01545, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 01545, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.42 percent of the residents in 01545 has some form of health insurance. 23.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.27 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 01545 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,887 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01545. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,771 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,067 health care providers accessible to residents in 01545, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Shrewsbury, MA (ZIP Code 01545)**

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within Shrewsbury, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 01545), focusing on primary care availability, physician practices, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources. The aim is to provide a comprehensive overview, offering insights into the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing hypertension.

Shrewsbury, a suburban community in Worcester County, presents a unique healthcare environment. Its proximity to Worcester City offers access to larger hospital systems, while the town itself boasts a network of primary care physicians (PCPs) serving the local population. The effective management of hypertension, a significant public health concern, hinges on the availability of quality primary care and the integration of modern healthcare practices.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Assessing primary care availability is crucial. The physician-to-patient ratio provides a key metric. While precise figures fluctuate, an ideal ratio typically hovers around 1:1,000 to 1:1,500. In Shrewsbury, the ratio is likely influenced by factors such as the town's population size, the number of practicing PCPs, and the presence of specialists who might also provide primary care services. Data analysis is required to determine the exact ratio, but a higher ratio indicates a potential strain on resources, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care.

The availability of primary care is further impacted by insurance acceptance, office hours, and the ability of practices to accommodate new patients. Practices that accept a broad range of insurance plans and offer flexible appointment scheduling, including evening or weekend hours, generally improve access. Analyzing these factors is essential for a complete understanding of the landscape.

**Standout Practices and Their Approaches**

Identifying standout practices within Shrewsbury involves evaluating several factors. Practices excelling in hypertension management often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine. This includes the consistent use of guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. They also emphasize patient education and empowerment.

These practices may implement structured hypertension management programs. These programs often involve regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and medication management. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a key component, allowing for efficient data tracking, medication reconciliation, and communication with patients.

Another indicator of excellence is patient satisfaction. Patient reviews, feedback, and practice ratings provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Practices with high patient satisfaction scores often foster strong doctor-patient relationships, which are essential for effective hypertension management.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in healthcare, especially in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Its adoption within Shrewsbury's primary care practices is a crucial area of assessment. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas.

The integration of telemedicine can take various forms, from virtual consultations and remote blood pressure monitoring to medication management and patient education. Practices that effectively utilize telemedicine often see improved patient outcomes and increased patient engagement.

The effectiveness of telemedicine depends on factors like the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the ability of practices to provide technical support. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption within Shrewsbury involves identifying the types of services offered, the number of patients utilizing these services, and patient satisfaction with the experience.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder effective hypertension management. Therefore, the availability and integration of mental health resources within primary care practices are critical.

Practices that prioritize mental health often screen patients for depression and anxiety. They may also have on-site mental health professionals or partnerships with local mental health providers. This integrated approach allows for a more holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources involves identifying the number of practices offering these services, the types of services provided, and the ease with which patients can access them. The integration of mental health services can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

The effective management of hypertension in Shrewsbury (ZIP Code 01545) requires a multifaceted approach. It involves ensuring adequate primary care availability, identifying and supporting standout practices, embracing telemedicine, and integrating mental health resources. This analysis provides a foundation for understanding the current landscape.

To gain a more granular understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics within Shrewsbury, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive maps that visualize healthcare data, enabling a deeper dive into the specific details of the healthcare environment in Shrewsbury.