39735, Ackerman, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39735, Ackerman, Mississippi is 12 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.63 percent of the residents in 39735 has some form of health insurance. 38.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.60 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 39735 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 926 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39735. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 579 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 232 health care providers accessible to residents in 39735, Ackerman, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Ackerman, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39735)

Assessing the quality of hypertension care within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on Ackerman, Mississippi, specifically within the 39735 ZIP code, evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services, with a particular emphasis on hypertension management. We will consider physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all critical components of comprehensive hypertension care.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests upon accessible and competent primary care. Within Ackerman, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial initial metric. This ratio reflects the number of physicians available to serve the population. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally indicates greater access to care. However, this metric alone is insufficient. The actual number of practicing primary care physicians within the 39735 ZIP code needs to be determined to calculate this ratio accurately. Publicly available data from sources like the Mississippi State Department of Health or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) would be necessary to obtain these figures.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of care provided by the available physicians is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of ancillary services like on-site pharmacies or laboratory testing. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), often demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care. Furthermore, the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) facilitates better data management, enabling physicians to track patient progress, monitor medication adherence, and identify patients at high risk for complications.

Telemedicine represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Ackerman. Its adoption can improve access to care by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for appointments. Telemedicine can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and patient education, all crucial components of hypertension control. Assessing the degree to which local primary care practices have embraced telemedicine involves examining their telehealth capabilities. Do they offer virtual visits? Do they use remote monitoring devices? Are they equipped to provide patient education and support through digital platforms?

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive hypertension care. The analysis must identify the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within the 39735 ZIP code. Furthermore, it is essential to assess the integration of mental health services within primary care practices. Are there collaborative care models where primary care physicians and mental health professionals work together to provide coordinated care? Do practices screen patients for mental health conditions and offer referrals to appropriate resources?

The assessment of mental health resources extends beyond the availability of professionals. It also includes evaluating the accessibility and affordability of these services. Are there any barriers to accessing mental health care, such as long wait times, limited insurance coverage, or a lack of transportation? Addressing these barriers is crucial for ensuring that patients with hypertension receive the comprehensive care they need.

Evaluating the specific practices within Ackerman requires a deep dive into their individual characteristics. For example, the practice of Dr. X, if present, could be assessed based on its patient volume, the number of physicians employed, the types of services offered (e.g., cardiology referrals), and its adoption of technology. Similarly, the clinic at Y location could be examined for its adherence to hypertension guidelines, its patient satisfaction scores, and its involvement in community outreach programs. This granular level of analysis provides a clearer picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

Data collection for this analysis would necessitate a combination of methods. Publicly available information, such as physician directories and government reports, provides a starting point. Direct outreach to local primary care practices, through surveys or interviews, would yield more detailed information about their services, technologies, and patient care practices. Patient feedback, gathered through surveys or online reviews, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

The creation of a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' would involve assigning numerical values to each of the factors discussed. The physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource availability, and practice quality metrics would each contribute to the overall score. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in hypertension management. For example, access to care (physician-to-patient ratio and telemedicine) might be given a higher weight than the availability of on-site laboratory services.

The final 'Hypertension Score' would provide a quantifiable measure of the quality of hypertension care in Ackerman, Mississippi. This score could be used to identify areas for improvement, inform healthcare planning, and guide patients in choosing a primary care provider. The score could also be used to track progress over time, as practices implement new strategies and technologies.

In conclusion, the quality of hypertension care in Ackerman, Mississippi, is determined by a complex interplay of factors. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the practices of primary care physicians, assessing telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources are all vital components of a thorough analysis. This assessment can be further enhanced by the use of advanced mapping and visualization tools.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Ackerman and surrounding areas, and to understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, we invite you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow you to overlay data, analyze trends, and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.