02019, Bellingham, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02019, Bellingham, Massachusetts is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.82 percent of the residents in 02019 has some form of health insurance. 26.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.44 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 02019 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,193 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02019. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,322 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,087 health care providers accessible to residents in 02019, Bellingham, Massachusetts.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management within ZIP code 02019, encompassing Bellingham, Massachusetts, with an emphasis on primary care access and related services. This examination aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape relevant to hypertension care, evaluating various factors that impact patient outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Bellingham, within the 02019 ZIP code, is a crucial element in assessing primary care accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, less effective hypertension management. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to primary care physicians, potentially facilitating more frequent check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education, all vital components of successful hypertension control. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can be analyzed to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio. This data would need to be supplemented by information on the specific specialties of physicians practicing within the ZIP code to determine how many are primary care providers.

Primary care availability extends beyond the raw physician-to-patient ratio. The distribution of primary care practices across Bellingham is also significant. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, potentially leaving other sections of the community underserved? The presence of practices accepting new patients is another critical factor. A practice with an open panel allows for easier access for individuals newly diagnosed with hypertension or those seeking a new primary care provider. Furthermore, the availability of evening and weekend appointments can significantly impact patient adherence to treatment plans. Individuals with demanding work schedules may struggle to attend appointments during standard business hours, potentially leading to missed appointments and uncontrolled hypertension.

Standout practices in Bellingham, within 02019, can be identified through a combination of factors. Patient reviews, accessible through online platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, offer insights into patient experiences, including wait times, staff friendliness, and the overall quality of care. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals is another indicator of a forward-thinking practice. EHRs streamline information management, allowing for better coordination of care, while patient portals empower patients to access their medical records, communicate with their physicians, and manage their appointments online. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, such as those recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the American Medical Association (AMA), often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care and are more likely to be effective in managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially for managing chronic conditions. The ability to conduct virtual consultations allows for greater flexibility in patient care, enabling patients to receive follow-up care, medication adjustments, and even initial consultations without the need for in-person visits. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues, those living in geographically remote areas, or those with busy schedules. The availability of telemedicine services among primary care practices in Bellingham can be assessed by examining their websites, contacting the practices directly, and reviewing patient testimonials. Practices that offer telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility, which can contribute to improved hypertension control.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure and adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers is therefore a critical consideration. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model, either through on-site therapists or through strong referral networks, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Information regarding mental health services can be obtained by examining practice websites, contacting the practices directly, and reviewing online resources. The presence of mental health support can significantly improve the overall effectiveness of hypertension management.

The availability of resources for patient education is another crucial factor. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about hypertension, its management, and lifestyle modifications are more likely to see improved patient outcomes. This includes providing educational materials, offering group classes, and utilizing patient portals to disseminate information. The use of culturally sensitive materials and resources in multiple languages is also important, reflecting the diversity of the community. Assessing the availability of patient education resources involves examining practice websites, reviewing patient testimonials, and potentially contacting the practices directly.

In summary, the effectiveness of hypertension management in Bellingham, within the 02019 ZIP code, is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, including the physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the availability of patient education resources. A thorough analysis of these factors, utilizing publicly available data, patient reviews, and direct contact with practices, is essential for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a detailed, visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Bellingham, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome. Their maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.