39815, Attapulgus, Georgia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39815, Attapulgus, Georgia is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.99 percent of the residents in 39815 has some form of health insurance. 44.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.97 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 39815 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 335 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39815. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 211 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 474 health care providers accessible to residents in 39815, Attapulgus, Georgia.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Attapulgus, GA (ZIP Code 39815)

Attapulgus, Georgia, nestled in Decatur County, presents a unique challenge when assessing hypertension care. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care physicians within ZIP code 39815, focusing on factors crucial for managing hypertension: physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" analysis, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. A critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. In a rural area like Attapulgus, the number of primary care physicians per 1,000 residents directly impacts access to care. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, poorer blood pressure control. Accurate data on this ratio is essential for a true assessment. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would need to be consulted to determine the physician-to-patient ratio within the specific ZIP code. Any analysis must note that this is an estimate based on available data.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of care is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" requires examining several key indicators. This includes the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, such as those established by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Practices demonstrating adherence to these guidelines, including regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and appropriate medication management, should receive higher marks. Reviewing patient outcomes, such as the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure within the practice, is another crucial factor. Publicly available quality metrics, though often limited in rural areas, could be sought. Patient reviews, if accessible and verifiable, can also offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction and the perceived quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component of the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through digital platforms, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas where geographical barriers are prevalent. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies to monitor patients' blood pressure remotely, provide medication refills, and offer virtual follow-up appointments should be highly rated. The availability of telehealth services can reduce the burden of travel for patients, improve adherence to treatment plans, and ultimately, lead to better blood pressure control.

The intricate link between mental health and hypertension cannot be ignored. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression are known contributors to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a crucial factor. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric consultations, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, should receive higher scores. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing both their physical and mental health needs. Screening for mental health conditions during routine visits and providing appropriate referrals are also key elements.

Assessing the "Hypertension Score" requires a multi-faceted approach. It's not simply about the number of doctors; it's about the quality of care provided, the accessibility of services, and the integration of mental health support. Data collection would involve researching the practices within ZIP code 39815, gathering information on physician-to-patient ratios, reviewing quality metrics, and assessing telemedicine adoption and mental health integration.

The analysis of each practice would involve a scoring system based on the factors discussed. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, excellent adherence to evidence-based guidelines, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health services would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with limited resources, a high physician-to-patient ratio, and no telemedicine or mental health integration would receive a lower score.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Attapulgus would be a composite score based on the individual scores of the primary care practices within the ZIP code. This score would provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. The analysis should also identify potential areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and integrating mental health resources.

The final report would provide a clear picture of the availability and quality of hypertension care in Attapulgus. This could include a summary of the physician-to-patient ratio, a description of standout practices, an assessment of telemedicine adoption, and an evaluation of mental health integration. The report would also include recommendations for improving hypertension care in the community.

The challenges in rural healthcare are significant. Limited resources, geographical barriers, and a shortage of healthcare professionals can all contribute to poorer health outcomes. However, by carefully assessing the local healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement, it is possible to enhance the quality of care and improve the health of the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Attapulgus and surrounding areas, including the geographic distribution of physicians, patient demographics, and healthcare access, consider utilizing interactive mapping tools. These tools can provide a powerful visual representation of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in improving hypertension care.

For a dynamic and data-driven view of healthcare access and quality in Attapulgus and beyond, explore the capabilities of CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platforms can help you visualize the information and gain a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape.