38914, Big Creek, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 38914, Big Creek, Mississippi is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.15 percent of the residents in 38914 has some form of health insurance. 51.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.63 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 38914 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 235 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 38914. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 132 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 86 health care providers accessible to residents in 38914, Big Creek, Mississippi.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management and primary care accessibility within the 38914 ZIP code, encompassing the community of Big Creek, Mississippi. This assessment considers various factors impacting patient care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of telehealth and mental health services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to manage hypertension effectively within this specific geographic area.

The cornerstone of hypertension management is access to primary care physicians. In Big Creek, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator of healthcare accessibility. Determining this ratio requires analyzing the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the 38914 ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. A lower ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can indicate potential challenges in securing timely appointments, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially better patient outcomes.

Beyond raw numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices themselves play a significant role. Analyzing the size of practices, whether they are solo practices or part of larger groups, provides insight into their capacity to serve patients. Larger practices may have more resources, including a wider range of specialists and support staff, potentially leading to more comprehensive care. The types of insurance accepted by each practice also influence accessibility. Practices that accept a broad spectrum of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, are generally more accessible to a diverse patient population.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, encompassing virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, especially in rural areas like Big Creek. Practices that offer telehealth services can provide convenient access to care, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for routine checkups and medication management. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, which allow patients to track their blood pressure at home and share the data with their physicians, can further enhance patient engagement and improve treatment adherence.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial consideration. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or partnerships with local mental health providers, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This integrated approach allows for the early identification and treatment of mental health issues, potentially improving hypertension management outcomes.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their operational practices. This includes assessing the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Practices that consistently follow these guidelines, including regular blood pressure screenings, medication management, and lifestyle counseling, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Another critical aspect is patient education. Practices that provide patients with clear and concise information about hypertension, its risk factors, and treatment options empower them to take an active role in their own care.

The presence of certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians within a practice also significantly impacts hypertension management. These professionals can provide specialized education and support to patients, helping them to adopt healthier lifestyles, including dietary modifications and exercise programs, which are essential for controlling blood pressure. Furthermore, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) is an important factor. EHRs facilitate the efficient management of patient data, allowing physicians to track patient progress, monitor medication adherence, and identify potential complications.

Analyzing the availability of pharmacies within the 38914 ZIP code is also important. Convenient access to pharmacies ensures that patients can easily obtain their prescribed medications. The location of pharmacies, their operating hours, and their ability to offer medication counseling services are all relevant factors. The availability of medication assistance programs, which can help patients afford their medications, is also a crucial consideration, especially for those with limited financial resources.

Evaluating the overall infrastructure of the healthcare system in Big Creek is essential. This includes assessing the availability of hospitals, urgent care centers, and other healthcare facilities. The proximity of these facilities to the primary care practices and the ease of access to specialized care, such as cardiology services, can significantly impact patient outcomes. The presence of community health initiatives, such as free blood pressure screenings and health education programs, can further enhance hypertension awareness and promote early detection and treatment.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of hypertension care in Big Creek (38914) requires a multifaceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the overall infrastructure of the healthcare system. Identifying standout practices, those that excel in evidence-based care, patient education, and the integration of support services, is crucial. Understanding the availability of pharmacies and the accessibility of specialized care further contributes to a comprehensive assessment. This detailed analysis allows for a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, ultimately informing strategies to improve hypertension management and patient outcomes within the community.

For a dynamic and visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Big Creek, Mississippi, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing hypertension management.