02043, Hingham, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02043, Hingham, Massachusetts is 100 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.50 percent of the residents in 02043 has some form of health insurance. 25.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.21 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 02043 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,312 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02043. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,319 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,052 health care providers accessible to residents in 02043, Hingham, Massachusetts.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Hingham, MA (ZIP Code 02043)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 02043 (Hingham, Massachusetts), focusing on primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. The goal is to assess the overall capacity to effectively address hypertension within the community, culminating in a "Hypertension Score" based on these factors.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

Hingham, like many suburban communities, likely faces challenges related to primary care access. While specific physician-to-patient ratios fluctuate, the overall availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of hypertension management success. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally translates to more available appointments, shorter wait times, and more personalized care, all of which are crucial for effective hypertension control. The analysis will consider the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 02043 ZIP code, factoring in any physicians who may have a limited patient panel or who are not accepting new patients. Furthermore, it will account for the availability of urgent care facilities and their potential role in providing timely care for hypertension-related issues.

**Standout Practices and Their Approaches:**

Several primary care practices in Hingham are likely to demonstrate superior performance in hypertension management. These practices are identified based on their commitment to evidence-based guidelines, patient education, and proactive monitoring. Key indicators include:

* **Adherence to Guidelines:** Practices that consistently follow the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) are prioritized. This includes the use of standardized protocols for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.
* **Patient Education:** Effective hypertension management relies heavily on patient understanding and adherence to lifestyle modifications and medication regimens. Practices that offer comprehensive patient education programs, including individual counseling, group classes, and readily available educational materials, will score higher.
* **Proactive Monitoring:** Regular blood pressure monitoring, both in-office and at home, is essential. Practices that utilize automated blood pressure monitoring systems, provide patients with home blood pressure monitors, and actively track patient blood pressure readings will receive favorable ratings.
* **Team-Based Care:** Practices that employ a team-based approach, involving nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals, often provide more comprehensive and efficient care. This can include delegation of tasks, such as medication refills and patient education, to other team members.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for hypertension management, particularly for remote monitoring, medication management, and patient education. The analysis will assess the extent to which primary care practices in Hingham have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** The availability of virtual appointments allows patients to conveniently consult with their physicians for routine check-ups, medication adjustments, and follow-up care.
* **Remote Blood Pressure Monitoring:** Practices that utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices, which transmit readings directly to the physician's office, can proactively monitor patient blood pressure and intervene as needed.
* **Patient Portals:** Secure patient portals enable patients to access their medical records, communicate with their physicians, and receive educational materials.
* **Impact on Access:** The analysis will consider how telemedicine adoption affects access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or busy schedules.

**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 effective hypertension management requires addressing these underlying issues. The analysis will assess the availability and integration of mental health resources within the Hingham healthcare landscape. This includes:

* **Referral Networks:** Practices that have established referral networks with mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, are better equipped to address the mental health needs of their patients.
* **On-Site Mental Health Services:** Some practices may offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or therapy, which can improve access to care and facilitate coordination between primary care and mental health providers.
* **Screening for Mental Health Conditions:** Practices that routinely screen patients for depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are more likely to identify and address these issues.
* **Integration of Care:** The analysis will evaluate the degree to which mental health services are integrated into the overall hypertension management plan, including medication management, lifestyle modifications, and patient education.

**Hypertension Score and Conclusion:**

Based on the evaluation of the factors discussed above, a "Hypertension Score" will be assigned to the primary care landscape in Hingham. This score will reflect the overall capacity of the community to effectively manage hypertension, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. A higher score indicates a more robust and comprehensive approach to hypertension management.

This analysis is a starting point. The availability of data, privacy regulations, and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery will impact the precision of the score. However, the assessment provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the hypertension management infrastructure in Hingham, Massachusetts.

For a visual representation of the data and a more detailed understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources within Hingham and surrounding areas, explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome.