27018, East Bend, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27018, East Bend, North Carolina is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.35 percent of the residents in 27018 has some form of health insurance. 38.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.04 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 27018 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,698 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27018. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,388 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,737 health care providers accessible to residents in 27018, East Bend, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: East Bend, NC (ZIP Code 27018)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of primary care resources in East Bend, North Carolina (ZIP code 27018), with a specific focus on factors relevant to hypertension management. We will evaluate the available medical professionals, their practices, and the overall healthcare landscape to determine a hypothetical “Hypertension Score” ranking, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health support. The goal is to assess the community's capacity to effectively address and manage hypertension within the local population.

East Bend, a relatively rural community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical starting point. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is fundamental. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often correlates with reduced access to care, longer wait times for appointments, and potentially, poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, we can make some assumptions based on publicly available information and regional trends.

Given the size and rural nature of East Bend, it is likely that the physician-to-patient ratio is higher than the national average. This immediately presents a challenge for hypertension management, as patients may face difficulties in securing timely appointments for regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and lifestyle counseling. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and endocrinologists, is also crucial. Their presence in the immediate vicinity, or the ease of referral to specialists in nearby cities like Winston-Salem, significantly impacts the quality of care for patients with complex hypertension cases.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices are essential. Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? Do they have a dedicated focus on chronic disease management, including hypertension? Practices that actively promote preventative care, provide patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and offer comprehensive medication management programs would receive higher marks in our hypothetical "Hypertension Score."

The integration of technology, particularly telemedicine, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruption to their daily lives. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and even initial consultations would be viewed favorably. This is especially relevant for hypertension management, where regular monitoring and medication adjustments are often required. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure readings and provide timely feedback can improve patient adherence to treatment plans.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, and the presence of co-occurring mental health conditions can complicate treatment. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through partnerships with mental health providers, would receive a higher score. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive holistic care, addressing both their physical and mental well-being. Access to mental health support can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

Another crucial factor is the availability of resources for patient education and support. Do the practices offer educational materials on hypertension, healthy eating, and exercise? Do they have support groups or patient navigators who can assist patients in navigating the healthcare system and adhering to their treatment plans? Practices that prioritize patient education and engagement are more likely to achieve positive outcomes in hypertension management.

Standout practices within the community would be those that excel in several of these areas. They might have a lower physician-to-patient ratio, readily accept new patients, offer extended hours, embrace telemedicine, integrate mental health services, and actively promote patient education. These practices would represent the gold standard in hypertension care within the East Bend area. Identifying these standout practices requires in-depth research, including surveying local residents and analyzing practice websites and patient reviews.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for East Bend would be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. A low score might indicate a shortage of physicians, limited access to specialists, a lack of telemedicine adoption, and insufficient mental health support. A high score would suggest a more robust healthcare system, with readily accessible primary care, integrated mental health services, a focus on patient education, and the use of technology to improve access and convenience.

This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the local healthcare environment when addressing a public health concern like hypertension. The specific challenges and opportunities in East Bend require tailored solutions, such as recruiting more primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and increasing access to mental health support. Addressing these issues will be essential to improving the health and well-being of the community.

To gain a more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in East Bend and surrounding areas, including the location of practices, physician availability, and access to resources, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize geographic data, allowing you to identify areas with limited access to care and pinpoint potential opportunities for improvement.