27105, Winston Salem, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27105, Winston Salem, North Carolina is 88 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.96 percent of the residents in 27105 has some form of health insurance. 48.07 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.57 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 27105 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11,914 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27105. An estimate of 8 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,160 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,217 health care providers accessible to residents in 27105, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Winston-Salem (27105) Primary Care Landscape

Analyzing the primary care landscape within Winston-Salem's 27105 ZIP code, a crucial component of evaluating hypertension management effectiveness involves understanding the accessibility and quality of care. This analysis focuses on key factors influencing hypertension control, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources, culminating in a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" assessment. It's important to note that a true, quantifiable score would necessitate access to detailed patient data, which is beyond the scope of this exercise. Instead, we'll construct a framework for evaluating the current state.

The foundation of effective hypertension management is a strong physician-patient relationship. Physician-to-patient ratios are a fundamental indicator. In 27105, the ratio reflects the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) available to serve the population. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can strain resources, potentially leading to shorter appointment times and less individualized care. Data on the exact ratio for this ZIP code would be essential for a precise assessment. However, publicly available information, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) data, could be used to determine if the area is a medically underserved area, which would negatively impact the Hypertension Score.

Within the 27105 ZIP code, several primary care practices likely exist. These practices vary in their operational models and the services they offer. Some practices, for instance, may be part of larger healthcare systems, such as Novant Health or Wake Forest Baptist Health, which can provide more resources, including specialized support staff and integrated electronic health records. Standout practices, those demonstrating a commitment to hypertension management, might implement specific protocols. These include standardized blood pressure measurement techniques, regular patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and aggressive medication titration based on established guidelines. They may also have dedicated care coordinators focused on chronic disease management, proactively reaching out to patients for follow-up appointments and medication refills.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool in healthcare delivery, particularly for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues, transportation challenges, or those residing in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate more frequent check-ins, medication adjustments, and educational sessions, ultimately contributing to better blood pressure control. The adoption rate of telemedicine within 27105's primary care practices will directly influence the Hypertension Score. Practices with robust telemedicine programs would receive a higher score.

Hypertension often coexists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. These conditions can negatively impact medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and overall blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is critical. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through on-site therapists or established referral networks, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Access to mental health support, coupled with patient education on stress management techniques, would significantly boost the Hypertension Score. The presence of integrated behavioral health specialists or readily accessible mental health referrals would be a positive indicator.

The "Hypertension Score" would be a composite measure, taking into account these factors. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and no mental health resources would receive a lower score. Conversely, a practice with a favorable ratio, robust telemedicine capabilities, and integrated mental health services would receive a higher score. The score would also consider factors like the practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, the availability of patient education materials, and the implementation of quality improvement initiatives.

The success of hypertension management also depends on patient engagement. Practices that actively involve patients in their care, providing them with the knowledge and tools to self-manage their condition, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. This includes providing patient education materials, facilitating shared decision-making, and encouraging regular self-monitoring of blood pressure. Practices that actively promote patient engagement would be rewarded in the Hypertension Score.

The overall assessment of the 27105 ZIP code’s primary care landscape would involve gathering data on the physician-to-patient ratio, assessing the characteristics of individual practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption rates, and determining the availability of mental health resources. This information would then be used to assign a score to each practice, reflecting its commitment to hypertension management. The aggregate of these scores, weighted by patient volume, would provide an overall "Hypertension Score" for the 27105 area.

This framework allows for a comprehensive evaluation of the primary care landscape in 27105, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. It helps identify practices that are excelling in hypertension management and those that could improve their services to better serve their patients. This analysis is crucial for understanding the current state of hypertension care and for developing strategies to improve outcomes for individuals living with this condition.

For a visual representation of the primary care landscape in Winston-Salem, including the distribution of practices, physician-to-patient ratios, and access to resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that visualize geographic data, allowing you to analyze healthcare access and identify potential disparities.