02644, Forestdale, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02644, Forestdale, Massachusetts is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.48 percent of the residents in 02644 has some form of health insurance. 26.12 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 84.84 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 02644 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 668 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02644. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 612 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 795 health care providers accessible to residents in 02644, Forestdale, Massachusetts.

The analysis will be structured as follows:

**I. Introduction: Hypertension and Primary Care in 02644**
**II. Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access**
**III. Standout Practices: A Deep Dive**
**IV. Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**
**V. Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component**
**VI. Conclusion: CartoChrome Maps – Your Next Step**

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**I. Introduction: Hypertension and Primary Care in 02644**

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant public health concern, often requiring consistent management through medication, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring. Effective primary care is paramount in controlling hypertension, providing a foundation for early detection, ongoing treatment, and patient education. This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care within the 02644 ZIP code, focusing on the availability and quality of services relevant to hypertension management. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and investigate the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a comprehensive approach to hypertension care. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to residents of Forestdale and the surrounding areas, enabling informed healthcare decisions.

**II. Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access**

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 02644 requires analyzing publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the U.S. Census Bureau. This analysis would include calculating the number of active primary care physicians (including internal medicine, family medicine, and general practice) practicing within the ZIP code and comparing it to the total population.

Beyond the raw ratio, it's essential to consider factors like physician age and potential retirement plans, which can impact the long-term availability of care. Furthermore, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code matters. Are primary care practices clustered in certain areas, potentially leaving other areas underserved? Examining the acceptance of new patients by each practice is also crucial. Are practices actively accepting new patients, or are they at capacity? This directly impacts the ability of new residents or individuals seeking care to establish a relationship with a primary care physician. Transportation accessibility to these practices is also a factor, particularly for elderly or disabled patients.

**III. Standout Practices: A Deep Dive**

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating various factors beyond just the physician-to-patient ratio. Patient reviews, collected from platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews, provide valuable insights into patient experiences. These reviews often highlight aspects such as appointment scheduling, wait times, the quality of communication, and the overall patient-physician relationship. Practices with consistently positive reviews, particularly those mentioning effective hypertension management, are strong contenders for standout status.

Furthermore, practices should be evaluated based on their commitment to evidence-based medicine and adherence to clinical guidelines for hypertension treatment. This includes the use of current guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to hypertension management, such as offering regular blood pressure screenings, providing patient education materials, and utilizing electronic health records to track patient progress, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. Look for practices that offer or collaborate with specialists in cardiology, nephrology, or endocrinology, as these specialties are frequently involved in managing complex hypertension cases.

**IV. Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has become increasingly important, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Its adoption within 02644 can significantly impact patient access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically remote areas. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which primary care practices offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals.

Practices utilizing telemedicine can improve patient adherence to treatment plans by facilitating more frequent check-ins and allowing for easier communication with their physicians. Remote blood pressure monitoring, in particular, allows physicians to track patient blood pressure readings over time and adjust medication dosages as needed. The availability of online patient portals enables patients to access their medical records, communicate with their care teams, and refill prescriptions, all of which can improve the efficiency of care. The availability of telemedicine services also depends on internet connectivity, which can vary across the region.

**V. Mental Health Resources: A Critical Component**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial aspect of comprehensive hypertension management.

This analysis should identify practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site therapists or counselors. It should also assess the availability of referrals to mental health specialists in the community, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions and proactively address these issues are better equipped to support their patients' overall well-being and improve hypertension outcomes. The integration of mental health services into primary care can lead to improved patient engagement, better medication adherence, and a reduction in the negative effects of stress on blood pressure.

**VI. Conclusion: CartoChrome Maps – Your Next Step**

Understanding the complexities of primary care availability and resources within 02644 is critical for individuals managing hypertension. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the landscape, but further investigation is always recommended. To gain a visual representation of physician locations, practice specializations, and other relevant data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can help you visualize the distribution of healthcare resources in your area, enabling you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a clearer picture of the primary care landscape in Forestdale and the surrounding areas.