39193, Whitfield, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39193, Whitfield, Mississippi is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 20.78 percent of the residents in 39193 has some form of health insurance. 14.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 5.90 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 39193 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 79 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39193. An estimate of 44 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 56 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,906 health care providers accessible to residents in 39193, Whitfield, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 39193 and Primary Care Availability in Whitfield

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, especially concerning a prevalent condition like hypertension, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on two key areas: the availability and performance of primary care physicians within ZIP code 39193 and the broader primary care landscape in Whitfield, considering factors crucial for effective hypertension management.

Within ZIP code 39193, a detailed assessment begins with physician-to-patient ratios. This metric provides a fundamental understanding of access. A high ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised continuity of care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility, facilitating more frequent check-ups and proactive management of hypertension. Accurate data on the population size within 39193, coupled with the number of practicing primary care physicians (including internal medicine, family medicine, and general practitioners), is essential to calculate this ratio. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and state medical boards can provide initial insights, but these must be supplemented with local information.

Identifying standout practices within 39193 requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating several key performance indicators (KPIs). First, the practice's patient panel size is important. A smaller panel may allow physicians to dedicate more time to each patient, potentially leading to better management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Second, the practice’s use of electronic health records (EHRs) is critical. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, allowing physicians to track blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications more effectively. Third, the practice’s adherence to clinical guidelines for hypertension management, such as those established by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC), is crucial. This can be assessed through chart reviews, patient surveys, and practice self-reporting.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. Practices embracing telehealth offer patients convenient access to care, especially those with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or residing in rural areas. Telemedicine can be used for medication management, blood pressure monitoring, and patient education. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption involves assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms with the practice's EHR system. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow are likely to achieve higher scores.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, yet they are critical. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within the primary care practice or through referrals to external providers, is an essential component of comprehensive care. This includes assessing whether practices screen patients for mental health conditions, provide access to counseling or therapy, and coordinate care with mental health specialists when necessary. Practices that address the psychological aspects of hypertension management are likely to achieve higher scores.

Moving beyond ZIP code 39193, a broader assessment of primary care availability in Whitfield is necessary. This involves evaluating the geographic distribution of primary care practices, considering the accessibility of care for residents across the entire county. This requires mapping the locations of practices and analyzing the travel times for patients to reach them. Areas with limited access, often referred to as "healthcare deserts," require targeted interventions.

Furthermore, the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other safety-net providers is critical. These providers often serve underserved populations and offer comprehensive care, including hypertension management, regardless of a patient's ability to pay. The number and distribution of these facilities within Whitfield are important indicators of access.

The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, nephrology, and endocrinology, is also relevant. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension may require referrals to these specialists. Assessing the proximity of these specialists to primary care practices and the efficiency of referral processes is crucial for ensuring timely and appropriate care.

The overall quality of care in Whitfield can be assessed through several metrics. Patient satisfaction surveys, which gauge patients' experiences with their primary care providers, provide valuable insights. Analyzing hospital readmission rates for hypertension-related complications can also reveal the effectiveness of hypertension management strategies.

The integration of population health management strategies is another critical aspect. This involves using data analytics to identify high-risk patients, implement targeted interventions, and monitor outcomes. Practices that actively engage in population health management are likely to achieve better results in controlling hypertension.

Finally, assessing the level of community engagement is vital. Practices that collaborate with community organizations, such as local health departments and support groups, can enhance patient education and promote healthy lifestyles. This can include offering educational programs on nutrition, exercise, and stress management.

In conclusion, evaluating the quality and accessibility of hypertension care in ZIP code 39193 and Whitfield requires a comprehensive analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, practice performance, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, geographic distribution, specialized services, patient satisfaction, and community engagement. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape and identifying areas for improvement.

For a detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 39193 and Whitfield, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care, consider using CartoChrome maps. Their interactive platform allows you to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.