02180, Stoneham, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02180, Stoneham, Massachusetts is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.78 percent of the residents in 02180 has some form of health insurance. 27.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.37 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 02180 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,544 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02180. An estimate of 7 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,526 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,319 health care providers accessible to residents in 02180, Stoneham, Massachusetts.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Stoneham, MA (ZIP Code 02180)

Stoneham, Massachusetts, nestled in the suburban landscape north of Boston, presents a unique environment for assessing hypertension management. This analysis provides a ‘Hypertension Score’ evaluation for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 02180, focusing on factors crucial to effective hypertension control. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources – all vital components of a comprehensive approach to patient care.

The foundation of this analysis lies in understanding the prevalence of hypertension within the Stoneham community. While specific, granular data for 02180 is often limited, we can leverage regional and national averages. Hypertension is a widespread condition, and its prevalence is likely comparable to other suburban areas with similar demographics. This underscores the importance of robust primary care infrastructure within the town.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of access to care. A lower ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally translates to more available appointment slots, shorter wait times, and potentially more personalized care. Assessing this requires data on the number of practicing PCPs within 02180 and the estimated patient population. Publicly available sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine can provide physician listings. Population data can be obtained from the US Census Bureau. The resulting ratio provides a baseline for evaluating the accessibility of primary care services. A high ratio could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive hypertension management.

Standout practices within Stoneham are those that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension care. This includes adherence to national guidelines, such as those established by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. These guidelines emphasize lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress reduction) and the appropriate use of antihypertensive medications. Practices excelling in hypertension management often utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, monitor blood pressure readings, and ensure medication adherence. They might also employ clinical pharmacists or nurses specializing in hypertension care to provide patient education and support. Identifying these standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational procedures and patient outcomes, potentially through patient reviews, peer recommendations, and public health reports.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery, particularly for chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. Within the context of hypertension, telemedicine can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations. Practices that actively integrate telemedicine into their hypertension care model are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care. This could involve offering virtual appointments for medication refills, providing patients with home blood pressure monitoring devices, and utilizing telehealth platforms for remote monitoring and follow-up.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and mental health conditions can complicate hypertension management. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within a primary care setting is a crucial factor in the ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach allows for a more comprehensive assessment of a patient's overall health and facilitates early intervention for mental health concerns that may impact hypertension control.

Assessing the availability of mental health resources requires investigating the partnerships and services offered by each primary care practice. This includes determining whether they have in-house mental health professionals, referral networks to mental health specialists, or access to mental health support groups. The presence of these resources significantly contributes to a higher ‘Hypertension Score’ because it indicates a commitment to addressing the complex interplay between physical and mental health.

Stoneham's primary care landscape presents both opportunities and challenges in hypertension management. The town's proximity to Boston provides access to specialized care, but the availability of primary care services within the 02180 ZIP code is a key factor. The ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis provides a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of primary care practices in managing hypertension. It also highlights the importance of factors like physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources.

The final ‘Hypertension Score’ for each practice would be determined based on a weighted assessment of these factors. Practices demonstrating strong adherence to clinical guidelines, high patient satisfaction, and a commitment to innovation in care delivery would receive higher scores. The analysis would also consider the practice's infrastructure, including the use of EHRs, patient education programs, and access to specialized support services.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of hypertension management within Stoneham. By assessing the key factors that influence patient outcomes, this analysis can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and encourage primary care practices to enhance their services. This includes the adoption of best practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the prioritization of mental health support.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources within Stoneham and beyond, consider exploring the interactive maps and data visualizations offered by CartoChrome. These tools provide a powerful way to understand the healthcare landscape and make informed decisions about your health.