42328, Centertown, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 42328, Centertown, Kentucky is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.17 percent of the residents in 42328 has some form of health insurance. 51.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.54 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 42328 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 351 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42328. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 216 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,440 health care providers accessible to residents in 42328, Centertown, Kentucky.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Centertown, KY (ZIP Code 42328)

Centertown, Kentucky, nestled within the 42328 ZIP code, presents a unique healthcare landscape, especially concerning hypertension management. This analysis aims to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the availability of primary care physicians, their practices, and the resources available to manage this prevalent condition. The goal is to offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, ultimately benefiting residents seeking optimal care.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and quality primary care. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial first step. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can be analyzed to determine the number of primary care physicians practicing within the 42328 ZIP code and the estimated population. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially strain resources and limit appointment availability, hindering timely diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more personalized care and proactive management.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. This involves examining the practices of local physicians. Are they actively screening patients for hypertension during routine checkups? Do they have established protocols for diagnosis, including the use of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring when necessary? Are they following evidence-based guidelines for treatment, including lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) and medication management? Assessing these aspects requires investigation into the practices of individual physicians, perhaps through patient reviews, publicly available information on their affiliations with professional organizations, and the presence of patient education materials in their offices.

Standout practices within Centertown may emerge as leaders in hypertension care. These practices could be recognized for their commitment to patient education, their use of innovative technologies, or their proactive approach to managing high blood pressure. Examples might include practices that offer group education sessions on healthy eating and exercise, or those that have implemented patient portals for easy communication and medication refills. Identifying and highlighting these standout practices can serve as a model for other providers and encourage best practices across the community.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the "Hypertension Score." Telemedicine, including virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, offers significant advantages in hypertension management, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. It allows for more frequent monitoring of blood pressure, medication adjustments, and timely interventions. Analyzing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in Centertown is essential. Are they offering virtual appointments? Do they utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices? The presence of these technologies can significantly improve access to care and enhance patient outcomes.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, yet they play a crucial role. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, the availability of mental health services within the community is an important component of the "Hypertension Score." This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, and their integration with primary care practices. Do primary care physicians have established referral pathways to mental health services? Are there programs available to address stress management and coping mechanisms? The integration of mental health services can contribute to a more holistic approach to hypertension management.

Furthermore, the accessibility of pharmacies and their services is important. Are there readily available pharmacies within the community? Do these pharmacies offer medication counseling and blood pressure monitoring services? Easy access to medication refills and pharmacist consultations can improve patient adherence to treatment plans, leading to better blood pressure control.

The "Hypertension Score" for Centertown (42328) is not a single number but a multifaceted assessment. It considers physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and pharmacy services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement. This analysis, however, is based on readily available information and may not reflect the complete picture. Further research, including direct contact with healthcare providers and community stakeholders, would be needed to refine the score and develop specific recommendations for improving hypertension management in Centertown.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Centertown and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician locations, pharmacy locations, and other relevant data points, offering a valuable tool for residents and healthcare professionals alike.