02738, Marion, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02738, Marion, Massachusetts is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.56 percent of the residents in 02738 has some form of health insurance. 35.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.06 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 02738 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,227 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02738. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,233 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,062 health care providers accessible to residents in 02738, Marion, Massachusetts.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02738 and Primary Care Availability in Marion, MA

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, specifically concerning hypertension management, within ZIP code 02738 (Marion, MA) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis aims to provide an understanding of the current landscape, focusing on key factors influencing hypertension control and patient access to care. We'll delve into physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, examine telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of a comprehensive hypertension management strategy.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Marion, MA, is a crucial indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine and the US Census Bureau. However, based on publicly available data, Marion, MA, like many smaller communities, might face challenges in physician density compared to more urban areas. This underscores the importance of evaluating how efficiently existing resources are utilized.

Identifying standout practices within the 02738 ZIP code is essential. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management. This involves assessing several key aspects: the use of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology; the frequency of blood pressure monitoring, both in-office and through home monitoring programs; the implementation of patient education programs regarding lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management); and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and facilitate communication. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide readily accessible information, and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement are likely to achieve better outcomes in hypertension control.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers several advantages: it can improve access to care for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges; it can facilitate more frequent monitoring of blood pressure and medication adherence; and it can provide opportunities for virtual consultations with specialists. The level of telemedicine adoption in Marion's primary care practices needs evaluation. Are providers offering virtual visits? Are they using remote patient monitoring devices? Are they integrating telehealth into their care workflows? Practices that embrace telemedicine are better positioned to provide convenient and effective hypertension management.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health resources within the community is critical. This includes evaluating the presence of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) and the accessibility of mental health services, such as counseling and support groups. Ideally, primary care practices should have established referral pathways to mental health providers and collaborate in the care of patients with both hypertension and mental health concerns. This integrated approach can lead to improved patient outcomes.

Evaluating the quality of care requires examining the specific practices and their approaches to hypertension management. This involves assessing the following: the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure; the use of medication adherence strategies; the availability of patient education materials; and the use of team-based care models, where nurses, medical assistants, and other healthcare professionals work collaboratively with physicians to provide comprehensive care. Practices that prioritize patient education, actively engage patients in their care, and consistently monitor and adjust treatment plans are more likely to achieve optimal results.

The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is also a factor. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, access to specialists is crucial for patients with complex cases or those who are not responding to initial treatments. Assessing the proximity of specialists and the ease with which patients can be referred to them is an important part of the overall evaluation.

Beyond clinical care, social determinants of health play a significant role. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and safe housing can influence a patient's ability to manage their hypertension. Therefore, understanding the social and economic context of the community is essential for providing effective care. This may involve identifying community resources that can support patients in addressing these challenges.

Data privacy and patient confidentiality are paramount. Any analysis must adhere to HIPAA regulations and protect patient information. Aggregated data and de-identified information should be used whenever possible.

The overall “Hypertension Score” for the 02738 ZIP code would be a composite measure reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the consideration of social determinants of health. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management, while a lower score would highlight areas needing improvement.

To further investigate the landscape of healthcare providers in Marion, MA, and visualize the data, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can help identify the locations of primary care practices, specialists, pharmacies, and other relevant resources. They can also be used to analyze demographic data and identify areas with limited access to care.