38740, Duncan, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 38740, Duncan, Mississippi is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 72.17 percent of the residents in 38740 has some form of health insurance. 40.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 37.44 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 38740 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 59 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38740. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 32 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 169 health care providers accessible to residents in 38740, Duncan, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 38740 & Primary Care in Duncan

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 38740, encompassing the town of Duncan, Mississippi, with a specific lens on hypertension treatment. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the local healthcare landscape.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and qualified primary care. Within 38740, assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. This ratio directly impacts the ability of patients to secure timely appointments, receive regular checkups, and build trusting relationships with their PCPs. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate follow-up care, and ultimately, poorer outcomes for individuals with hypertension. Data from the Mississippi State Department of Health, combined with information from healthcare directories and insurance provider networks, is essential to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Duncan.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by PCPs is paramount. This includes their expertise in hypertension management, their adherence to evidence-based guidelines, and their ability to effectively communicate with patients. Practices that consistently demonstrate excellence in hypertension care often employ specific protocols, such as automated blood pressure monitoring, standardized medication regimens, and regular patient education sessions. Identifying these standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational procedures, patient outcomes data (where available and ethically permissible), and patient satisfaction surveys.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to enhance access to care, especially in rural areas like Duncan. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their PCPs remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing potential barriers to care. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication management, and even initial consultations, are likely to be ranked higher in a hypertension score. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a crucial factor influencing the success of telemedicine initiatives.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is undeniable, particularly in the context of hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community directly influences the effectiveness of hypertension management. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and referrals into their routine care are better positioned to address the holistic needs of their patients. Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is a critical component of a comprehensive hypertension care model.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services, such as pharmacies, diagnostic laboratories, and specialized cardiology services, contributes to the overall quality of care. Patients require convenient access to these services for medication refills, blood tests, and specialist consultations. The proximity of these services, along with their operating hours and insurance acceptance policies, directly impacts the patient experience and their ability to adhere to their treatment plans.

The analysis also considers the demographics of the population within 38740. Factors such as age, race, and socioeconomic status can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the challenges faced by patients in accessing care. Understanding the specific needs of the local population is essential for tailoring healthcare interventions and improving outcomes. For example, targeted outreach programs, culturally sensitive educational materials, and financial assistance programs can help address disparities in care.

The assessment of each practice should incorporate patient reviews and testimonials. These provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including the accessibility of appointments, the quality of communication, and the overall satisfaction with care. Publicly available review platforms, such as Healthgrades and Vitals, can be used to gather this information. However, it is important to consider the potential biases and limitations of these reviews.

The final Hypertension Score is a composite metric, combining the factors discussed above. It considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by PCPs, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the accessibility of ancillary services, and the demographics of the population. Each factor is assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The practices are then ranked based on their overall score, providing a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Duncan.

The analysis should also identify any existing community health initiatives aimed at improving hypertension management. These may include public health campaigns, community-based health screenings, and partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations. Supporting and expanding these initiatives can help to address the root causes of hypertension and improve the health outcomes of the local population.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide actionable insights that can be used to improve the quality and accessibility of hypertension care in Duncan. The findings can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to identify areas for improvement, develop targeted interventions, and ultimately, improve the health outcomes of individuals with hypertension. This data can guide resource allocation, inform policy decisions, and empower patients to make informed choices about their healthcare.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, pharmacy locations, and the demographics of the population, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing complex data and identifying patterns and trends. They allow you to see the landscape of healthcare access in Duncan in a clear and intuitive way.