41721, Buckhorn, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 41721, Buckhorn, Kentucky is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.94 percent of the residents in 41721 has some form of health insurance. 77.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 19.81 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 41721 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 55 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 41721. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 147 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,691 health care providers accessible to residents in 41721, Buckhorn, Kentucky.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 41721, centering on primary care physicians and their resources, particularly in the context of Buckhorn, Kentucky. This assessment considers several key factors crucial for effective hypertension control, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape and highlight areas of strength and potential improvement.

Physician availability is a cornerstone of effective hypertension management. The physician-to-patient ratio within 41721, and specifically serving Buckhorn, is a critical indicator. A low ratio can indicate limited access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up, and poorer patient outcomes. Data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, combined with local population figures, would be essential to determine the precise ratio. This would involve identifying the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and dividing the population by that number. A low ratio necessitates a close examination of strategies to increase access, such as physician recruitment incentives or exploring innovative care models.

The characteristics of individual primary care practices significantly impact hypertension care. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive blood pressure monitoring, and emphasize lifestyle modifications are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. We would need to assess the prevalence of these practices within the area. Are there practices that consistently achieve optimal blood pressure control rates? What specific protocols do they employ? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient progress and facilitate communication? Are there dedicated nurses or other staff members trained in hypertension management? Identifying standout practices, those that consistently demonstrate excellence in hypertension care, provides valuable insights and models for others to emulate.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in modern hypertension management, especially in rural areas like Buckhorn. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, enabling patients to access care remotely, including medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and educational resources. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration within local practices is vital. Do physicians offer virtual consultations? Do they utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices? Are patients able to access educational materials online? Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care. The level of technological proficiency within the local population also influences the effectiveness of telemedicine adoption.

Mental health resources are frequently overlooked in hypertension management, yet they are essential. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, and addressing these issues is critical for comprehensive care. Assessing the availability of mental health services within the 41721 area is therefore paramount. Are there mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, readily accessible? Do primary care practices have established referral pathways to these services? Do they screen patients for depression and anxiety? Integration of mental health care into hypertension management can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.

Specific practice examples, if available, would be incorporated. For instance, if a particular clinic in Buckhorn has a dedicated hypertension management program with a certified nurse educator, this would be highlighted. If another practice utilizes a patient portal for blood pressure monitoring and medication refills, that would also be noted. The goal is to provide concrete examples of best practices and identify areas where improvements can be made.

Furthermore, the analysis would examine the availability of specialized resources. Are there cardiologists or nephrologists within a reasonable distance? These specialists play a crucial role in managing complex cases of hypertension. The presence of these specialists, and the ease with which patients can access them, directly impacts the quality of care. Collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists is essential for optimal patient outcomes.

The availability of community resources is also assessed. Are there local support groups for individuals with hypertension? Are there programs that promote healthy eating and exercise? Community resources can provide valuable support and education, empowering patients to take an active role in managing their condition. The presence of these resources complements the care provided by primary care physicians.

The analysis would conclude with a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension management within 41721 and Buckhorn. This summary would identify areas where the local healthcare system excels and areas that require improvement. The goal is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve patient care.

The limitations of this analysis would also be acknowledged. The accuracy of the assessment is dependent on the availability of data. Publicly available data, such as physician directories and population statistics, would be used. However, more detailed information, such as practice-specific data on blood pressure control rates and telemedicine adoption, may be limited.

This assessment is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of hypertension management capabilities within 41721 and Buckhorn. By examining physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources, the analysis aims to provide a clear picture of the local healthcare landscape. This information can be used to inform decision-making, improve patient care, and ultimately, improve the health and well-being of the community.

To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, practice types, and access to support services, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 41721. Explore the interactive maps at [Insert CartoChrome Link Here] to understand the landscape.