39501, Gulfport, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39501, Gulfport, Mississippi is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.56 percent of the residents in 39501 has some form of health insurance. 48.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 39.43 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 39501 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,006 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39501. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,017 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,591 health care providers accessible to residents in 39501, Gulfport, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Gulfport, MS (ZIP Code 39501)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within Gulfport, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39501), focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to patients and identify areas for potential improvement in the fight against hypertension.

The prevalence of hypertension in Mississippi, and by extension Gulfport, is a significant public health concern. Factors such as lifestyle, socioeconomic status, and access to quality healthcare contribute to this challenge. Effective management requires a multi-faceted approach, encompassing early detection, consistent monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and appropriate medication adherence.

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of hypertension management. Their availability directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnoses, ongoing care, and preventative education. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 39501 is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, a shortage of PCPs can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed or inadequate care. Researching the current ratio, ideally comparing it to state and national averages, provides a benchmark for assessing the adequacy of primary care access.

Standout practices within Gulfport should be recognized for their commitment to hypertension management. Identifying these practices requires examining several key indicators. Firstly, the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment is paramount. This includes adherence to national standards for blood pressure targets, medication selection, and lifestyle recommendations. Secondly, the use of technology to enhance patient care is critical. Electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data tracking, medication management, and patient communication are essential. Thirdly, practices that actively engage patients in their care through education, self-monitoring programs, and patient portals are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. Finally, practices that demonstrate consistent patient satisfaction and positive health outcomes should be highlighted.

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in hypertension management, particularly in areas with limited access to care. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, remotely monitor blood pressure readings, and provide medication refills can significantly improve patient adherence and outcomes. Assessing the adoption rate of telemedicine among primary care practices in Gulfport is essential. Practices that embrace telemedicine can extend their reach, improve patient convenience, and potentially reduce healthcare costs. Evaluating the types of telemedicine services offered, such as virtual visits, remote patient monitoring, and medication management platforms, is also important.

The strong link between mental health and hypertension necessitates the integration of mental health resources into hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and treatment adherence. Practices that offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Investigating the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the primary care setting or through established partnerships is crucial. This includes assessing the accessibility of these resources, including insurance coverage and wait times.

Furthermore, patient education plays a vital role in hypertension control. Practices that provide comprehensive education on lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, are more likely to achieve positive patient outcomes. Evaluating the educational materials and programs offered by primary care practices, including group classes, individual counseling, and online resources, is essential. The availability of culturally sensitive educational materials is also important, particularly in a diverse community like Gulfport.

Another factor to consider is the availability of support groups and community resources for patients with hypertension. These resources can provide patients with valuable peer support, education, and encouragement. Investigating the presence of support groups, educational programs, and community health initiatives focused on hypertension management within the Gulfport area is important.

Finally, analyzing patient outcomes provides a measure of the effectiveness of hypertension management efforts. This includes tracking blood pressure control rates, medication adherence, and the incidence of hypertension-related complications, such as heart attack and stroke. While obtaining specific outcome data can be challenging due to privacy regulations, assessing the availability of data on these metrics and the practices' willingness to share outcome data can provide valuable insights.

In conclusion, improving hypertension management in Gulfport requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing the physician-to-patient ratio, supporting standout practices, promoting telemedicine adoption, integrating mental health resources, and emphasizing patient education are all critical components. By focusing on these areas, Gulfport can improve the health and well-being of its residents.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Gulfport, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management.