38680, Walls, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 38680, Walls, Mississippi is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.42 percent of the residents in 38680 has some form of health insurance. 30.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.19 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 38680 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,740 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38680. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 613 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,991 health care providers accessible to residents in 38680, Walls, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Walls, Mississippi (ZIP Code 38680)

Walls, Mississippi, a community nestled within ZIP Code 38680, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access and, specifically, the management of hypertension. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of innovative practices, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately culminating in a "Hypertension Score" assessment for the area. This score reflects the overall preparedness of the healthcare ecosystem to effectively address and manage hypertension within the Walls community.

The cornerstone of hypertension management is consistent access to primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Walls, and the surrounding DeSoto County, is a crucial factor. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can lead to delayed diagnoses, infrequent check-ups, and ultimately, poorer control of hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more proactive care. Determining the precise ratio requires detailed data analysis, including the number of active primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the estimated population served. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Mississippi State Department of Health would be essential for this calculation.

Beyond simple physician counts, the distribution of primary care availability is also critical. Are the existing physicians clustered in a particular area, leaving some residents with limited access due to distance or transportation challenges? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers serving the community? These factors significantly impact the Hypertension Score. The presence of multiple primary care options, strategically located throughout the area, would contribute positively to the score.

Standout practices within Walls, if any, can significantly elevate the Hypertension Score. These practices might be recognized for their commitment to comprehensive hypertension management, including regular blood pressure screenings, patient education programs, and the use of evidence-based treatment protocols. They may also have implemented advanced technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data tracking and medication management. Practices that proactively identify and address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity or lack of access to exercise facilities, would further enhance their score.

Telemedicine adoption is another key element in assessing the healthcare landscape. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, especially for patients who may face geographic or mobility limitations. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remotely monitor blood pressure readings, and provide medication management through telehealth platforms can significantly improve hypertension control. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering convenient and accessible care options, would receive a higher score. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a critical prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension management. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure control. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals to external providers, is therefore essential. Practices that screen patients for mental health issues, offer counseling services, or have established collaborative care models with mental health professionals would contribute positively to the Hypertension Score.

The overall Hypertension Score for Walls, Mississippi (38680) would be a composite measure reflecting all of these factors. A higher score would indicate a healthcare ecosystem better equipped to manage hypertension effectively. This score would be based on a weighted average, with each factor contributing a specific percentage to the overall assessment. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability might account for 30% of the score, while telemedicine adoption and mental health integration might each contribute 20%. The remaining percentage would be allocated to the presence of standout practices and their specific initiatives.

The final score would provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of hypertension management in Walls. It would also highlight areas for improvement, such as the need to increase the number of primary care physicians, expand telemedicine capabilities, or enhance the integration of mental health resources. This score could be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop targeted interventions and improve the health outcomes of residents.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a healthcare environment where individuals with hypertension receive timely diagnoses, effective treatment, and ongoing support to manage their condition and live healthier lives. This requires a collaborative effort involving physicians, patients, and community stakeholders. The Hypertension Score serves as a valuable tool to assess progress, identify gaps, and guide future initiatives.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Walls, Mississippi (38680), and to gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing the Hypertension Score, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide detailed spatial representations of physician locations, healthcare access points, and demographic data, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the community's healthcare resources.