41262, Tomahawk, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 41262, Tomahawk, Kentucky is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.06 percent of the residents in 41262 has some form of health insurance. 45.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 38.64 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 41262 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 238 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41262. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 252 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,807 health care providers accessible to residents in 41262, Tomahawk, Kentucky.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 41262 and Primary Care Availability in Tomahawk**

The task at hand involves a detailed assessment of healthcare resources within ZIP code 41262, specifically focusing on hypertension management and primary care availability in Tomahawk, Kentucky. This analysis will provide a "Hypertension Score" based on several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of this analysis rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). A robust PCP network is crucial for hypertension management, as these physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment. In Tomahawk (ZIP code 41262), the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. This ratio indicates the number of residents per PCP. A higher ratio suggests a potential shortage of physicians, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to care. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure will be utilized to estimate this ratio. This ratio, however, is only one factor.

The quality of care offered by existing practices is another essential component. Several factors contribute to this, including the experience and qualifications of the physicians, the availability of specialized services (e.g., cardiology consultations), and the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association, are likely to provide higher-quality care. Identifying standout practices requires examining patient reviews, physician certifications, and the availability of on-site diagnostic capabilities like blood pressure monitoring and electrocardiograms (EKGs).

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Tomahawk. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The availability of telemedicine services, such as virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, will positively influence the Hypertension Score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely better positioned to provide timely and convenient care to patients managing hypertension.

Hypertension often co-occurs with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Integrated care, where mental health services are readily available within primary care practices, is essential for holistic patient care. Assessing the availability of mental health resources, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, is a crucial element of the Hypertension Score. Practices that offer integrated mental health services are better equipped to address the complex needs of patients with hypertension.

To calculate the Hypertension Score, a weighted scoring system will be employed. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The physician-to-patient ratio will be given significant weight, as it directly impacts access to care. Practice characteristics, including physician experience and the availability of specialized services, will also be weighted heavily. Telemedicine adoption and the availability of mental health resources will receive moderate weights, reflecting their importance in providing comprehensive care.

The analysis will begin by gathering data from publicly available sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, and healthcare directories. Physician profiles will be reviewed to assess qualifications, experience, and specialization. Practice websites and online reviews will be examined to gather information about services offered, telemedicine adoption, and patient satisfaction. Data regarding mental health resources will be collected through practice websites, healthcare directories, and local community resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio will be calculated using population data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the number of PCPs practicing within ZIP code 41262. Practice characteristics will be assessed based on physician profiles, certifications, and the availability of specialized services. Telemedicine adoption will be evaluated based on the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and other telehealth services. The availability of mental health resources will be determined by identifying on-site therapists, partnerships with mental health providers, and the integration of mental health services within the practice.

Once the data is collected, the Hypertension Score will be calculated. Each factor will be scored based on its characteristics. The weighted scores will be summed to produce an overall score, which will be used to rank the healthcare resources within ZIP code 41262. The score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape.

The final Hypertension Score will provide a valuable assessment of the healthcare resources available for hypertension management in Tomahawk. This score can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively. The analysis will also highlight the need for increased investment in primary care, telemedicine, and mental health services to improve the health outcomes of residents in Tomahawk.

The results of this analysis will provide a snapshot of the current state of healthcare resources in Tomahawk. The dynamic nature of healthcare requires ongoing monitoring and evaluation. Regular updates to the Hypertension Score are essential to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. This will ensure that the score remains a relevant and useful tool for patients, providers, and policymakers.

This analysis will be designed to be a starting point for further investigation. The goal is to provide a framework for understanding the healthcare landscape in Tomahawk, Kentucky. The information can be used to guide future research, policy decisions, and community initiatives aimed at improving the health and well-being of the residents.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Tomahawk and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, consider exploring interactive maps using CartoChrome.