40353, Mount Sterling, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 40353, Mount Sterling, Kentucky is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.42 percent of the residents in 40353 has some form of health insurance. 49.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.04 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 40353 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,176 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40353. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,877 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,587 health care providers accessible to residents in 40353, Mount Sterling, Kentucky.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Physicians and Primary Care in Mount Sterling, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40353)**

Analyzing the healthcare landscape within Mount Sterling, Kentucky, ZIP code 40353, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on hypertension care, evaluating physician availability, primary care accessibility, telemedicine utilization, and the integration of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to manage hypertension within this specific community.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in readily accessible primary care. This includes regular checkups, medication management, and patient education. The physician-to-patient ratio in Mount Sterling is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially hinder timely diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards must be consulted to accurately determine the current physician-to-patient ratio. This data will be crucial to establishing a baseline for the availability of primary care physicians.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is also important. Are the physicians evenly spread throughout the ZIP code, or are they concentrated in specific areas? This geographical analysis helps determine if certain segments of the population face greater challenges in accessing care. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics is also a significant factor. These facilities often serve underserved populations and provide comprehensive primary care services, including hypertension management.

Identifying standout practices within the community is critical. These practices may demonstrate best practices in hypertension care, such as implementing standardized protocols for blood pressure monitoring, utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, and offering patient education programs. These practices may also have a higher percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, indicating effective treatment strategies. Researching patient reviews and seeking information from local healthcare organizations can help identify these high-performing practices.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in hypertension management, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely monitor their blood pressure, receive medication refills, and consult with their physicians via video calls. The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Mount Sterling is an important factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient access to care, reduce the burden on patients, and potentially improve blood pressure control rates. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services requires contacting local practices directly and inquiring about their telemedicine capabilities.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. The integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is therefore essential. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources requires assessing the services offered by primary care practices and identifying the presence of mental health providers within the community.

Analyzing the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is also important. While primary care physicians are typically responsible for managing hypertension, patients with complex cases or uncontrolled blood pressure may require specialist consultation. The proximity of these specialists and the ease of referral from primary care practices are important considerations.

The presence of community resources that support hypertension management should also be considered. These may include local chapters of organizations like the American Heart Association, which offer educational programs and support groups. The availability of these resources can empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition.

The availability of pharmacies within the community is another crucial factor. Convenient access to pharmacies ensures that patients can easily obtain their prescribed medications. The presence of pharmacies that offer medication counseling and blood pressure monitoring services can further support hypertension management.

Assessing the overall quality of care requires evaluating patient outcomes. This includes tracking blood pressure control rates, rates of medication adherence, and the incidence of hypertension-related complications. However, obtaining this data can be challenging, as it often requires access to patient-level information.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served by the primary care practices in Mount Sterling. Certain populations, such as older adults and African Americans, are at a higher risk of developing hypertension. Understanding the demographic makeup of the patient population can help identify potential disparities in care and inform targeted interventions.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Mount Sterling should be an ongoing process. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and new technologies and treatment strategies are continually emerging. Regular monitoring of key metrics, such as physician-to-patient ratios and telemedicine adoption rates, is essential to ensure that the community has access to the resources it needs to effectively manage hypertension.

In conclusion, a comprehensive assessment of hypertension care in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, requires a detailed analysis of physician availability, primary care accessibility, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and community resources. By evaluating these factors, we can gain a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system and identify opportunities for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Mount Sterling, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and demographic data, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome.