40935, Flat Lick, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 40935, Flat Lick, Kentucky is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.45 percent of the residents in 40935 has some form of health insurance. 82.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 13.58 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 40935 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 636 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40935. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 224 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,214 health care providers accessible to residents in 40935, Flat Lick, Kentucky.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 40935 & Primary Care Availability in Flat Lick**

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning a prevalent condition like hypertension, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on doctors within ZIP Code 40935, encompassing the Flat Lick community, to assess their capacity to manage hypertension and the availability of primary care services. The aim is to develop a 'Hypertension Score' based on several key metrics, providing a comprehensive overview of the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of any effective hypertension management program rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Flat Lick, this translates directly to the accessibility of doctors within ZIP Code 40935. Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial starting point. A high ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, a less thorough approach to managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Data on the number of primary care physicians practicing within the zip code, combined with population estimates, is essential to calculate this ratio. Public health agencies, such as the Knox County Health Department, often provide this type of data. The lower the ratio, the better the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of care provided by these physicians is paramount. This includes their expertise in hypertension management, their adherence to current clinical guidelines, and their use of evidence-based practices. Assessing this requires examining factors such as the physicians' board certifications, their participation in continuing medical education (CME) programs focused on hypertension, and their use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and monitor treatment outcomes. EHRs, in particular, are critical for efficient data management, enabling physicians to easily access patient histories, track blood pressure readings, and adjust medications as needed. Physicians who demonstrate a commitment to these best practices will receive a higher score.

Standout practices within the ZIP Code should be identified. This involves looking for clinics or medical groups that excel in hypertension management. This might include practices that have implemented patient-centered medical home models, which emphasize coordinated care and patient engagement. Other indicators of excellence could be a practice's ability to offer extended hours, same-day appointments for acute issues, and robust patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with the knowledge and tools to manage their condition, will earn a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the modern healthcare landscape. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient education can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Flat Lick. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, allowing patients to connect with their doctors remotely, should be recognized. This includes having secure video conferencing platforms, remote monitoring devices, and online portals for patient communication. Telemedicine is especially beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support for lifestyle changes.

Mental health resources play a significant role in hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and effective management often requires addressing these underlying issues. The availability of mental health services, such as counseling, therapy, and psychiatric care, within the Flat Lick community is therefore an important consideration. This includes assessing the number of mental health professionals, their accessibility, and their ability to collaborate with primary care physicians. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their care models will receive a higher score.

The 'Hypertension Score' will be a composite metric, calculated by weighting these different factors. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant component, reflecting the overall accessibility of care. The quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources will also be weighted, reflecting the complexity of hypertension management. The final score will provide a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape within ZIP Code 40935.

Data collection is a crucial component of this analysis. Information on physician demographics, practice characteristics, and service offerings can be obtained from various sources, including the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, insurance provider directories, and healthcare websites. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care. The Knox County Health Department, local hospitals, and community organizations can provide additional data and context.

The analysis should also consider the specific needs of the Flat Lick community. This includes understanding the demographics of the population, the prevalence of hypertension, and any existing health disparities. Tailoring the analysis to the local context will ensure that the 'Hypertension Score' is relevant and useful.

The final 'Hypertension Score' should be presented in a clear and concise manner. This could include a numerical score, a letter grade, or a color-coded system. The analysis should also provide specific recommendations for improving hypertension management in Flat Lick. This might include suggestions for increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting telemedicine adoption, and expanding mental health services. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve the health of the community.

This detailed analysis is essential for understanding the current state of hypertension management in Flat Lick. By assessing physician availability, care quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' can be developed. This score can then be used to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies to enhance the health of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Flat Lick and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a dynamic and informative view of the data, making it easier to understand the challenges and opportunities for improving hypertension management.