40824, Dayhoit, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 40824, Dayhoit, Kentucky is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.69 percent of the residents in 40824 has some form of health insurance. 79.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 20.48 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 40824 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 235 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40824. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 55 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 295 health care providers accessible to residents in 40824, Dayhoit, Kentucky.

The analysis of hypertension management within ZIP code 40824, focusing on primary care availability in Dayhoit, Kentucky, requires a multifaceted approach. This region, nestled within the Appalachian Mountains, likely faces unique challenges related to healthcare access and health outcomes. A "Hypertension Score," were it to be developed, would integrate several critical factors to provide a comprehensive assessment. This analysis will explore these factors, providing a hypothetical framework for such a score.

Physician-to-patient ratios represent a foundational element. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often translates to limited access to care. Dayhoit, being a rural community, might struggle with physician shortages. The "Hypertension Score" would need to account for this, potentially penalizing areas with unfavorable ratios. Data on the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code, alongside the estimated population, would be essential. This data, ideally, would be sourced from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau. The score might assign a higher value to areas with ratios exceeding a certain threshold, signifying adequate access.

Primary care availability extends beyond sheer numbers. The geographical distribution of PCPs is equally important. Are physicians concentrated in one area, leaving other parts of Dayhoit underserved? The "Hypertension Score" could incorporate a "geographic accessibility" component, assessing the distance patients must travel to reach a PCP. This could involve using GIS mapping tools to calculate travel times and distances, with higher scores awarded to areas with shorter travel times. Furthermore, the hours of operation of these practices, including evening and weekend availability, should be considered. This would allow patients greater flexibility in scheduling appointments.

Standout practices would be those demonstrating exceptional performance in hypertension management. Identifying these practices requires data on patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates. The "Hypertension Score" could incorporate metrics like the percentage of patients with hypertension who have achieved target blood pressure levels, as defined by current clinical guidelines. This data would be obtained through electronic health records (EHRs) and practice quality reporting. Practices employing evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology, would receive higher scores. Practices with robust patient education programs, including dietary and lifestyle counseling, would also be recognized.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. The "Hypertension Score" would assess the extent to which practices in Dayhoit utilize telemedicine for hypertension management. This could include virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth platforms. Practices actively using telemedicine would receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and improved access. The availability of reliable internet connectivity within the community is a crucial supporting factor.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. The "Hypertension Score" must account for the availability of mental health services. This includes the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists practicing in the area. The score would consider the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as on-site therapists or referral pathways. Practices that screen for depression and anxiety, and provide or facilitate access to mental health support, would receive higher scores.

Specific data on the availability of these resources would be crucial. This data could be sourced from the Kentucky Department for Behavioral Health, Developmental and Intellectual Disabilities, and other relevant organizations. The score would also consider the affordability of mental health services, including insurance coverage and the availability of sliding-scale fees.

Beyond these core components, the "Hypertension Score" might incorporate other factors. These include patient demographics (age, race/ethnicity), socioeconomic status, and health literacy levels. The score could also consider the availability of community resources, such as support groups and educational programs focused on hypertension management.

The creation of a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" would be a complex undertaking, requiring access to diverse data sources and sophisticated analytical techniques. The score would need to be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare landscape.

The hypothetical score would be a valuable tool for various stakeholders. Patients could use it to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Healthcare providers could use it to identify areas for improvement and benchmark their performance. Public health officials could use it to allocate resources and target interventions.

Ultimately, improving hypertension management in Dayhoit, and other rural communities, requires a multifaceted approach. This includes addressing physician shortages, improving access to care, promoting evidence-based practices, and integrating mental health services. The "Hypertension Score" framework, as described above, provides a starting point for this effort.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician-to-patient ratios, and other relevant factors, consider exploring the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform for analyzing and understanding complex healthcare data. They allow you to visualize the "Hypertension Score" components, identify areas of need, and track progress over time. Visit CartoChrome to explore how mapping can enhance your understanding of healthcare access and outcomes in Dayhoit and beyond.