42347, Hartford, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 42347, Hartford, Kentucky is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.54 percent of the residents in 42347 has some form of health insurance. 45.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.90 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 42347 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42347. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,078 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 816 health care providers accessible to residents in 42347, Hartford, Kentucky.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Hartford, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42347)**

The objective is to assess the quality of hypertension care and primary care availability within Hartford, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42347). This analysis considers various factors, culminating in a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" that provides a comparative view of the local healthcare landscape. The score is not a definitive metric, but rather a composite evaluation based on available data and reasonable assumptions.

Hartford, a small city in Ohio County, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often means limited access to specialized medical services and a potentially older population, increasing the prevalence of chronic conditions like hypertension. Understanding the availability and quality of primary care physicians is crucial for managing this disease effectively.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care:**

A fundamental aspect of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures for Hartford are difficult to obtain publicly, we can make educated estimates based on Ohio County demographics and national averages. The national average physician-to-population ratio hovers around 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people. Assuming Hartford mirrors this, or perhaps has a slightly lower ratio due to its rural location, the availability of primary care physicians becomes a significant concern. A lower ratio can translate to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and difficulty in establishing strong doctor-patient relationships, all of which are critical for effective hypertension management.

**Primary Care Availability and Practice Characteristics:**

The number of primary care practices in Hartford is a key indicator of access. These practices, often family medicine or internal medicine clinics, are the first point of contact for patients and play a crucial role in screening, diagnosis, and ongoing management of hypertension. The size of these practices, whether solo practices or larger group practices, also influences the patient experience. Larger practices might offer a wider range of services and potentially better access to specialists, while smaller practices might provide more personalized care. Evaluating the types of insurance accepted by these practices is also vital, ensuring that patients have affordable access to care.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. This includes the number of board-certified physicians, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (such as blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiograms, and basic laboratory testing), and the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate better communication between healthcare providers, improve medication management, and streamline the process of tracking patient progress. Practices that actively engage in patient education, providing resources on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) and medication adherence, are also highly valued.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Hartford can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or transportation challenges. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and medication management, all of which are essential for hypertension control. Practices that offer telemedicine services are likely to receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and improved care.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, making mental health resources an important component of comprehensive care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within or in close proximity to primary care practices is a positive indicator. Integrated behavioral health services, where mental health professionals are co-located with primary care physicians, can improve patient outcomes by facilitating seamless communication and coordinated care. The presence of these resources significantly boosts the quality of hypertension care.

**Medication Management and Adherence:**

Effective hypertension management hinges on medication adherence. Assessing how practices assist patients with medication management is vital. This includes providing medication reconciliation services, educating patients about their medications, and offering reminders for refills. Practices that utilize medication adherence programs, such as automated text message reminders or medication synchronization, are likely to see better patient outcomes.

**Patient Education and Support:**

Patient education is a cornerstone of hypertension management. Practices that provide educational materials, conduct group classes, or offer individual counseling on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) receive higher marks. The availability of support groups or resources for patients with hypertension further enhances the quality of care. These resources empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition.

**Hypertension Score Components and Hypothetical Ranking:**

The "Hypertension Score" is a hypothetical composite score. It would consider the following factors: Physician-to-patient ratio, number of primary care practices, practice size and services offered, board certifications, telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health services, medication management support, and patient education resources. Each factor would be weighted based on its relative importance. A practice with a high score would demonstrate a strong commitment to comprehensive hypertension care, while a lower score might indicate areas for improvement.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the healthcare landscape in Hartford, Kentucky (ZIP Code 42347) reveals the importance of accessible primary care, the potential of telemedicine, and the need for integrated mental health services. Evaluating the availability of these resources is crucial for managing hypertension effectively within the community. The "Hypertension Score" is a useful tool for understanding the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a more comprehensive visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hartford, Kentucky, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help visualize physician locations, practice types, and other relevant data points, providing a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.