42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.26 percent of the residents in 42764 has some form of health insurance. 75.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.55 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 42764 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 107 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42764. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 88 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 754 health care providers accessible to residents in 42764, Mount Sherman, Kentucky.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Mount Sherman, KY (ZIP Code 42764)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality within the 42764 ZIP code, encompassing Mount Sherman, Kentucky, requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly concerning hypertension management. This analysis will assess the landscape of primary care physicians, their patient load, the availability of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health services, all crucial components of effective hypertension control. A ‘Hypertension Score’ is implied, though not explicitly calculated, reflecting the overall capacity of the local healthcare system to support patients in managing this prevalent condition.

The foundation of hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is paramount. In Mount Sherman, the limited population size, coupled with the potential for a small number of primary care physicians, could lead to a relatively high patient-to-physician ratio. This means each doctor might be responsible for a significant number of patients, potentially impacting appointment availability and the time dedicated to each patient. Accurate data on the actual number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code is crucial. This information, ideally sourced from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure or similar state-level databases, would be the starting point. Furthermore, understanding the age and experience of these physicians is important, as this can influence their approach to patient care and their familiarity with the latest hypertension guidelines.

Beyond the raw numbers, examining the practices themselves is essential. Are there any standout practices in Mount Sherman that demonstrate a commitment to hypertension management? This involves looking at several factors. Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for efficient tracking of blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and patient progress? Do they have dedicated staff, such as nurses or medical assistants, trained in hypertension education and support? Do they offer comprehensive services, including regular blood pressure checks, lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise), and medication management? Identifying practices that excel in these areas would highlight best practices and potentially serve as models for other providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication refills can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Mount Sherman. Telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, making it easier for patients to manage their hypertension. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires investigating whether local primary care practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, or online patient portals. The availability of reliable internet access in the community is a crucial factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is vital for effective hypertension control. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, primary care practices should ideally have mechanisms for addressing these issues. This could involve having mental health professionals on staff, offering referrals to local therapists or counselors, or providing educational materials on stress management techniques. The presence of these resources would indicate a more holistic approach to patient care and contribute positively to the overall ‘Hypertension Score’.

Specific data points are needed to conduct a thorough analysis. This includes, but is not limited to: the exact number of primary care physicians practicing within the 42764 ZIP code, the average patient load per physician, the availability of telemedicine services (e.g., virtual appointments, remote monitoring), the presence of integrated mental health services (e.g., on-site therapists, referral networks), and the utilization of EHRs for hypertension management. Publicly available resources, such as the Kentucky Department for Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can provide some general data on health indicators and access to care within the state. However, more granular data, specifically for the 42764 ZIP code, is essential for a truly accurate assessment.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors of the community. The prevalence of hypertension can vary based on factors like income, education, and access to healthy food options. Understanding these factors is crucial for tailoring hypertension management strategies to the specific needs of the population. This involves assessing the community’s demographics, including income levels, education attainment, and access to resources like grocery stores and recreational facilities.

In conclusion, assessing the ‘Hypertension Score’ for Mount Sherman, KY (42764) requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care access, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, and the ability to address the social determinants of health are all crucial factors. The availability of data, specifically related to the local healthcare landscape, is paramount to a meaningful analysis.

For a detailed visual representation of healthcare access, physician locations, and community health indicators in Mount Sherman and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help visualize the data discussed in this analysis, offering valuable insights into the healthcare landscape and supporting informed decision-making.