39503, Gulfport, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39503, Gulfport, Mississippi is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.42 percent of the residents in 39503 has some form of health insurance. 37.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.75 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 39503 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15,595 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39503. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 7,112 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,644 health care providers accessible to residents in 39503, Gulfport, Mississippi.

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP code 39503, Gulfport, Mississippi, requires a multi-faceted approach, evaluating not just the presence of primary care physicians but also the quality of care delivered, the accessibility of services, and the integration of holistic health practices. This analysis will provide a 'Hypertension Score' assessment, considering various factors to determine the overall effectiveness of hypertension management within this specific geographical area.

The initial assessment focuses on physician-to-patient ratios. Data from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health and the U.S. Census Bureau are crucial. We need to determine the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within 39503 and compare it to the population size. A lower physician-to-patient ratio generally indicates better access to care. However, simply having more doctors isn't enough. The distribution of these physicians across the zip code is also critical. Are they concentrated in specific areas, leaving others underserved? Furthermore, the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, who play a vital role in complex hypertension cases, must be evaluated.

Beyond raw numbers, the 'Hypertension Score' will consider the quality of care. This involves examining the adherence to established clinical guidelines for hypertension management, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Are physicians routinely screening patients for hypertension? Are they prescribing appropriate medications and lifestyle modifications? Are they monitoring patients' blood pressure regularly and adjusting treatment plans as needed? Data on these aspects can be gathered through publicly available quality metrics, patient surveys, and, where possible, electronic health record (EHR) data analysis (while respecting patient privacy).

Standout practices within 39503 deserve specific recognition. Practices that demonstrate exceptional hypertension management outcomes, such as high rates of blood pressure control and low rates of cardiovascular events, should be highlighted. This could involve identifying practices with robust patient education programs, dedicated hypertension clinics, or innovative approaches to patient engagement. Case studies of these practices, if available, would be particularly valuable. Identifying these practices can help inform other providers on best practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural or underserved areas. The 'Hypertension Score' will assess the extent to which physicians in 39503 utilize telemedicine for hypertension management. Are they offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth platforms? Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve patient convenience, reduce healthcare costs, and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans.

The integration of mental health resources is also critical. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, and addressing these factors can improve blood pressure control. The 'Hypertension Score' will consider the availability of mental health services within 39503, including access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists. Are primary care practices collaborating with mental health providers? Are patients being screened for mental health conditions? Practices that integrate mental health services into their hypertension management programs are likely to achieve better outcomes.

Primary care availability in Gulfport, specifically within 39503, requires a deeper dive into access considerations. This goes beyond the number of physicians and considers factors like insurance acceptance, appointment availability, and transportation options. Do practices accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance? Are patients able to schedule appointments in a timely manner? Are there transportation barriers that prevent patients from accessing care? Addressing these access barriers is essential for improving hypertension management outcomes.

Furthermore, the 'Hypertension Score' will consider the availability of community resources. Are there local support groups for patients with hypertension? Are there programs that promote healthy eating and exercise? Are there pharmacies that offer medication adherence programs? A strong network of community resources can help patients manage their hypertension effectively and improve their overall health.

The final 'Hypertension Score' will be a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed above. It will provide a comprehensive assessment of hypertension management within 39503, Gulfport. The score will be based on a weighted average of the different factors, with each factor assigned a weight based on its relative importance. This score will be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, and to inform strategies for improving hypertension management outcomes.

This analysis will also consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, education level, and access to healthy food can significantly impact hypertension management. The 'Hypertension Score' will take these factors into account, recognizing that patients from disadvantaged backgrounds may face additional challenges in managing their hypertension.

Ultimately, improving hypertension management in 39503 requires a collaborative effort. It involves physicians, healthcare organizations, community organizations, and patients working together to improve access to care, enhance the quality of care, and address the social determinants of health. The 'Hypertension Score' will provide a valuable tool for monitoring progress and identifying areas where further improvements are needed.

For a visual representation of physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care within ZIP code 39503, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping solutions that can help visualize the data and insights discussed in this analysis, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gulfport.