40868, Stinnett, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 40868, Stinnett, Kentucky is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 40868 has some form of health insurance. 72.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 38.27 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 40868 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 303 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40868. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 100 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 374 health care providers accessible to residents in 40868, Stinnett, Kentucky.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Stinnett, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40868)**

Analyzing hypertension management within the context of Stinnett, Kentucky (ZIP code 40868) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, the practices they employ in managing hypertension, and the resources available to patients. The aim is to provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' assessment, considering various factors that contribute to effective hypertension control and patient well-being.

The foundation of any hypertension management strategy lies in access to primary care. Stinnett, a rural community, likely faces challenges in this regard. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. National averages offer a baseline, but the reality in Stinnett may differ significantly. Data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, along with information from the US Census Bureau, is essential to determine the actual number of primary care physicians practicing within the specified ZIP code and the population they serve. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care, which can negatively impact hypertension management.

Beyond the raw numbers, the types of primary care available are also important. Are there solo practitioners, or are there group practices? Group practices often offer a wider range of services and may have more resources for patient education and support. The presence of family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) all contribute to the overall primary care landscape. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, within a reasonable distance is also a factor, as they can provide more specialized care for complex hypertension cases.

Evaluating the practices themselves is critical. This involves looking at the specific strategies used by physicians in managing hypertension. Do they follow established guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)? Are they proactive in screening for hypertension, regularly monitoring blood pressure, and providing appropriate lifestyle recommendations, such as dietary changes and exercise plans? Do they effectively communicate with patients about their condition, medications, and potential side effects? A high-quality practice will emphasize patient education and empowerment, encouraging patients to actively participate in their own care.

Medication management is another key aspect of hypertension control. Do physicians have access to a wide range of antihypertensive medications? Are they familiar with the latest treatment options and able to tailor medication regimens to individual patient needs? Are they aware of potential drug interactions and side effects? The ability to efficiently prescribe and manage medications is a cornerstone of effective hypertension care.

Telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption in Stinnett can significantly impact access to care. Does the primary care practice offer telemedicine consultations for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education? Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel, especially for elderly or mobility-impaired patients, and improve adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the availability and utilization of telemedicine services is a crucial component of the 'Hypertension Score'.

Mental health is often overlooked in hypertension management, but it plays a crucial role. Stress and anxiety can elevate blood pressure, and depression can make it difficult for patients to adhere to their treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore important. Are there mental health professionals within the primary care practice or nearby? Are patients screened for mental health issues? Do physicians collaborate with mental health providers to provide comprehensive care? The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan can greatly improve patient outcomes.

Standout practices may be identified through patient reviews, community feedback, and data from health insurance providers. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, employing best practices in hypertension management and providing excellent patient education and support. They may have implemented innovative programs, such as group education sessions, remote blood pressure monitoring, or personalized care plans. Identifying and highlighting these practices can serve as a model for other providers in the area.

To assess the overall 'Hypertension Score' for the area, a composite score based on the factors discussed above is needed. This score should consider physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. The score should be graded, providing a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension management in Stinnett.

The assessment should also include information on the availability of resources for patients. Are there community health programs that offer blood pressure screenings, educational materials, and support groups? Are there pharmacies that offer medication counseling and blood pressure monitoring services? The availability of these resources can greatly enhance patient adherence to treatment plans and improve overall outcomes.

Finally, the analysis should consider the social determinants of health. Factors such as income, education, access to healthy food, and safe housing can significantly impact a patient's ability to manage their hypertension. Addressing these social determinants is essential for achieving optimal hypertension control.

This analysis provides a framework for understanding the complexities of hypertension management in Stinnett, Kentucky. The 'Hypertension Score' will be a valuable tool for healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients, helping them to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies for enhancing hypertension control and improving the overall health of the community.

For a detailed, visual representation of the data discussed, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps offer a powerful way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Stinnett.