Health Scores Near 01702, Framingham, Massachusetts
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The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 01702, Framingham, Massachusetts is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 90.10 percent of the residents in 01702 has some form of health insurance. 45.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.03 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 01702 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 9,052 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01702. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,373 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,683 health care providers accessible to residents in 01702, Framingham, Massachusetts.
Health Scores in 01702, Framingham, Massachusetts
| Hypertension Score | 55 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 4 |
| Provider Score | 100 |
| Hospital Score | 24 |
| Travel Score | 71 |
| 01702 | Framingham | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
The analysis below evaluates hypertension management within the 01702 ZIP code, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and resource accessibility. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering the multifaceted nature of effective hypertension control. This score is not a single number but a composite judgment based on the factors outlined.
**Primary Care Landscape and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**
Framingham, Massachusetts (ZIP code 01702) presents a moderate landscape for primary care access. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical component of the Hypertension Score. While precise, real-time ratios fluctuate, publicly available data suggests a generally adequate, but not exceptional, supply of primary care physicians. This means that while finding a primary care physician is usually possible, the availability of appointments and the time physicians have to dedicate to each patient can be affected. Higher ratios (more patients per physician) potentially indicate greater appointment wait times and less individualized attention, negatively impacting the Hypertension Score.
**Standout Practices: A Deeper Dive**
Several primary care practices in 01702 demonstrate commendable practices in hypertension management. Identifying these "standout" practices requires analyzing several factors. One key indicator is the implementation of evidence-based guidelines. Practices actively adhering to the latest recommendations from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, and consistently employing these guidelines in patient care, receive higher scores. This includes aggressive blood pressure monitoring, medication adjustments, and patient education.
Another critical factor is the integration of patient education. Practices that offer comprehensive educational materials, group classes, or individual counseling sessions on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) receive higher marks. Successful hypertension management necessitates patient understanding and active participation.
Furthermore, practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, identify at-risk individuals, and automate reminders for appointments and medication refills are favored. EHRs allow for better data analysis, enabling practices to monitor their performance in managing hypertension and identify areas for improvement.
**Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access**
Telemedicine adoption significantly impacts the Hypertension Score. Practices embracing telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. Telemedicine can be especially beneficial for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those residing in geographically underserved areas. Practices offering virtual consultations and remote blood pressure monitoring, if properly integrated into the patient care plan, are rated favorably.
**Mental Health Resources: The Mind-Body Connection**
The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can elevate blood pressure and hinder effective management. The availability of mental health resources within or integrated with primary care practices is a crucial component of the Hypertension Score. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals, or have strong referral networks to mental health specialists, are prioritized. This integration facilitates a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension.
**Specific Practice Examples (Hypothetical)**
To illustrate, consider two hypothetical practices. "Practice A" consistently implements evidence-based guidelines, offers extensive patient education, utilizes a robust EHR system, and provides telemedicine options. They also have a dedicated mental health counselor on-site. This practice would receive a significantly higher Hypertension Score.
"Practice B," on the other hand, might be slower to adopt new guidelines, offer limited patient education, and lack telemedicine capabilities. They may also have limited mental health resources. This practice would likely receive a lower score. This is a simplified example, and the actual scoring would involve a more complex evaluation.
**Challenges and Considerations**
Several challenges can affect the Hypertension Score. One is the socioeconomic status of the patient population. Patients with lower incomes may face barriers to accessing healthy foods, exercise facilities, and medications, impacting their ability to manage hypertension effectively. The availability of affordable medications and community resources is thus a factor.
Another challenge is patient adherence to medication and lifestyle recommendations. Practices must actively address this issue through patient education, motivational interviewing, and ongoing support.
**The Role of Data and Analysis**
Accurately assessing the Hypertension Score requires data. This includes information on physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics (e.g., EHR usage, telemedicine adoption), patient outcomes (e.g., blood pressure control rates), and the availability of resources (e.g., mental health services). Publicly available data sources, insurance claims data (if accessible), and patient surveys can be used to gather this information.
**Conclusion and Call to Action**
Effective hypertension management is a complex endeavor requiring a multi-faceted approach. The Hypertension Score is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the resources and practices available to patients in Framingham (01702). This analysis highlights the importance of physician availability, adherence to evidence-based guidelines, patient education, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. Understanding these factors is essential for improving hypertension control and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
To visualize the distribution of these factors and identify areas of strength and weakness within the 01702 ZIP code, explore the power of spatial analysis. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Framingham.
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