31527, Jekyll Island, Georgia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 31527, Jekyll Island, Georgia is 54 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.43 percent of the residents in 31527 has some form of health insurance. 50.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.65 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 31527 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 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31527. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 454 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,854 health care providers accessible to residents in 31527, Jekyll Island, Georgia.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Jekyll Island, Georgia (ZIP Code 31527)**

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care services in Jekyll Island, Georgia (ZIP code 31527), specifically focusing on factors relevant to hypertension management. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. This score will help assess the community's capacity to address hypertension effectively.

Jekyll Island, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia, presents unique challenges and opportunities for healthcare delivery. Its relatively small, primarily residential population, coupled with a significant tourist influx, creates fluctuating demands on local medical resources. The island's isolation necessitates a careful examination of access to care, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability**

Determining an accurate physician-to-patient ratio for Jekyll Island requires careful consideration of the transient population. While the permanent resident population is relatively small, the island's significant tourism draws a large number of visitors, placing additional strain on healthcare services. Based on publicly available data, the number of primary care physicians practicing directly within the 31527 ZIP code appears limited. Patients likely rely on physicians in neighboring communities like Brunswick or mainland Glynn County. This necessitates a focus on the broader regional healthcare landscape when assessing access to care. The absence of readily available, island-specific physician-to-patient ratio data underscores the need for a more comprehensive study.

The availability of primary care is a critical factor in hypertension management. Regular check-ups, blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling are essential components of effective care. The limited number of primary care providers directly on Jekyll Island suggests that residents may face challenges in accessing timely and convenient care. This can lead to delays in diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, potentially worsening hypertension control.

**Standout Practices and Characteristics**

Identifying "standout practices" in this context requires a deeper dive into the operational characteristics of the available healthcare providers. This would involve evaluating factors such as appointment availability, wait times, patient satisfaction scores, and the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive preventative services, and actively engage in patient outreach programs would be considered exemplary.

The presence of a well-equipped and staffed urgent care facility on the island is a positive factor. While not a substitute for a primary care physician, an urgent care center can provide immediate care for acute issues, including blood pressure crises. This can help prevent complications and reduce the burden on emergency services. The integration of electronic health records (EHRs) is another crucial aspect of practice quality. EHRs facilitate efficient communication between providers, improve medication management, and enable better tracking of patient progress.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to the challenges of healthcare access on Jekyll Island. It can bridge geographical barriers and provide patients with convenient access to consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring services. The adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers is a key indicator of their commitment to patient-centered care.

Telemedicine platforms can be used to conduct virtual blood pressure checks, provide medication management counseling, and offer lifestyle education programs. The ability to remotely monitor patient blood pressure readings and adjust medication dosages can significantly improve hypertension control. The extent to which local practices have embraced telemedicine, including the availability of virtual appointments and remote monitoring technologies, will be a key component of the Hypertension Score.

**Mental Health Resources**

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. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a crucial factor in the overall effectiveness of hypertension care.

The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, in the local community is essential. Access to mental health services can help patients address underlying emotional factors that may be contributing to their hypertension. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, through co-location or referral networks, can improve patient outcomes. The availability of stress management programs, support groups, and mental health education resources would also be considered beneficial.

**The Hypertension Score Methodology**

Developing a comprehensive Hypertension Score for Jekyll Island would involve a multi-faceted approach. Data would be gathered from various sources, including publicly available information, healthcare provider websites, patient surveys, and potentially, direct outreach to local practices. The score would be based on a weighted average of several key factors:

* **Physician Availability:** Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, considering both permanent and transient populations.
* **Practice Characteristics:** Evaluating appointment availability, wait times, patient satisfaction, and the use of evidence-based guidelines.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring technologies, and other telemedicine services.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, integration of mental health services, and access to stress management programs.

Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in hypertension management. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the community's capacity to address hypertension effectively.

**Conclusion**

The assessment of primary care availability and hypertension management capabilities in Jekyll Island, Georgia, reveals a complex interplay of challenges and opportunities. The island's unique demographic profile, characterized by a small permanent population and a large tourist influx, necessitates a careful evaluation of healthcare access. The limited number of primary care physicians directly on the island highlights the importance of leveraging telemedicine and integrating mental health resources.

The development of a comprehensive Hypertension Score would provide a valuable tool for assessing the community's capacity to address this critical health issue. This analysis underscores the need for continuous monitoring, data-driven improvements, and a commitment to patient-centered care.

**Call to Action**

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Jekyll Island and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and population demographics, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, providing valuable insights for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and community members.