The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02163, Boston, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 98.64 percent of the residents in 02163 has some form of health insurance. 3.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 97.18 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 02163 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 262 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 67 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02163. An estimate of 30 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,527 health care providers accessible to residents in 02163, Boston, Massachusetts.
Health Scores in 02163, Boston, Massachusetts
Hypertension Score | 81 |
---|---|
People Score | 10 |
Provider Score | 99 |
Hospital Score | 66 |
Travel Score | 65 |
02163 | Boston | 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 |
**Hypertension Score Analysis: Physicians in 02163 and Primary Care in Boston**
Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 02163 and the broader context of primary care availability in Boston requires a multi-faceted approach. The goal is to understand the accessibility, quality, and innovative approaches to hypertension care, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score will consider factors like physician density, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the availability of supporting resources, especially mental health support.
**02163: A Microcosm of Hypertension Care**
ZIP code 02163, encompassing the city of Quincy, serves as a valuable case study. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While national averages provide a baseline, local variations are significant. A low physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying hypertension diagnosis and management. Conversely, a high ratio doesn't guarantee optimal care; the quality of care and the resources available are equally important.
The specific characteristics of primary care practices in 02163 are also vital. Are there many solo practitioners or large group practices? Group practices often have the advantage of shared resources, including specialized staff like registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and behavioral health specialists. These resources are crucial for comprehensive hypertension management, which extends beyond medication to include lifestyle modifications. The presence of these specialists significantly impacts the quality of care and, therefore, the Hypertension Score.
**Standout Practices and Their Impact**
Identifying standout practices within 02163 and Boston is essential. These practices demonstrate excellence in hypertension care. They may have implemented innovative programs, such as patient education classes, home blood pressure monitoring programs with remote monitoring, or integrated behavioral health services. These practices often achieve better patient outcomes, including improved blood pressure control and reduced cardiovascular risk. Their success stories can serve as models for other practices.
**Telemedicine Adoption: A Catalyst for Change**
Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare access, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Assessing the adoption rate of telemedicine within 02163 and Boston is critical. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and secure messaging platforms are better positioned to provide timely and convenient care. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or busy schedules. A higher telemedicine adoption rate translates to a higher Hypertension Score.
**Mental Health Resources: An Often-Overlooked Component**
Hypertension management is not solely about medication and lifestyle changes; it's also about addressing the psychological factors that influence patient adherence and overall well-being. The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the Hypertension Score. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to support patients. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Addressing these issues is essential for achieving optimal outcomes.
**Primary Care Availability in Boston: A Broader Perspective**
Extending the analysis to the broader context of primary care availability in Boston requires considering geographic disparities. Some neighborhoods may have a higher concentration of primary care physicians than others. This disparity can create unequal access to care, impacting the Hypertension Score for residents in underserved areas. Public transportation accessibility is another important factor. Patients need to be able to easily reach their primary care physicians.
**Assessing the Score: A Holistic Approach**
To arrive at a comprehensive Hypertension Score, a weighted approach is necessary. The physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability are all assigned weights based on their relative importance. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might receive a lower weight if practices excel in other areas, such as telemedicine and mental health integration. The final score reflects the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension care in a given area.
**Data Sources and Methodology**
The analysis relies on multiple data sources. Publicly available data from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and professional organizations like the Massachusetts Medical Society provide valuable information on physician demographics, practice characteristics, and healthcare utilization. Patient reviews, online directories, and practice websites offer insights into practice features, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health services.
**Conclusion: Mapping the Landscape**
The Hypertension Score analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the state of hypertension care in 02163 and Boston. It highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system, identifies areas for improvement, and provides insights into innovative approaches. The analysis underscores the importance of a holistic approach to hypertension management, encompassing physician access, practice characteristics, technological integration, and mental health support.
To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of these factors, and to visualize the data discussed, explore the power of spatial analysis with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform complex healthcare data into actionable insights, helping healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients make informed decisions.
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