02724, Fall River, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02724, Fall River, Massachusetts is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.80 percent of the residents in 02724 has some form of health insurance. 62.30 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 44.63 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 02724 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,709 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02724. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,062 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,015 health care providers accessible to residents in 02724, Fall River, Massachusetts.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Fall River, MA (ZIP Code 02724)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management within ZIP code 02724, Fall River, Massachusetts, focusing on primary care accessibility, physician-to-patient ratios, innovative practices, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to assess the local landscape and offer insights for improving hypertension control within the community.

Fall River, a city with a rich industrial history, faces unique healthcare challenges. Socioeconomic factors, including poverty and limited access to healthy food options, can significantly impact health outcomes, particularly for conditions like hypertension. Therefore, understanding the local healthcare infrastructure and resources is critical.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

Assessing primary care availability is the foundation of this analysis. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator of access. A higher ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access to care. Data from reputable sources, such as the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will be crucial in determining the current physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 02724. This data will need to be compared to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care physicians.

Beyond the raw numbers, it's essential to consider the distribution of primary care providers. Are they clustered in specific areas of the city, or are they evenly spread throughout the ZIP code? Geographic disparities in access can exacerbate existing health inequalities. The analysis should also consider the types of primary care providers available, including family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and nurse practitioners. The availability of specialists, particularly cardiologists, is also a factor in comprehensive hypertension management.

**Standout Practices and Innovative Approaches**

Identifying practices that excel in hypertension management is a key component of this analysis. This involves evaluating various factors, including patient outcomes, adherence to clinical guidelines, and the implementation of innovative strategies. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, proactive screening, and effective medication management will be highlighted.

One area of focus should be the use of electronic health records (EHRs) and data analytics. Practices that leverage EHRs to track patient data, identify high-risk individuals, and personalize treatment plans are likely to achieve better outcomes. The analysis should also explore the use of patient portals and other digital tools to facilitate communication and empower patients to actively manage their health.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue for expanding access to care, particularly for patients with chronic conditions like hypertension. The analysis will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Fall River. This includes evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and medication management.

The benefits of telemedicine extend beyond convenience. It can reduce travel time, improve medication adherence, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of blood pressure. The analysis will explore how telemedicine is being used to overcome barriers to care, particularly for patients with limited mobility or transportation challenges. It will also evaluate the challenges associated with telemedicine adoption, such as technology access and digital literacy.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and complicate treatment. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care is crucial for comprehensive hypertension management.

The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting in Fall River. This includes evaluating the presence of on-site therapists, the use of screening tools for mental health conditions, and the referral pathways to specialized mental health providers. Practices that prioritize the mental well-being of their patients are likely to achieve better outcomes in managing hypertension.

**Specifics of the Analysis**

The analysis will delve into specific practices and their approaches. For example, it will investigate if any practices utilize home blood pressure monitoring programs, offering patients the tools and support to regularly monitor their blood pressure at home. The effectiveness of these programs in improving blood pressure control will be assessed.

Another area of investigation will be the use of team-based care. This approach involves a collaborative effort between physicians, nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care. The analysis will determine if practices in Fall River are utilizing team-based care models to improve hypertension management.

Furthermore, the analysis will explore the availability of culturally competent care. Fall River has a diverse population, and it's essential that healthcare providers are sensitive to the cultural and linguistic needs of their patients. The analysis will assess the availability of bilingual staff, culturally appropriate educational materials, and other resources that promote equitable access to care.

**Conclusion**

This comprehensive analysis will provide a valuable assessment of hypertension management in Fall River, MA (ZIP code 02724). By examining primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, innovative practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, this analysis will offer a detailed understanding of the local landscape. It will highlight strengths, identify areas for improvement, and provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members.

To visualize the geographic distribution of primary care providers, identify areas with limited access, and explore other relevant spatial data, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provides powerful tools for analyzing and visualizing healthcare data, enabling you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fall River and beyond.