39455, Lumberton, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39455, Lumberton, Mississippi is 76 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.51 percent of the residents in 39455 has some form of health insurance. 43.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.24 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 39455 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,227 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39455. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,500 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 515 health care providers accessible to residents in 39455, Lumberton, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Lumberton, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39455)

The assessment of hypertension management within Lumberton, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39455), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers the availability of primary care physicians, their practices related to hypertension diagnosis and treatment, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial components in effectively managing this widespread condition. The ultimate goal is to provide a “Hypertension Score” ranking, though a precise numerical score is impossible without proprietary data. Instead, this analysis provides a qualitative assessment and a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities within the community.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on the availability of primary care physicians. Lumberton, like many rural communities, faces potential challenges in this area. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially, delayed diagnoses and treatment for hypertension. Data from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health and publicly available physician directories must be analyzed to determine the current ratio. This data, however, is often a snapshot in time and doesn’t fully capture the realities of physician burnout, retirement, or changes in practice.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care providers within the ZIP code is critical. Are physicians concentrated in a single clinic, or are they spread throughout the community, making access easier for residents in different areas? Analyzing the geographic distribution of practices is vital. Furthermore, the types of practices available matter. Do they offer comprehensive primary care services, including regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, and medication management? Are there practices specializing in cardiology or endocrinology, which are essential for managing complex cases of hypertension?

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These are the clinics and individual physicians demonstrating best practices in hypertension management. This involves evaluating several factors. Do they adhere to current guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)? Do they routinely screen patients for hypertension, and do they offer comprehensive lifestyle counseling, including recommendations for diet, exercise, and smoking cessation? Do they have robust systems for monitoring patient blood pressure and medication adherence? Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing education and support, are likely to achieve better outcomes.

The integration of telemedicine offers significant potential in improving hypertension management, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can reduce the barriers of distance and transportation, allowing patients to access care remotely. This can include virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management. The adoption rate of telemedicine among Lumberton physicians must be assessed. Are they using telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and patient education? Are they providing patients with remote blood pressure monitoring devices and training on their use? Practices embracing telemedicine are likely to demonstrate a higher "Hypertension Score" due to increased accessibility and convenience.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and mental health conditions can make it more difficult for patients to adhere to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources in Lumberton is a crucial factor. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists practicing within the community? Are these resources accessible and affordable? Do primary care physicians have established referral pathways for patients who require mental health support? A community with strong mental health infrastructure is better equipped to manage hypertension holistically.

Furthermore, the presence of community resources and support groups can significantly impact hypertension management. Are there programs promoting healthy eating and exercise? Are there support groups for individuals with hypertension, providing peer support and education? The availability of these resources can empower patients to take control of their health and improve their outcomes.

The "Hypertension Score" for Lumberton, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39455) is therefore not a single number but a composite of these factors. A high score would indicate a community with a high physician-to-patient ratio, a wide distribution of primary care practices, standout practices adhering to evidence-based guidelines, widespread adoption of telemedicine, robust mental health resources, and readily available community support. Conversely, a low score would reflect the opposite: a shortage of physicians, limited access to care, a lack of telemedicine adoption, insufficient mental health resources, and a dearth of community support.

The assessment of these factors requires a multi-pronged approach. Publicly available data sources, physician directories, and health insurance claims data can provide valuable insights. Surveys of local physicians and patients can offer qualitative data on their experiences and perceptions. Analyzing the practices of healthcare providers and their adherence to best practices is essential.

This analysis highlights the complexity of assessing and improving hypertension management within a specific community. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape, the resources available, and the challenges faced by both patients and providers. The goal is not just to identify problems but to develop targeted interventions to improve the health and well-being of the residents of Lumberton.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the availability of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visualize this complex data, providing a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Lumberton and the surrounding areas. This can help identify areas of need and inform strategies for improving access to care.