31537, Folkston, Georgia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 31537, Folkston, Georgia is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.15 percent of the residents in 31537 has some form of health insurance. 38.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.48 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 31537 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,791 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 31537. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,585 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 184 health care providers accessible to residents in 31537, Folkston, Georgia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Folkston, GA (ZIP Code 31537)

Folkston, Georgia, a small community nestled in Charlton County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare analysis, particularly regarding hypertension management. Evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 31537 is crucial for understanding the community's ability to address this prevalent health concern. A comprehensive "Hypertension Score" analysis for Folkston necessitates examining several key factors: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Folkston is a critical starting point. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Georgia Department of Public Health would offer insight into the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care providers, can significantly hinder access to preventative care and timely hypertension diagnosis and management. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient-physician interaction time, and potentially, delayed treatment initiation.

Identifying standout practices in Folkston is essential. This involves researching practices that demonstrate a commitment to hypertension management. This can be assessed by reviewing patient outcomes, adherence to clinical guidelines, and the utilization of evidence-based practices. Practices that consistently monitor blood pressure, offer patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and proactively manage medication regimens would receive a higher score. Publicly available data, such as patient satisfaction surveys and reviews, can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by these practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element in the Hypertension Score. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Folkston. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, allowing for convenient follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, would be considered higher-scoring. Telemedicine can also facilitate communication between primary care physicians and specialists, enabling more comprehensive care for patients with complex hypertension cases.

The integration of mental health resources is equally important. Hypertension is often linked to stress, anxiety, and depression. Practices that recognize this connection and offer or connect patients with mental health services, such as counseling or therapy, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This integration can improve patient outcomes by addressing the underlying psychological factors that may contribute to elevated blood pressure. The availability of mental health professionals, either within the primary care practice or through referral networks, would positively impact the Hypertension Score.

Assessing the availability of resources for hypertension management beyond the primary care setting is also crucial. This includes pharmacies, community health programs, and support groups. Pharmacies that offer blood pressure monitoring services and medication counseling play a vital role in patient adherence to treatment plans. Community health programs that provide education on healthy lifestyles and offer free or low-cost blood pressure screenings contribute to early detection and prevention. Support groups can provide patients with a valuable forum for sharing experiences and receiving emotional support.

Evaluating the impact of social determinants of health is essential for a complete analysis. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food options, and safe environments for physical activity can significantly influence hypertension prevalence and management. Practices that actively address these factors, either through direct interventions or by partnering with community organizations, demonstrate a commitment to improving the overall health of the population. This could involve providing resources for food security, promoting access to recreational facilities, or advocating for policies that support healthy living.

The "Hypertension Score" for Folkston, GA, would be a composite metric, incorporating all the factors discussed. Each element would be assigned a weighted value based on its relative importance in hypertension management. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the community's ability to address this critical health issue. A higher score would indicate a more robust healthcare infrastructure, greater access to care, and a stronger commitment to patient-centered hypertension management.

A lower score, on the other hand, would highlight areas for improvement. This could include addressing physician shortages, increasing telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health services, and improving access to resources for patients with limited socioeconomic resources. The results of the analysis could be used to inform healthcare policy, guide resource allocation, and identify opportunities for community-based interventions.

The analysis must also consider the challenges specific to rural healthcare settings. These include geographic isolation, limited access to specialized care, and the potential for a lack of broadband internet connectivity, which can impede telemedicine adoption. The Hypertension Score should reflect these challenges and identify strategies for overcoming them. This might involve promoting partnerships between primary care practices and specialists, expanding telehealth infrastructure, and implementing mobile health initiatives.

Ultimately, the "Hypertension Score" analysis for Folkston, GA, provides a valuable framework for understanding the community's capacity to address hypertension. By examining physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the impact of social determinants of health, the analysis can identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This information can then be used to develop targeted interventions and improve the health outcomes of the residents of Folkston.

For a more detailed visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Folkston, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, explore CartoChrome maps.