02748, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02748, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.85 percent of the residents in 02748 has some form of health insurance. 42.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.00 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 02748 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,010 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02748. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,202 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,635 health care providers accessible to residents in 02748, South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 02748 & South Dartmouth Primary Care

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP code 02748 (South Dartmouth, Massachusetts) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This involves assessing the availability and quality of primary care, the adoption of innovative healthcare practices, and the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to a comprehensive "Hypertension Score." This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, specifically focusing on primary care physicians and their capacity to effectively manage hypertension.

South Dartmouth, a suburban community, presents a unique healthcare environment. While generally affluent, disparities in access to care can exist. Therefore, evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain resources and potentially impact the timeliness and quality of care for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension. Publicly available data from sources like the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, combined with population estimates, can provide a preliminary assessment of this ratio. However, this data alone is insufficient.

Standout practices in the area demonstrate a commitment to proactive hypertension management. These practices often employ comprehensive strategies, including regular blood pressure screenings, patient education programs, and personalized treatment plans. They may also utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress, facilitate communication, and coordinate care with specialists. Identifying these practices involves scrutinizing online reviews, patient testimonials, and physician directories. Practices with positive reputations for patient-centered care, clear communication, and effective management of chronic diseases would likely score higher.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in enhancing access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices embracing telemedicine offer remote consultations, medication management, and remote patient monitoring. This allows for more frequent check-ins and proactive intervention, crucial for managing hypertension effectively. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the extent of telemedicine integration, giving weight to practices offering virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and secure online patient portals.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is undeniable, particularly in hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within primary care practices is critical. Practices with integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, will receive a higher score. This integration allows for a holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological factors contributing to hypertension.

Evaluating the specific practices requires a deep dive. Consider a hypothetical practice, "Dartmouth Primary Care Associates." To assess their "Hypertension Score," we would examine several factors. Does their website clearly state their approach to hypertension management? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they utilize EHRs for effective data tracking? Do they have a dedicated hypertension management program with patient education materials? Do they offer telemedicine options for follow-up appointments or medication refills? Are they integrated with mental health professionals or offer on-site counseling? These are the questions that must be answered to determine the practice's contribution to the overall score.

Furthermore, the "Hypertension Score" should account for the quality of care provided. This involves assessing the practice's adherence to national guidelines for hypertension management, such as those published by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. This can be evaluated through publicly available data, such as performance metrics reported by insurance companies or healthcare quality organizations. Practices demonstrating high rates of blood pressure control, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction will receive higher scores.

Another factor to consider is the accessibility of specialty care. While primary care physicians are the frontline in hypertension management, access to specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is crucial for complex cases. The "Hypertension Score" should reflect the ease with which patients can access specialist referrals and the availability of specialists within the local area. This can be assessed by examining the network of specialists affiliated with local hospitals and healthcare systems.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for 02748 will be a composite of all these factors. It will not be a single number but rather a nuanced assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in managing hypertension. This score can be used to identify areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, and integrating mental health services. It can also be used to highlight best practices and encourage other practices to adopt similar strategies.

The analysis should also consider the demographic characteristics of the population within 02748. Factors such as age, race, and socioeconomic status can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the ability of individuals to access and afford care. The "Hypertension Score" should take these factors into account, recognizing that certain populations may face greater challenges in managing their hypertension. This could involve assessing whether practices offer culturally sensitive care, provide language assistance services, and address social determinants of health.

Finally, the "Hypertension Score" is not a static measure. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare policies emerging. Therefore, the analysis must be updated regularly to reflect these changes. This requires ongoing monitoring of the local healthcare system, collecting data on physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and quality of care. The "Hypertension Score" should be a dynamic tool that can be used to track progress and drive improvements in hypertension management over time.

To visualize the geographic distribution of primary care physicians, assess access to specialists, and identify areas with high hypertension prevalence, explore the power of spatial data analysis.
**Click here to explore interactive maps and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of 02748 with CartoChrome maps.**