41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.81 percent of the residents in 41189 has some form of health insurance. 52.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.58 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 41189 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 391 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41189. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 311 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 268 health care providers accessible to residents in 41189, Tollesboro, Kentucky.

The analysis focuses on evaluating hypertension care quality and accessibility for residents of Tollesboro, Kentucky (ZIP Code 41189), and the primary care physicians serving the area. This evaluation will consider factors impacting hypertension management, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of exemplary practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive patient care.

Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is fundamental to assessing healthcare accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation for hypertension. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to care, allowing for more frequent monitoring and intervention. In Tollesboro and the surrounding area, the physician-to-patient ratio needs to be carefully examined. Publicly available data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, combined with population estimates for the region, provides a starting point. This data, however, must be refined. It is essential to differentiate between primary care physicians (PCPs) and specialists, as PCPs are typically the first point of contact for hypertension management. Further investigation should identify the number of active, practicing PCPs within the ZIP Code and the surrounding counties, considering factors such as age, board certifications, and scope of practice.

Identifying standout practices within the area is a critical step in this analysis. These practices serve as models for effective hypertension care. Criteria for identifying these practices include: the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, patient outcomes data (e.g., blood pressure control rates), patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of ancillary services such as on-site pharmacies or laboratory services. Practices that proactively utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, implement reminder systems for appointments and medication refills, and offer patient education materials are particularly noteworthy. Furthermore, practices that demonstrate a commitment to community outreach and patient education programs focused on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, are highly valued. The evaluation should include a review of online patient reviews, practice websites, and interviews with healthcare professionals in the area to gather comprehensive insights.

Telemedicine adoption is another significant factor. Telemedicine offers several advantages in hypertension management, including remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. It can improve access to care for patients in rural areas like Tollesboro, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence. The analysis should assess the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., virtual check-ups, remote blood pressure monitoring), and the patient and physician satisfaction levels with these services. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their hypertension management protocols should be recognized as leaders in providing accessible and convenient care.

The availability of mental health resources plays a crucial role in comprehensive hypertension care. Hypertension is often associated with stress and anxiety, and untreated mental health conditions can negatively impact blood pressure control. The analysis should investigate the availability of mental health services within the area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. It is essential to determine whether local primary care practices have integrated mental health services into their care models, for example, through on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers. The presence of programs that address the mental health needs of patients with hypertension, such as stress management workshops or support groups, should also be considered.

The final ‘Hypertension Score’ will be a composite measure reflecting the combined impact of these factors. This score will provide a nuanced understanding of the quality and accessibility of hypertension care in Tollesboro. The score will not be a simple average but will be weighted based on the relative importance of each factor. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and patient outcomes data will likely carry significant weight. The score will be presented in a format that allows for easy comparison with other areas and will provide actionable insights for improving hypertension care.

The data collection process will involve a combination of primary and secondary research methods. Publicly available data sources, such as the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the U.S. Census Bureau, will be used to gather information on physician demographics, practice locations, and population characteristics. Online patient reviews, practice websites, and phone interviews with local healthcare providers will provide additional insights. The data will be analyzed using statistical methods to identify trends and patterns.

The analysis will also consider the unique challenges faced by residents of Tollesboro. Rural areas often experience disparities in healthcare access, including limited access to specialists, transportation barriers, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. The analysis will specifically address these challenges and identify potential solutions, such as telehealth initiatives, mobile health clinics, and community-based health programs.

The findings of this analysis will be valuable for a variety of stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and residents of Tollesboro. Healthcare providers can use the information to identify areas for improvement in their practices and to benchmark their performance against other practices in the area. Policymakers can use the data to inform decisions about healthcare resource allocation and to develop programs to address healthcare disparities. Residents of Tollesboro can use the information to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to advocate for improved access to care.

The final ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis will be presented in a clear and concise format, with supporting data and visualizations. The report will include specific recommendations for improving hypertension care in Tollesboro, such as strategies for increasing physician recruitment, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis will provide a valuable resource for improving the health and well-being of the residents of Tollesboro.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics, leverage the power of spatial analysis. Explore the use of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 41189 and beyond.