42280, Sharon Grove, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 42280, Sharon Grove, Kentucky is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.30 percent of the residents in 42280 has some form of health insurance. 20.82 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 70.48 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 42280 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 173 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42280. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 10 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,521 health care providers accessible to residents in 42280, Sharon Grove, Kentucky.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Sharon Grove, KY (ZIP Code 42280)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management capabilities within Sharon Grove, Kentucky (ZIP code 42280), focusing on primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and associated mental health resources. The goal is to assess the community's capacity to effectively address and manage hypertension, a significant public health concern.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Sharon Grove, primary care physician availability is a critical factor. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires data from various sources, including the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, insurance provider networks, and local health department records. This information is essential to understanding the workload on existing physicians and identifying potential gaps in care. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more frequent check-ups, better patient education, and more personalized treatment plans. Conversely, a high ratio could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely care, leading to delayed diagnoses and suboptimal hypertension control.

Identifying standout practices within the community is crucial. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management. Factors to consider include the presence of certified hypertension specialists, adherence to evidence-based guidelines (such as those from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology), and patient-centered care models. Practices employing electronic health records (EHRs) with integrated decision support tools are often better equipped to monitor patient progress, track medication adherence, and identify patients at high risk. Furthermore, practices that prioritize patient education, offering resources on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) and medication management, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), can also improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Sharon Grove. Assessing the adoption of telemedicine services by primary care practices is vital. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that offer telemedicine options demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care. Evaluating the types of telemedicine platforms used (e.g., video conferencing, remote monitoring devices) and the services offered (e.g., medication refills, follow-up appointments) is essential.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources within Sharon Grove is therefore critical. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists), the availability of mental health services (counseling, therapy, medication management), and the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, are better positioned to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension. The availability of support groups, educational programs, and community resources focused on stress management and mental well-being further enhances the community's ability to support individuals with hypertension.

A comprehensive hypertension score for Sharon Grove would integrate these factors. The score would be based on a weighted assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the prevalence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension control. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, reflecting its fundamental impact on access to care. The presence of standout practices and telemedicine adoption would also receive significant weight, reflecting their potential to improve the quality and convenience of care. The availability of mental health resources would be considered a crucial factor, given the interconnectedness of physical and mental health.

Data collection would involve a multi-pronged approach. Publicly available data from government agencies (e.g., the Kentucky Department for Public Health) and professional organizations (e.g., the Kentucky Medical Association) would be utilized. Direct surveys of primary care practices within the ZIP code would be conducted to gather information on physician staffing, services offered, telemedicine adoption, and referral pathways. Information on mental health resources would be gathered from local mental health providers, community organizations, and online directories. The analysis would result in a numerical score, allowing for a comparative assessment of the community's capacity to manage hypertension.

The final hypertension score would provide a valuable benchmark for Sharon Grove. It would highlight areas of strength and weakness, informing targeted interventions to improve hypertension management. For example, a low score could indicate a need to recruit more primary care physicians, promote telemedicine adoption, or expand mental health services. The score could also be used to track progress over time, allowing for the evaluation of interventions and the identification of best practices. Regular updates to the score would be necessary to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape and ensure the accuracy of the assessment.

This analysis underscores the importance of a multi-faceted approach to hypertension management. By addressing physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, Sharon Grove can improve the health outcomes of its residents and reduce the burden of this preventable condition.

For a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and community resources within Sharon Grove, Kentucky, and the surrounding areas, we invite you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis, providing a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.