42788, White Mills, Kentucky Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 42788, White Mills, Kentucky is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.36 percent of the residents in 42788 has some form of health insurance. 35.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.40 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 42788 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 42788. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 57 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 358 health care providers accessible to residents in 42788, White Mills, Kentucky.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 42788 & White Mills Primary Care

Analyzing hypertension management within the 42788 ZIP code, encompassing White Mills, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will explore physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score will be subjective, based on the available data and presented as a general assessment of the landscape. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in supporting patients with hypertension.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Landscape**

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 42788 is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure, combined with data on physician practice locations, can provide an initial estimate. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, would negatively impact the Hypertension Score. This shortage could translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and difficulty in establishing a consistent relationship with a healthcare provider. White Mills, as a community within 42788, likely experiences the effects of the overall ratio.

The distribution of PCPs within White Mills itself is also important. Are practices clustered in a central location, or are they dispersed throughout the area? This geographic distribution impacts accessibility for patients, particularly those with limited transportation options or mobility challenges. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers is a positive factor, as they often serve vulnerable populations and offer comprehensive care. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists, within a reasonable distance is another critical consideration, as hypertension often requires referral to these specialists for complex cases.

**Practice Characteristics and Standout Practices**

The characteristics of individual practices significantly influence hypertension management. Practices employing a team-based approach, including nurses, medical assistants, and pharmacists, are often better equipped to provide comprehensive care. These teams can assist with patient education, medication management, and regular monitoring of blood pressure. Electronic health records (EHRs) are another crucial factor. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, allowing physicians to track patient progress, identify trends, and personalize treatment plans.

Identifying "standout" practices within 42788 requires examining their specific approaches to hypertension management. Do they have dedicated hypertension clinics or programs? Do they actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the American Medical Association? Do they utilize evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to these best practices would contribute positively to the overall Hypertension Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like White Mills. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. This can be especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote locations. The adoption rate of telemedicine among PCPs in 42788 is a key factor in the Hypertension Score.

Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals are likely to have a higher score. The availability of telehealth services can improve medication adherence, as patients can easily communicate with their providers to address concerns or adjust their medications. However, the effectiveness of telemedicine depends on several factors, including internet access, patient digital literacy, and the ability of providers to effectively use telehealth platforms.

**Mental Health Resources and Hypertension**

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to manage hypertension. Access to mental health resources is therefore an essential component of comprehensive hypertension care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the 42788 area is a critical factor.

Practices that integrate mental health screening and treatment into their hypertension management programs would receive a higher score. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health providers is also crucial. This collaboration can ensure that patients receive coordinated care and that their mental health needs are addressed alongside their physical health needs. The availability of support groups, educational resources, and other mental health services within the community also contributes to the overall assessment.

**Hypertension Score Assessment (Subjective)**

Based on the factors discussed above, a preliminary Hypertension Score for the 42788 ZIP code, including White Mills, would be determined. This score would be a subjective assessment, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem. The score would consider physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. A higher score would indicate a more supportive environment for patients with hypertension, while a lower score would highlight areas for improvement.

For example, a high score might indicate:

* A reasonable physician-to-patient ratio.
* Practices actively using EHRs and team-based care.
* Widespread telemedicine adoption.
* Good access to mental health services.

A low score might indicate:

* A shortage of PCPs.
* Limited telemedicine adoption.
* Lack of mental health resources.

**Conclusion**

Improving hypertension management in the 42788 ZIP code requires a comprehensive approach that addresses physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. Understanding the specific needs of the community and implementing targeted interventions is crucial to improving patient outcomes.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 42788, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's mapping tools can provide valuable insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points, allowing for a more informed assessment of hypertension management and healthcare access in the White Mills area.