01430, Ashburnham, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 01430, Ashburnham, Massachusetts is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 99.87 percent of the residents in 01430 has some form of health insurance. 40.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.31 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 01430 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,694 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01430. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,072 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 651 health care providers accessible to residents in 01430, Ashburnham, Massachusetts.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management within the context of primary care availability in Ashburnham, Massachusetts, specifically considering the physician landscape within ZIP code 01430. This requires a multifaceted approach, evaluating factors beyond simple physician counts. It involves assessing access to care, the quality of that care, and the availability of resources that support comprehensive hypertension management.

Ashburnham, a town characterized by its rural setting, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The relative isolation can affect access to specialists and advanced diagnostic tools, potentially influencing hypertension control rates. The analysis will delve into the physician-to-patient ratio, a crucial indicator of accessibility. A lower ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access to appointments and more individualized care. Conversely, a higher ratio may indicate longer wait times and a more strained healthcare system.

The quality of primary care is paramount in managing hypertension. This includes the use of evidence-based guidelines, regular blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and patient education. Standout practices within the 01430 ZIP code will be identified based on publicly available data, patient reviews (where available), and potentially through targeted outreach to healthcare providers. These practices will be evaluated on their commitment to providing comprehensive hypertension care, including the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and communication.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. It offers a valuable avenue for expanding access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The analysis will assess the extent to which physicians in 01430 utilize telemedicine for hypertension management, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication refills. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on the local healthcare system.

Hypertension is frequently linked to other health issues, including mental health conditions. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and complicate treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical factor in comprehensive hypertension management. The analysis will explore the accessibility of mental health services within the 01430 ZIP code, including the availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is also a key consideration.

The specific physician-to-patient ratio in 01430 is a primary determinant of access. Data from the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with population estimates for Ashburnham, will be used to calculate this ratio. This figure will be benchmarked against state and national averages to provide context. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests greater accessibility, which can translate to more frequent check-ups, more personalized care, and improved patient outcomes.

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-pronged approach. Publicly available data, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) ratings, will be examined. Patient reviews from sources like Healthgrades and Vitals will be considered, acknowledging the limitations of such data. Practices that actively promote patient education, offer extended hours, and provide comprehensive care are likely to be highlighted. Direct outreach to local healthcare providers may be conducted to gather additional information and insights.

The adoption of telemedicine will be assessed by examining physician websites and online profiles. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals will be recognized. The ability of patients to easily communicate with their physicians and access their health information remotely is a significant advantage. Telemedicine’s role in medication management, including electronic prescriptions and refill requests, will also be assessed.

The availability of mental health resources is crucial. The analysis will identify the number of mental health professionals practicing within the 01430 ZIP code. The proximity of mental health clinics and hospitals to primary care practices will be assessed. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house providers or partnerships with external organizations, will be viewed favorably.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' will be a composite measure, incorporating physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor will be weighted based on its relative importance in hypertension management. Practices with a high score will be those that demonstrate a commitment to providing comprehensive, accessible, and patient-centered care.

The final analysis will provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ashburnham. It will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and identify areas for improvement. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare providers and by healthcare providers to improve their services.

The findings of this analysis can be visualized and further explored using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing users to explore the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access to care, and track trends over time. The ability to overlay various data points, such as physician locations, patient demographics, and health outcomes, provides a powerful tool for understanding the complexities of hypertension management within the 01430 ZIP code.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ashburnham and visualize the data discussed, visit CartoChrome maps. Explore the interactive maps to analyze physician locations, patient demographics, and health outcomes.