01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts is 62 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.56 percent of the residents in 01913 has some form of health insurance. 29.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.34 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 01913 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,462 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 01913. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,582 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,026 health care providers accessible to residents in 01913, Amesbury, Massachusetts.

Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 01913 & Primary Care in Amesbury

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Amesbury, Massachusetts (ZIP code 01913), with a specific focus on factors relevant to managing hypertension. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources. This is a complex task, and the following is a general overview, as comprehensive data is difficult to compile without direct access to patient records and practice-specific information.

Physician-to-Patient Ratio: A Critical Metric

The foundation of any assessment lies in understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio of patients per PCP can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent per patient, and potentially compromised care quality. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, can offer estimates of primary care physician density within the ZIP code. It’s crucial to compare this to the national average and other comparable areas. Amesbury, being a relatively small city, may face challenges in attracting and retaining a sufficient number of PCPs. The presence of larger healthcare systems or networks that serve the area can influence the availability and distribution of physicians.

Standout Practices: Identifying Leaders in Hypertension Management

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive. This involves researching practices that specifically emphasize hypertension management. This includes looking for practices that are patient-centered. Consider the following: Does the practice have a dedicated hypertension management program? Do they offer extended appointment times for patients with complex needs? Do they employ nurses or other healthcare professionals who specialize in hypertension care? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, monitor blood pressure readings, and send automated reminders for medication refills and follow-up appointments? Practices that are certified by organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or that participate in quality improvement programs often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care.

Telemedicine Adoption: Expanding Access to Care

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural or underserved areas. In the context of hypertension management, telemedicine can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient portals for communication and data access. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially provide more frequent check-ins, allowing for proactive management of hypertension and early intervention when necessary. The availability of telehealth also allows for greater flexibility for patients.

Mental Health Resources: An Essential Component

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is crucial. This includes evaluating whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers. Do they offer integrated behavioral health services? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community? Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide comprehensive support are better equipped to manage the complex needs of patients with hypertension. The availability of mental health resources can improve patient outcomes.

Specific Practice Considerations: An Example

Let's consider a hypothetical primary care practice in Amesbury. This practice, "Amesbury Family Medicine," is part of a larger healthcare network. Their Hypertension Score would be influenced by several factors. If Amesbury Family Medicine has a physician-to-patient ratio that is better than the average for the region, it would receive a higher score. If they have a dedicated hypertension management program with specialized nurses, the score would increase further. If they offer telemedicine appointments and remote blood pressure monitoring, the score would be positively impacted. If they have an on-site therapist or a strong referral network for mental health services, the score would be boosted significantly. The practice's use of EHRs to track patient data and send reminders would also be considered.

Challenges and Limitations: A Realistic Perspective

This analysis is based on publicly available information and general observations. A comprehensive assessment would require access to patient-level data, practice-specific performance metrics, and direct interviews with physicians and patients. Data privacy and ethical considerations limit the scope of this type of analysis. Furthermore, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. New practices may open, existing practices may change their services, and telemedicine technologies are continuously improving. Any "Hypertension Score" is, therefore, a snapshot in time and should be viewed as a starting point for further investigation.

Conclusion:

Managing hypertension effectively requires a multi-faceted approach that considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. While a definitive "Hypertension Score" requires more in-depth data, this analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality of primary care in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and identifying areas for improvement.

Call to Action:

For a deeper dive into the healthcare landscape of Amesbury and beyond, and to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider exploring the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. Explore the potential of maps to visualize healthcare data.