27024, Lowgap, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27024, Lowgap, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.48 percent of the residents in 27024 has some form of health insurance. 44.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.72 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 27024 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 540 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27024. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 712 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 668 health care providers accessible to residents in 27024, Lowgap, North Carolina.

The following analysis assesses hypertension management capabilities for physicians practicing within the 27024 ZIP code, which encompasses Lowgap, North Carolina, and evaluates the availability of primary care services within the same area. The focus is on providing a comprehensive overview, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. This information is crucial for residents seeking effective hypertension care and for understanding the overall healthcare landscape in Lowgap.

Lowgap, a small community, likely faces challenges in healthcare access common to rural areas. One of the most significant factors is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potential difficulties in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Accurately determining this ratio requires data from various sources, including the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. The analysis would need to compare the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and cardiologists practicing in 27024 with the population size of the ZIP code. A higher ratio indicates better access, while a lower ratio signals potential access limitations.

Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating clinics and individual physicians based on several criteria. These include patient reviews, the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management (e.g., those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology), the availability of comprehensive services (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, medication management, lifestyle counseling), and patient outcomes. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient education, proactive follow-up, and a patient-centered approach are more likely to achieve better hypertension control rates. Gathering this data requires careful research, including reviewing online platforms, contacting local healthcare providers, and potentially analyzing publicly available quality metrics.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Lowgap, where geographical barriers can limit access to care. The analysis should assess the extent to which local physicians and practices offer telemedicine services for hypertension management. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and secure communication platforms for patients. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can improve access to care, enhance patient convenience, and potentially reduce healthcare costs. The presence of telemedicine capabilities can be a significant advantage for patients with hypertension, allowing for more frequent monitoring and timely intervention.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make hypertension management more challenging. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial consideration. The analysis should investigate the presence of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in the 27024 area and their collaboration with primary care physicians. Integrated care models, where mental health services are offered within the same practice or through close collaboration, can improve patient outcomes. Access to counseling, support groups, and medication management for mental health conditions is essential for comprehensive hypertension care.

Analyzing these factors requires a multi-faceted approach. Data collection should involve contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing online directories and patient reviews, and consulting publicly available resources. The analysis should identify any gaps in care, highlighting areas where improvements are needed. It should also pinpoint best practices and successful strategies employed by local physicians and practices. The goal is to provide a clear and actionable assessment of hypertension care in Lowgap.

The analysis should also consider the role of ancillary services. Access to diagnostic testing, such as echocardiograms and stress tests, is essential for evaluating cardiovascular health. The availability of these services within the 27024 area or nearby communities should be assessed. Furthermore, the presence of pharmacies that offer medication adherence programs and counseling services can support patients in managing their hypertension effectively.

Another important aspect of the analysis is the assessment of patient education resources. Effective hypertension management requires patients to understand their condition, medications, and lifestyle modifications. The analysis should evaluate the availability of educational materials, such as brochures, online resources, and patient education programs. Practices that prioritize patient education are more likely to achieve better patient outcomes.

The overall quality of care also depends on the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate the sharing of patient information among healthcare providers, improve care coordination, and support data-driven decision-making. The analysis should assess the extent to which local physicians and practices utilize EHRs and how they integrate these systems into their hypertension management protocols.

In conclusion, the assessment of hypertension care in Lowgap, North Carolina (ZIP code 27024), is complex. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, the availability of mental health resources, and access to ancillary services. The analysis should highlight both strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape, providing valuable insights for residents and healthcare providers. This information can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care and guide efforts to improve hypertension management in the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lowgap and its surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping solutions that can visualize physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, providing a powerful tool for understanding healthcare access and resource distribution.