01516, Douglas, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 01516, Douglas, Massachusetts is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.95 percent of the residents in 01516 has some form of health insurance. 22.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 90.98 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 01516 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,327 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01516. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 991 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 931 health care providers accessible to residents in 01516, Douglas, Massachusetts.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Douglas, MA (ZIP Code 01516)

Analyzing hypertension management in Douglas, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01516) requires a multifaceted approach, evaluating the accessibility and quality of primary care, the resources available to manage this chronic condition, and the overall healthcare landscape. This analysis seeks to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering key factors impacting patient outcomes.

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is readily available primary care. In Douglas, assessing primary care availability involves examining the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric provides a crucial understanding of the potential workload on existing physicians. A high ratio, indicating a larger patient base per physician, can potentially strain resources and impact the time available for comprehensive patient care, including hypertension management. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially more individualized attention. Publicly available data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, along with information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can provide insights into this ratio. Further investigation into the specific number of primary care physicians practicing within ZIP Code 01516, and the average patient panel size, is necessary to calculate an accurate ratio.

Beyond the physician-to-patient ratio, it's vital to understand the specific practices within Douglas. Identifying standout practices, those demonstrating exemplary hypertension management, involves scrutinizing their performance data. This includes factors like the percentage of hypertensive patients achieving blood pressure control, the frequency of patient follow-up appointments, and the utilization of evidence-based guidelines for treatment. Publicly available data on these metrics, if available, would be invaluable. Practices that actively employ patient education programs, provide readily accessible resources on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively are more likely to achieve positive outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant factor in modern healthcare, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure, conduct virtual consultations, and provide ongoing support can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration within Douglas practices is crucial. This involves evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring devices, and the overall digital infrastructure supporting telemedicine services. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care, which can lead to better patient outcomes.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Douglas is an essential component of the "Hypertension Score" analysis. This involves assessing the presence of mental health providers (psychiatrists, therapists, counselors) within the community, the accessibility of mental health services, and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers are better positioned to address the complex needs of hypertensive patients.

Specific data points that would significantly enhance this analysis include: the number of primary care physicians practicing in Douglas, the average patient panel size per physician, the percentage of hypertensive patients under control within each practice, the availability of patient education materials, the extent of telemedicine adoption (number of virtual visits, use of remote monitoring devices), the number of mental health providers in the area, and the existence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices.

Furthermore, understanding the demographics of the patient population in Douglas is crucial. Factors like age, socioeconomic status, and access to healthy food options can significantly impact hypertension prevalence and management. Analyzing demographic data from the US Census Bureau and other relevant sources can provide valuable context for the analysis.

The "Hypertension Score" for Douglas would be derived from a weighted combination of these factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the performance of individual practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources would each contribute to the overall score. The weighting of each factor would reflect its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension management. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, excellent blood pressure control rates, extensive telemedicine capabilities, and integrated behavioral health services would receive a high score, indicating a strong capacity to manage hypertension effectively. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, poor blood pressure control rates, limited telemedicine capabilities, and a lack of mental health resources would receive a lower score, highlighting areas for improvement.

The "Hypertension Score" should not be viewed as a definitive ranking, but rather as a snapshot of the current healthcare landscape in Douglas. It is a dynamic measure that should be updated regularly to reflect changes in healthcare practices, technology, and patient demographics.

In conclusion, a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" analysis for Douglas requires a deep dive into primary care availability, practice performance, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in managing this prevalent chronic condition.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Douglas, Massachusetts, and explore the factors influencing hypertension management, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools that can help you identify areas with high hypertension prevalence, map the location of primary care providers, and analyze the distribution of healthcare resources.