39766, Steens, Mississippi Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 39766, Steens, Mississippi is 66 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.11 percent of the residents in 39766 has some form of health insurance. 18.20 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.39 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 39766 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 711 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 20 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 39766. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 339 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 324 health care providers accessible to residents in 39766, Steens, Mississippi.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Steens, Mississippi (ZIP Code 39766)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 39766, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in Steens, Mississippi. The goal is to assess the resources available to residents for controlling and managing hypertension, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial components of comprehensive hypertension care.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and competent primary care. Steens, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas, including physician shortages and limited access to specialized medical services. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain existing resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less thorough care. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would be essential to determine the exact ratio within 39766. This data should be cross-referenced with population figures for the area to paint a clear picture of the primary care capacity.

Identifying standout practices within the ZIP code is crucial. These practices, if they exist, would likely demonstrate exemplary hypertension management protocols. This could include proactive screening programs, patient education initiatives, and robust follow-up systems. Key indicators of excellence might include high rates of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients, adherence to national guidelines for hypertension treatment, and patient satisfaction scores. Researching local practices through online reviews, patient testimonials, and potentially, direct contact with the practices themselves would be necessary to pinpoint these high-performing providers.

Telemedicine adoption presents a significant opportunity to improve hypertension care in a rural setting like Steens. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, facilitating regular check-ins, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. The adoption rate of telemedicine within local primary care practices is a key factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Examining the availability of telehealth appointments, the types of services offered via telemedicine (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, medication refills), and the technological infrastructure supporting these services is important.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a vital component of comprehensive hypertension care. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is particularly beneficial, as it facilitates a holistic approach to patient care. Investigating the presence of mental health providers in the area, the collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals, and the availability of mental health support groups or programs would be essential.

Evaluating the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology, is also critical. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for hypertension management, patients with complex cases or uncontrolled blood pressure may require referral to a cardiologist. The proximity of cardiology specialists, the referral pathways between primary care practices and cardiology clinics, and the wait times for appointments with specialists are important factors to consider.

Furthermore, the analysis should explore the availability of patient education resources. These resources can empower patients to actively participate in their own care. This includes access to educational materials on hypertension, healthy lifestyle choices (e.g., diet, exercise), and medication adherence. The presence of patient education programs, support groups, and readily available information in local clinics and pharmacies is a positive indicator.

The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact hypertension management. These include income levels, access to healthy food options, and the prevalence of health insurance coverage. Socioeconomic disparities can create barriers to care, and addressing these disparities is crucial for achieving equitable health outcomes. Data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and local health departments can provide insights into these factors.

In conclusion, a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' for ZIP code 39766 would require a multi-faceted assessment. This assessment would consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, the availability of specialized services, the presence of patient education resources, and the impact of socioeconomic factors. Such an analysis would provide a valuable snapshot of the resources available to residents of Steens for managing hypertension and identifying areas where improvements are needed.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps allow for the visualization of complex datasets, making it easier to identify patterns, trends, and disparities in healthcare access and quality. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a more comprehensive understanding of hypertension management in Steens, Mississippi.