40010, Buckner, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 40010, Buckner, Kentucky is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 40010 has some form of health insurance. 5.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 40010 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 182 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40010. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 31 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,244 health care providers accessible to residents in 40010, Buckner, Kentucky.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Buckner, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40010)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within Buckner, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40010), assessing the availability of primary care and the quality of care provided by physicians in the area. The goal is to create a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the community's capacity to effectively address this prevalent health concern. This score considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, crucial components of holistic hypertension care.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Buckner, this ratio is a vital indicator. A high ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or less frequent follow-up care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more proactive management strategies, including regular blood pressure checks, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling. This ratio, combined with the overall population health data for hypertension prevalence in the area, will be a key component in the Hypertension Score.

Identifying standout practices within the 40010 ZIP code is crucial. These practices often demonstrate exemplary hypertension management protocols. They might employ evidence-based guidelines, utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively for tracking patient data, and offer comprehensive patient education programs. These practices often have dedicated staff, such as nurses or medical assistants, who focus on hypertension management, providing support and reinforcing lifestyle modifications. They also may have a strong focus on patient education, providing resources and tools to empower patients to manage their condition effectively. The presence of these practices significantly boosts the overall Hypertension Score, reflecting a commitment to high-quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those living in rural areas. It allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management, ensuring continuity of care. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive disease management. The level of telemedicine integration, including the availability of virtual visits, remote monitoring programs, and patient portals, will directly impact the Hypertension Score.

The interplay between hypertension and mental health is increasingly recognized. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial element of comprehensive hypertension management. Practices that integrate mental health screening, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. The degree of integration of mental health services will influence the Hypertension Score.

The analysis of Buckner's primary care landscape also necessitates a review of insurance acceptance. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, enhance access to care for a broader segment of the population. This accessibility is particularly important for those with chronic conditions like hypertension, where regular and consistent care is essential. The acceptance of various insurance plans will be factored into the overall score.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the availability of ancillary services, such as on-site pharmacies, laboratory services, and specialized cardiology consultations. These services streamline the care process, reduce the need for patients to travel to multiple locations, and facilitate faster diagnosis and treatment. The presence of these services contributes to a higher Hypertension Score, reflecting a more patient-centered approach.

The data gathering process will involve several steps. First, publically available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, and the United States Census Bureau will be utilized to determine physician-to-patient ratios and population demographics. Second, a review of practice websites and online directories will identify practices within the 40010 ZIP code. Third, direct contact with practices through phone calls or questionnaires will gather information on telemedicine adoption, mental health services, insurance acceptance, and ancillary services. Fourth, patient reviews and testimonials will be analyzed to gauge patient satisfaction and perceptions of care quality.

The Hypertension Score will be calculated using a weighted scoring system. Each factor, including physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, insurance acceptance, and ancillary services, will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The scores for each factor will be aggregated to produce an overall Hypertension Score, reflecting the overall quality of hypertension care in Buckner, Kentucky.

The final Hypertension Score will provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of hypertension management in the 40010 ZIP code. It will highlight areas of strength and identify areas where improvements are needed. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and ultimately improve the health outcomes of individuals with hypertension in Buckner.

The results of this analysis, visualized geographically, can be incredibly powerful. To see the location of primary care physicians, their services, and the overall Hypertension Score for the Buckner area, consider exploring the data with CartoChrome maps.