39095, Lexington, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39095, Lexington, Mississippi is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.93 percent of the residents in 39095 has some form of health insurance. 51.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.89 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 39095 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,355 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39095. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 956 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 185 health care providers accessible to residents in 39095, Lexington, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lexington, MS (ZIP Code 39095) & Primary Care Landscape

This analysis provides an assessment of the primary care landscape in Lexington, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39095), focusing on factors relevant to hypertension management. We'll examine physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" evaluation. The goal is to offer insights into the accessibility and quality of care for individuals managing or at risk of hypertension in this specific geographic area.

Lexington, Mississippi, a town in Holmes County, faces the challenges common to many rural communities. These include potential limitations in healthcare access due to factors such as geographic isolation, socioeconomic disparities, and physician shortages. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical determinant of hypertension control, as these doctors often serve as the first point of contact for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access:**

Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio in Lexington requires access to up-to-date, publicly available data, which can be challenging to obtain with pinpoint accuracy. National and state averages provide a context. Rural areas frequently experience a lower physician-to-patient ratio compared to urban centers. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to specialists, and increased challenges in establishing a consistent patient-physician relationship, all of which can negatively impact hypertension management.

The availability of primary care physicians, including family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and general practitioners, is crucial. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants can help alleviate the strain on physician resources. Their ability to provide comprehensive primary care services, including hypertension screening, medication management, and patient education, contributes significantly to improving patient outcomes.

**Standout Practices and Practice Characteristics:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires a nuanced evaluation of several factors. These include patient reviews, the range of services offered, the use of technology, and the commitment to preventive care. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those focused on hypertension control, often demonstrate a higher level of commitment to patient well-being.

Key characteristics to assess include the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, laboratory testing), the presence of dedicated staff for chronic disease management, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that prioritize patient education, provide clear communication about treatment plans, and offer convenient appointment scheduling are more likely to foster patient adherence to medication and lifestyle modifications, which are essential for hypertension control.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**

Telemedicine holds significant potential to improve healthcare access in rural areas like Lexington. Its adoption can mitigate the challenges of geographic distance and physician shortages. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, receive medication refills, and participate in educational programs.

The extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Lexington is a crucial factor. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer more frequent check-ins, facilitate medication adjustments, and provide ongoing support to patients managing hypertension. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those who face transportation barriers. The availability of telehealth platforms, remote monitoring devices (e.g., blood pressure cuffs), and digital health tools can significantly enhance the quality of care.

**Mental Health Resources and Hypertension:**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder effective hypertension management. The availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is therefore crucial.

Practices that integrate mental health services, such as counseling or access to a psychiatrist, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integrated approach can improve patient outcomes by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension. The availability of mental health support can also improve patient adherence to medication and lifestyle modifications.

**Hypertension Score Evaluation:**

Based on the factors discussed, a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" for Lexington, MS (ZIP Code 39095) would be determined by assessing the following:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A lower ratio (more patients per physician) would negatively impact the score.
* **Primary Care Availability:** The number of primary care practices and their capacity to accept new patients would be evaluated.
* **Practice Characteristics:** The presence of on-site diagnostic services, chronic disease management programs, and patient-centered care models would positively influence the score.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** The extent of telemedicine integration, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and digital health tools, would positively influence the score.
* **Mental Health Resources:** The availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through referrals would positively influence the score.

A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management, with greater access to care, better practice characteristics, and enhanced support for patients. Conversely, a lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing and receiving optimal hypertension care. The specific score would be determined by assigning weights to each of these factors, reflecting their relative importance in influencing patient outcomes.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the primary care landscape in Lexington, MS, reveals a complex interplay of factors influencing hypertension management. While rural communities often face challenges in healthcare access, the adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources offer promising avenues for improvement. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, and the availability of support services is crucial for evaluating the quality of care and identifying areas for improvement.

To gain a more detailed and visually informative understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lexington and surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a comprehensive view of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, enabling a more informed assessment of healthcare access and quality.