02155, Medford, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02155, Medford, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.70 percent of the residents in 02155 has some form of health insurance. 26.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.31 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 02155 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,936 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 72 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02155. An estimate of 30 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,598 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,904 health care providers accessible to residents in 02155, Medford, Massachusetts.

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## Hypertension Score Analysis: Medford, MA (ZIP Code 02155)

This report provides an in-depth analysis of hypertension management resources and primary care accessibility within Medford, Massachusetts (ZIP Code 02155). The goal is to assess the local healthcare landscape, focusing on factors influencing hypertension control and patient access to care. We will evaluate physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial components in managing this prevalent condition.

Medford, a vibrant community nestled within the Greater Boston area, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The aging population, combined with lifestyle factors common in urban environments, contributes to a significant number of individuals at risk for, or already diagnosed with, hypertension. Effective management necessitates a comprehensive approach, encompassing readily available primary care, proactive patient education, and access to specialized resources.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less individualized care. Data analysis reveals the physician-to-patient ratio in Medford to be moderately favorable, though fluctuations may exist depending on specific specialties and practice locations. This suggests that while access to primary care physicians is generally adequate, the demand can be significant, particularly for specialists.

Several primary care practices in Medford stand out for their commitment to hypertension management. These practices often demonstrate a proactive approach, implementing robust screening programs, utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, and offering comprehensive patient education materials. Some practices also employ certified hypertension specialists or nurses, enhancing the expertise available to patients. These practices often report higher rates of controlled hypertension among their patient populations, highlighting the importance of dedicated resources.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in expanding healthcare access, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. The adoption rate of telemedicine within Medford’s primary care practices is noteworthy. Many physicians offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and online patient portals for communication and medication refills. This allows for more frequent check-ins, personalized guidance, and timely intervention, ultimately improving patient outcomes. The convenience of telemedicine is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those who struggle to attend in-person appointments.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is increasingly recognized. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial factor in comprehensive hypertension management. The analysis reveals a mixed picture regarding mental health integration in Medford. While some primary care practices have established partnerships with mental health providers, others lack this critical component. This disparity highlights the need for greater collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals to provide holistic care.

Specific practices are actively promoting mental wellness. They offer on-site counseling services, refer patients to local therapists, and provide educational materials on stress management techniques. These practices demonstrate a commitment to addressing the psychological factors that can influence hypertension control. The practices are often highly regarded by their patients.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is widespread in Medford’s primary care practices. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, allowing physicians to track patient blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. This data-driven approach enables physicians to personalize treatment plans and identify patients who require more intensive intervention. The ability to share patient information securely between different healthcare providers is also a significant advantage of EHRs, ensuring seamless care coordination.

Patient education plays a vital role in hypertension management. Primary care practices in Medford offer a range of educational resources, including brochures, online materials, and group classes. These resources cover topics such as healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and medication adherence. Some practices also employ health educators who provide one-on-one counseling to patients, empowering them to take an active role in their health.

The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology and nephrology, is also a factor. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, patients with complex cases or those who require specialized care benefit from access to these specialists. Medford benefits from its proximity to major medical centers in the Boston area, providing access to a wide range of specialists and advanced diagnostic tools.

Medication management is another key aspect of hypertension control. Primary care practices in Medford work closely with patients to ensure they are taking their medications correctly and are experiencing minimal side effects. They also provide medication reconciliation services, reviewing patients' medication lists regularly to identify potential drug interactions or duplications. Some practices utilize pharmacy partnerships to streamline medication refills and provide convenient access to medications.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Medford, MA (ZIP Code 02155) is considered to be moderately positive. The availability of primary care physicians is generally good, and telemedicine adoption is encouraging. However, improvements are needed in the integration of mental health resources and the consistent implementation of comprehensive patient education programs across all practices.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Medford, MA (ZIP Code 02155) and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, specialist availability, and practice characteristics, we recommend using the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. This tool allows for a detailed visual representation of the data discussed in this report, providing valuable insights for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers.