31522, Saint Simons Island, Georgia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 31522, Saint Simons Island, Georgia is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.29 percent of the residents in 31522 has some form of health insurance. 41.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.81 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 31522 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,475 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31522. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,210 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,844 health care providers accessible to residents in 31522, Saint Simons Island, Georgia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 31522 & Primary Care Availability in Saint Simons Island

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare, particularly concerning hypertension management within a specific geographic area, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 31522, encompassing Saint Simons Island, Georgia, and aims to provide a 'Hypertension Score' assessment, incorporating key factors like physician accessibility, resource availability, and technological integration. The goal is to gauge the overall quality of care available to residents managing or at risk of developing hypertension.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In Saint Simons Island, primary care availability acts as a critical determinant. The physician-to-patient ratio provides a crucial metric. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access. Researching the actual physician-to-patient ratio within 31522 is the first step. This data, obtainable through sources like the Georgia Composite Medical Board and various healthcare databases, will provide a baseline understanding of access limitations. A scarcity of primary care physicians can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for hypertension.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is also important. Are the practices geographically dispersed, ensuring convenient access for all residents, or are they concentrated in specific areas? Analyzing the location of these practices, alongside the demographics of the population, can reveal potential disparities in access. For instance, residents in more remote sections of the island might face greater challenges in reaching a primary care physician.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension care. This includes proactive screening programs, patient education initiatives, and adherence to evidence-based treatment guidelines. Researching individual practice websites, patient reviews, and publicly available data can help identify those practices excelling in hypertension management. Look for practices that emphasize preventative care, offer regular blood pressure checks, and provide readily available information about lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and exercise recommendations.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. The ability to access healthcare remotely, especially for follow-up appointments and medication management, can dramatically improve hypertension control. Telemedicine offers several advantages, including increased convenience, reduced travel time, and potentially lower healthcare costs. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in 31522 is essential. Do practices offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, or online patient portals? Practices embracing telemedicine are likely to be better equipped to manage hypertension effectively, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing further from the practice.

Mental health resources play an often-overlooked but critical role in hypertension management. Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, making effective management more challenging. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through external referrals, is a key indicator of comprehensive care. Assessing the integration of mental health services, such as counseling or support groups, into the overall healthcare landscape is vital. Practices that recognize the link between mental health and physical health are better positioned to provide holistic care for patients with hypertension.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized resources, such as certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians, can enhance hypertension management. These professionals can provide tailored guidance on lifestyle modifications, which are often crucial for controlling blood pressure. Researching the presence of these specialists within the community and their accessibility to primary care patients is important.

The 'Hypertension Score' for 31522 would therefore be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographical distribution of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized support services. Each of these factors would be weighted based on their relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension control. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive services, and a greater likelihood of positive patient outcomes. Conversely, a lower score would highlight areas for improvement, such as a shortage of primary care physicians, limited telemedicine adoption, or a lack of integrated mental health services.

The final 'Hypertension Score' would be a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare practices evolve and new resources become available. Regular reassessment is necessary to ensure that the score accurately reflects the current state of hypertension management in 31522.

This analysis, however, only provides a snapshot. A deeper dive requires a more comprehensive approach. This includes gathering specific data from local healthcare providers, conducting patient surveys to assess their experiences with care, and analyzing health outcomes data, such as blood pressure control rates.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape, including the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, helping you identify areas with limited access to care and visualize the distribution of resources within ZIP code 31522.