02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts is 73 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 65.17 percent of the residents in 02542 has some form of health insurance. 3.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.46 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 02542 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 313 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02542. An estimate of 0 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 716 health care providers accessible to residents in 02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts.

## Hypertension Management in Buzzards Bay: A Scorecard for 02542

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP Code 02542, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers several critical factors, including primary care physician availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of innovative technologies like telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all of which directly impact the quality of care for individuals managing hypertension. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape and highlight areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible and qualified primary care physicians (PCPs). Assessing the availability of PCPs in Buzzards Bay reveals a critical need for careful scrutiny. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. This ratio, calculated by dividing the total population by the number of practicing PCPs within the ZIP Code, provides a crucial indicator of access to care. A higher ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments, ultimately impacting blood pressure control. The Massachusetts Medical Society and the American Medical Association are key sources for this data.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is essential. Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several metrics. These include the percentage of patients successfully achieving blood pressure control, the frequency of patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and the utilization of evidence-based treatment guidelines. Practices that consistently demonstrate superior patient outcomes, as measured by these metrics, deserve recognition. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can provide insights into quality measures. Patient reviews and testimonials, while subjective, can also offer valuable perspectives on the patient experience within each practice.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant opportunity to improve hypertension management, especially in areas with limited access to care. Telemedicine allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management, potentially reducing the burden on both patients and physicians. Practices that actively utilize telemedicine platforms, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are likely to provide more convenient and accessible care. The effectiveness of these telemedicine programs should be evaluated based on patient adherence to treatment plans and blood pressure control rates.

The crucial link between mental health and hypertension cannot be overstated. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly elevate blood pressure and impede treatment effectiveness. Practices that integrate mental health resources into their hypertension management programs are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. This integration can take various forms, including on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and educational programs addressing stress management techniques. Assessing the availability and integration of mental health services within primary care practices is a vital component of this analysis.

Specific practices within 02542 warrant closer examination. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, utilize evidence-based guidelines, and embrace technological advancements like telemedicine is crucial. For instance, practices with dedicated hypertension clinics or specialized programs may offer more focused and effective care. Furthermore, examining the staffing models within each practice, including the presence of nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals, can provide insights into the overall capacity and efficiency of the practice.

Another important aspect to consider is the socioeconomic factors that influence hypertension management. Buzzards Bay, like many communities, may have disparities in access to care and resources based on income, education, and other social determinants of health. Analyzing the demographics of the patient population served by each practice can help identify potential inequities in care. Practices that actively address these disparities, through outreach programs, culturally sensitive care, or assistance with medication costs, are likely to provide more equitable and effective care.

The availability of pharmacy services within the ZIP Code also plays a role. Convenient access to pharmacies, particularly those offering medication adherence programs and blood pressure monitoring services, can improve patient outcomes. Evaluating the number of pharmacies, their operating hours, and the services they offer is a necessary component of this analysis.

Furthermore, the local hospital systems and their involvement in hypertension management are relevant. Does the local hospital offer educational programs or support groups for patients with hypertension? Are there collaborations between primary care practices and the hospital to ensure seamless care transitions and access to specialized services? These factors contribute to the overall healthcare ecosystem and its impact on hypertension management.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension management in Buzzards Bay (02542) requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care provided by individual practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the impact of socioeconomic factors. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape and identifying opportunities for improvement.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Buzzards Bay and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, pharmacy locations, and other relevant data, we invite you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and identify areas where access to care may be limited.