician distribution across the state, identifying areas with shortages, and assessing the impact of these shortages on patient access to care. Data from state health departments, medical associations, and the federal government can provide insights into these patterns.

Furthermore, the analysis considers the impact of healthcare policy and insurance coverage on hypertension management. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) has expanded insurance coverage, potentially improving access to care for many Washington residents. However, issues related to insurance reimbursement rates, network adequacy, and patient cost-sharing can still affect access to hypertension treatment. Analyzing the impact of these factors requires examining data on insurance enrollment, healthcare utilization, and patient out-of-pocket expenses.

In the context of ZIP Code 20390, the analysis seeks to identify any unique challenges or advantages related to hypertension management. For example, the presence of military bases or federal facilities might influence the availability of healthcare resources and the demographics of the patient population. Understanding these local factors is essential for tailoring interventions and improving care delivery.

The overall goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive assessment of hypertension management in ZIP Code 20390 and across Washington. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, and the broader healthcare landscape, the analysis aims to identify areas of strength and weakness. This information can be used to inform policy decisions, improve healthcare delivery, and ultimately, enhance the lives of individuals living with hypertension.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 20390 and across Washington, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide detailed insights into physician locations, healthcare access, and other relevant factors.