02576, West Wareham, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02576, West Wareham, Massachusetts is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.96 percent of the residents in 02576 has some form of health insurance. 47.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.09 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 02576 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 640 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02576. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,064 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 604 health care providers accessible to residents in 02576, West Wareham, Massachusetts.

Analyzing the healthcare landscape for hypertension management in West Wareham, ZIP code 02576, necessitates a comprehensive assessment of available resources, physician practices, and patient support systems. This analysis will provide a 'Hypertension Score' ranking, focusing on key indicators like physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, crucial elements in effectively addressing hypertension.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can potentially limit access to timely appointments and ongoing care, negatively impacting hypertension management. The ideal ratio varies, but a lower ratio generally correlates with better access. In West Wareham, we need to examine the specific numbers: the total number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 02576 ZIP code, and the total population residing there. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and U.S. Census Bureau data are essential for this initial calculation.

Beyond the raw numbers, the specialization of the PCPs is critical. Are there enough physicians with specific training or a particular interest in cardiology or endocrinology, fields closely related to hypertension? A concentration of physicians with these specializations would positively influence the 'Hypertension Score'. Examining the practice profiles of each PCP in the area, noting any affiliations with hospitals or specialty clinics, and assessing the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment (e.g., ECG machines, ambulatory blood pressure monitors) will further refine the score.

Standout practices deserve special recognition. These are the clinics that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. This might involve a practice that consistently achieves high rates of blood pressure control among its patients, utilizes evidence-based treatment protocols, and actively engages patients in their care. Identifying these practices requires a deep dive into patient outcomes, which can be challenging to access due to privacy regulations. However, publicly available data on quality metrics, such as those reported to the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or through health insurance plans, can provide valuable insights. Patient testimonials and online reviews, while subjective, can also offer clues about patient satisfaction and the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural or underserved areas. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management can significantly improve access to care and patient adherence to treatment plans. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine technologies should receive a higher score. This involves assessing the availability of virtual appointment scheduling, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practice's workflow.

Hypertension is often linked to mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate the condition. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of effective hypertension management. This includes the presence of on-site mental health professionals (e.g., psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists) within the primary care practices or readily accessible referrals to mental health providers in the community. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health issues and offer integrated behavioral health services will receive a higher score. This requires examining the practice's partnerships with mental health providers, the availability of mental health screenings, and the integration of mental health services into the overall treatment plan.

To calculate the 'Hypertension Score', each of these factors – physician-to-patient ratio, specialization, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – must be weighted and scored. The weighting should reflect the relative importance of each factor. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might carry a significant weight, while telemedicine adoption might be weighted less heavily, depending on the specific needs of the community. Each practice or resource will then be assigned a score based on its performance in each category. These individual scores are then aggregated to produce an overall 'Hypertension Score' for each practice or resource.

The final 'Hypertension Score' ranking for doctors in ZIP code 02576 will provide a valuable snapshot of the hypertension management landscape in West Wareham. It will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system and identify areas for improvement. The analysis should include specific recommendations for healthcare providers, such as suggestions for improving physician-to-patient ratios, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and integrating mental health services.

This analysis will also identify potential gaps in care and inform efforts to improve access to quality hypertension management for the residents of West Wareham. This might involve initiatives to recruit more PCPs, promote the adoption of telemedicine, or increase access to mental health services. Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthcare environment that supports patients in effectively managing their hypertension and improving their overall health and well-being.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, including physician locations, practice specializations, and resource availability, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in West Wareham.