39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi is 37 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.34 percent of the residents in 39525 has some form of health insurance. 35.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.38 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 39525 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,771 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39525. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,294 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,994 health care providers accessible to residents in 39525, Diamondhead, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Diamondhead, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39525)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the landscape of hypertension care within Diamondhead, Mississippi (ZIP code 39525), focusing on primary care availability, physician practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, ultimately culminating in a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score aims to gauge the overall effectiveness and accessibility of hypertension management within the community.

Diamondhead, a relatively affluent coastal community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The demographic composition, coupled with potential geographic limitations, influences the availability and quality of medical services, particularly in managing chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, the general trend reveals a potential shortage of primary care physicians in the region. This scarcity translates to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially compromised preventative care. The limited number of primary care providers can hinder early detection and consistent monitoring, both critical for controlling hypertension.

The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is also a significant factor. While primary care physicians often manage hypertension, complex cases require specialized expertise. The proximity of these specialists and the ease of referral processes impact the quality of care. Delays in specialist consultations can lead to uncontrolled hypertension and increased risk of complications.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout practices within Diamondhead is essential. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive hypertension management programs, and utilize innovative technologies deserve recognition. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, patient empowerment, and collaborative approaches.

For example, a practice that actively engages patients in lifestyle modifications, such as dietary changes and exercise, can significantly improve hypertension control. Implementing patient education materials, offering group classes, and providing individual counseling are valuable components.

Another key aspect is the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate data tracking, medication management, and communication between healthcare providers. Practices that effectively utilize EHRs can improve care coordination and ensure patients receive timely interventions.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Role:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool in hypertension management, particularly in areas with limited access to care. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of blood pressure, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations.

The adoption of telemedicine within Diamondhead is a critical indicator of the community's ability to overcome geographic barriers and improve access to care. Practices that embrace telemedicine can reach a wider patient population, provide more frequent monitoring, and offer convenient follow-up appointments.

However, successful telemedicine implementation requires adequate infrastructure, including reliable internet access and patient education. Furthermore, patient acceptance and comfort with technology are crucial for its effectiveness.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Significance:**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Diamondhead is a crucial component of the Hypertension Score.

Practices that integrate mental health services into their hypertension management programs demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integration can involve on-site therapists, referrals to mental health specialists, and educational materials on stress management techniques.

The absence of accessible mental health resources can hinder effective hypertension management. Patients struggling with mental health issues may experience difficulty adhering to treatment plans, leading to uncontrolled blood pressure and increased risk of complications.

**Hypertension Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, a preliminary "Hypertension Score" for Diamondhead (ZIP code 39525) can be formulated. The score considers the following weighted factors:

* **Primary Care Availability (30%):** Physician-to-patient ratio, wait times for appointments, and proximity to specialists.
* **Practice Quality (30%):** Patient education programs, EHR utilization, and evidence-based treatment protocols.
* **Telemedicine Adoption (20%):** Availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient adoption rates.
* **Mental Health Integration (20%):** Availability of on-site mental health services, referral networks, and patient education on stress management.

The score would be a composite, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Diamondhead. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive management programs, and a greater likelihood of effective hypertension control. A lower score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as increasing primary care physician availability, enhancing telemedicine adoption, or integrating mental health services.

**Recommendations for Improvement:**

To improve the Hypertension Score, Diamondhead should focus on several key areas:

* **Recruiting and retaining primary care physicians.**
* **Encouraging practices to adopt and effectively utilize telemedicine.**
* **Promoting the integration of mental health services into hypertension management programs.**
* **Investing in patient education and empowerment initiatives.**
* **Improving access to specialist care, particularly cardiology and nephrology.**

By addressing these areas, Diamondhead can enhance its healthcare infrastructure, improve the quality of care for individuals with hypertension, and ultimately improve the overall health of the community.

**Conclusion and Call to Action:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers. To visualize and analyze the data discussed in this report, explore the power of location intelligence. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic platform to map healthcare resources, identify gaps in care, and understand the spatial relationships between patients and providers.

**Explore CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Diamondhead and beyond. This will allow you to make informed decisions about your healthcare and improve the health of your community.**