39897, Whigham, Georgia Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39897, Whigham, Georgia is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.07 percent of the residents in 39897 has some form of health insurance. 37.43 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.44 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 39897 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 836 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39897. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 744 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4 health care providers accessible to residents in 39897, Whigham, Georgia.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39897 & Primary Care Availability in Whigham, Georgia**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 39897, encompassing the town of Whigham, Georgia, to evaluate the availability of primary care physicians and associated resources, particularly concerning hypertension management. The goal is to provide an informed perspective on the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The cornerstone of hypertension management is readily accessible primary care. This means patients need easy access to physicians who can regularly monitor blood pressure, prescribe medication, and offer lifestyle counseling. In Whigham, a critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially more comprehensive services. The precise physician-to-patient ratio within 39897 is a key metric to determine the baseline. Publicly available data from sources like the Georgia Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau can be used to calculate this, but the most up-to-date information is crucial.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices are vital. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have robust patient portals for communication and appointment scheduling? A practice that embraces technology and patient convenience often translates to better adherence to treatment plans and improved health outcomes.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is essential. These practices might excel in areas like patient education, chronic disease management, or care coordination. Investigating their patient satisfaction scores, reviews, and accreditation status provides valuable insights. Practices actively involved in community outreach programs, such as health fairs or free screenings, demonstrate a commitment to preventive care, which is crucial for hypertension control.

Telemedicine is increasingly becoming a vital component of healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Whigham. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in 39897 is a critical factor in this assessment. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and secure communication platforms are all indicators of a practice’s commitment to telemedicine.

Hypertension often coexists with other health conditions, including mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore an important consideration. Does the primary care practice offer integrated behavioral health services? Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or counselors, available within the ZIP code or nearby? The presence of these resources is crucial for addressing the psychological factors that can impact hypertension management, such as stress and anxiety.

Evaluating the availability of other supporting services is also necessary. This includes access to pharmacies for medication dispensing, diagnostic imaging centers for blood tests and other relevant imaging, and specialists, such as cardiologists, for consultations and advanced care. The proximity and accessibility of these services contribute to the overall quality of care.

The analysis must consider the socioeconomic factors that impact health outcomes. Whigham's demographics, including income levels, education levels, and access to healthy food options, can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the effectiveness of treatment. Understanding these factors allows for a more nuanced assessment of the healthcare landscape and helps identify potential barriers to care.

Data collection and analysis are critical for a comprehensive assessment. This involves gathering information from multiple sources, including physician directories, hospital websites, insurance provider databases, and public health reports. Analyzing the data requires expertise in healthcare analytics and a deep understanding of the healthcare system.

The final ‘Hypertension Score’ is a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed above. It should incorporate the physician-to-patient ratio, the characteristics of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource availability, and the socioeconomic context of the community. The score can be presented on a scale, such as a percentage or a letter grade, to provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape.

The analysis should also identify opportunities for improvement. This might include recommendations for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and improving access to healthy food options. These recommendations should be tailored to the specific needs of the community.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to provide actionable insights that can improve hypertension management in Whigham and the surrounding area. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, stakeholders can work together to create a healthier community. This includes physicians, hospitals, public health officials, community organizations, and the patients themselves.

For a visual representation of this data, including the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other healthcare resources within ZIP code 39897, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping tools can provide a clear and concise visualization of the healthcare landscape, helping you understand the accessibility of care and identify potential areas for improvement.