39635, Fernwood, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39635, Fernwood, Mississippi is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 56.17 percent of the residents in 39635 has some form of health insurance. 24.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.49 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 39635 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39635. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 910 health care providers accessible to residents in 39635, Fernwood, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Fernwood, MS (ZIP Code 39635)

Analyzing hypertension management within Fernwood, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39635) requires a multi-faceted approach, evaluating not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the quality of care, resource allocation, and patient access. This analysis provides a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering factors crucial for effective hypertension control, and offers insights into the local healthcare landscape.

The cornerstone of hypertension management is accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in Fernwood is a critical starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to appointment delays, reduced patient interaction time, and potential gaps in preventative care, all of which negatively impact hypertension control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups, medication adjustments, and patient education. Publicly available data from the Mississippi State Department of Health, combined with information from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), would be necessary to determine the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 39635. A low ratio would automatically lower the Hypertension Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is paramount. This involves evaluating the practices' commitment to evidence-based hypertension guidelines, such as those established by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Factors to consider include the use of standardized blood pressure monitoring protocols, regular medication reviews, and patient education programs. Practices that actively implement these strategies, demonstrating a proactive approach to patient care, would receive a higher score. The availability of electronic health records (EHRs) is also a crucial component. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, medication reconciliation, and communication between providers, contributing to improved patient outcomes. Practices with robust EHR systems would be favored.

Standout practices, those demonstrating exceptional commitment to hypertension management, would be identified through various means. Patient reviews, available through platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction and perceived quality of care. Analyzing these reviews, focusing on comments related to blood pressure management, appointment scheduling, and communication, can help identify practices that excel in these areas. Furthermore, data on practice participation in quality improvement programs, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition programs, can indicate a commitment to providing high-quality care. Practices demonstrating a strong track record in these areas would receive a significant boost to their Hypertension Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Fernwood. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence through more frequent check-ins. Practices that offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, would receive a higher score. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, which allow patients to transmit their readings to their physicians, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine in hypertension management. The extent of telemedicine adoption, including the types of services offered and the technology utilized, would be carefully assessed.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial factor in the Hypertension Score. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either within their own practice or through referrals to local providers, would be viewed favorably. The availability of mental health support groups and educational programs within the community also contributes to a more holistic approach to patient care and would influence the score.

Medication access and affordability are also critical determinants of hypertension control. The availability of affordable medications, including generic options, is essential for ensuring that patients can adhere to their prescribed treatment plans. The presence of local pharmacies and the availability of programs that assist with medication costs, such as patient assistance programs and government subsidies, would be considered. Practices that actively assist patients in navigating these resources would receive a higher score.

The overall Hypertension Score for Fernwood, MS (39635) would be a composite of these factors. Each element – physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, medication access – would be assigned a weighted score based on its importance. The final score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare landscape and the effectiveness of hypertension management within the community. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension control, while a lower score would highlight areas for improvement.

This analysis, however, is inherently limited by the availability of data. A comprehensive assessment would require access to detailed information from various sources, including healthcare providers, government agencies, and patient surveys. It is important to note that this is a hypothetical assessment and should not be considered a definitive evaluation of the healthcare system in Fernwood.

To gain a more visual and comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fernwood, including the location of healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider exploring the power of spatial data analysis. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of this information, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care and understand the geographic distribution of resources.