42408, Dawson Springs, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 42408, Dawson Springs, Kentucky is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.53 percent of the residents in 42408 has some form of health insurance. 47.31 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.42 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 42408 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,594 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42408. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,052 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,041 health care providers accessible to residents in 42408, Dawson Springs, Kentucky.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Dawson Springs, KY (ZIP Code 42408)

Dawson Springs, Kentucky, a small community nestled in the heart of the Pennyrile region, faces unique challenges in managing hypertension. This analysis provides a ‘Hypertension Score’ assessment, focusing on primary care access, physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources within the 42408 ZIP code. The aim is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents struggling with this prevalent health condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Within Dawson Springs, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial factor. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is essential for understanding the potential burden on existing providers. This involves analyzing the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in scheduling appointments, receiving timely care, and managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Publicly available data, such as the US Census Bureau and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, can be used to ascertain the number of active PCPs. Population estimates can be sourced from the Census Bureau as well.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and characteristics of primary care practices are significant. Are there any standout practices in Dawson Springs? Identifying practices with a demonstrable commitment to hypertension management is key. This could involve analyzing factors such as the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, patient education programs, and the availability of support staff like nurses and medical assistants. Practices that actively monitor blood pressure, provide lifestyle counseling, and offer medication management support are more likely to contribute to improved patient outcomes. Information on practice characteristics can be gleaned from practice websites, online reviews, and potentially, local health department reports.

Telemedicine adoption represents another critical aspect of hypertension management. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure, conduct virtual consultations, and provide medication refills can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Assessing the extent to which local practices utilize telemedicine platforms is essential. This involves investigating whether practices offer virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring, and secure messaging options. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide convenient and ongoing care, which is critical for managing a chronic condition like hypertension.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder effective management. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Dawson Springs is a significant factor in the ‘Hypertension Score’ assessment. This involves evaluating the presence of mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. Identifying the availability of mental health services that are integrated with primary care practices is also important. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals collaborate with PCPs, can improve patient outcomes by addressing both physical and mental health needs simultaneously.

The analysis will also consider the availability of other support services. This includes access to pharmacies for medication refills, patient education materials, and community resources that promote healthy lifestyles, such as exercise programs and nutrition counseling. The presence of these resources can contribute to a more comprehensive approach to hypertension management.

Gathering the information for this assessment requires a multi-faceted approach. Data collection will involve reviewing publicly available resources, conducting online research, and potentially contacting local healthcare providers. The data will be synthesized to create a composite ‘Hypertension Score’ that reflects the overall quality of hypertension management resources available in Dawson Springs. The score will be a qualitative assessment, acknowledging the limitations of available data and emphasizing the importance of ongoing monitoring and improvement.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ will consider the following factors: physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of other support services. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its perceived importance in hypertension management. The weights will be based on evidence-based guidelines and expert opinions.

The final ‘Hypertension Score’ will be presented in a clear and concise format, summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in relation to hypertension management. The analysis will identify areas where improvements are needed and provide recommendations for enhancing access to care and improving patient outcomes.

The findings of this analysis will be useful for several stakeholders. Healthcare providers can use the information to identify areas for improvement in their practices and to collaborate with other providers to enhance patient care. Community organizations can use the information to advocate for increased resources and to promote healthy lifestyles. Individuals can use the information to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to seek out the best possible care for their hypertension.

This analysis aims to provide a valuable resource for understanding the challenges and opportunities related to hypertension management in Dawson Springs, Kentucky. The goal is to contribute to improved health outcomes for residents of the 42408 ZIP code.

**For a visual representation of healthcare resources in Dawson Springs and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to support services, consider using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a detailed, geographically-based understanding of the healthcare landscape. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper insight into the realities of hypertension management in your community.**