31535, Douglas, Georgia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 31535, Douglas, Georgia is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.71 percent of the residents in 31535 has some form of health insurance. 34.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.40 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 31535 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,780 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31535. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,477 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 640 health care providers accessible to residents in 31535, Douglas, Georgia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Douglas, Georgia (ZIP Code 31535)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, in Douglas, Georgia (ZIP Code 31535), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to assess the current landscape, focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately providing a 'Hypertension Score' assessment. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the system and identify areas for improvement to better serve the community.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In Douglas, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio within the specified ZIP code requires data acquisition from sources like the Georgia Composite Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. A low ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially poorer outcomes for individuals with hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access to care.

Furthermore, the distribution of primary care practices across Douglas is important. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving other parts of the community underserved? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers that cater to low-income or underserved populations? The presence and accessibility of these resources significantly impact the overall 'Hypertension Score'.

Identifying standout practices within the 31535 ZIP code is crucial. These practices may demonstrate exemplary hypertension management strategies, such as robust patient education programs, efficient appointment scheduling, and proactive monitoring of blood pressure. Analyzing patient reviews, clinical outcomes data (if available), and adherence to national guidelines (e.g., those from the American Heart Association) can help distinguish high-performing practices. These practices often serve as models for others, promoting best practices and improving overall care quality.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor influencing the 'Hypertension Score'. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration among primary care practices in Douglas is essential. Do practices offer virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote monitoring devices to track patient blood pressure? The more widespread the adoption of telemedicine, the higher the potential for improved hypertension control and patient outcomes.

The interplay between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a critical component of effective hypertension management. Does the practice have a mental health professional on staff or readily available for referrals? Are there collaborative care models in place that facilitate communication and coordination between primary care physicians and mental health providers? The presence and accessibility of these resources contribute to a higher 'Hypertension Score'.

Beyond the immediate availability of care, other factors influence the 'Hypertension Score'. These include the availability of affordable medications, access to healthy food options, and community-based programs that promote healthy lifestyles. Addressing these social determinants of health is essential for long-term hypertension control.

Analyzing the data, a 'Hypertension Score' would be assigned based on a weighted average of these factors. The weighting would reflect the relative importance of each factor in achieving optimal hypertension management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of primary care would likely carry a significant weight, while telemedicine adoption and mental health integration would also contribute substantially.

The final 'Hypertension Score' would provide a comprehensive assessment of the hypertension care landscape in Douglas, Georgia (31535). This score can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, inform targeted interventions, and ultimately improve the health and well-being of the community.

To understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, identify potential gaps in access, and visualize the data used to create this 'Hypertension Score', we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allows for the creation of interactive maps that display the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, overlaid with demographic data and health indicators. This visual representation can provide valuable insights into the healthcare landscape and help inform decision-making.