27110, Winston Salem, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27110, Winston Salem, North Carolina is 83 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.31 percent of the residents in 27110 has some form of health insurance. 10.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 89.33 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 27110 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 541 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 96 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27110. An estimate of 74 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 18,174 health care providers accessible to residents in 27110, Winston Salem, North Carolina.

The analysis of hypertension management capabilities within ZIP code 27110, focusing on primary care physicians in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. Evaluating the quality of care for hypertension, a prevalent and serious condition, demands a deep dive into several key areas: physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which significantly impact patient outcomes.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access to care. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians available per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a more readily accessible healthcare system, allowing for more proactive management of hypertension. In ZIP code 27110, understanding the specific ratio for primary care physicians is essential. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and local hospital systems, such as Novant Health and Wake Forest Baptist Health, would be necessary to determine the exact figures. This data should be further analyzed to account for the number of active, practicing primary care physicians and the estimated population within the zip code.

Standout practices, those that demonstrate superior hypertension management, can serve as benchmarks for the entire community. Identifying these practices requires a review of several factors. Firstly, patient outcomes are crucial. Practices with demonstrably lower rates of uncontrolled hypertension, fewer hospitalizations related to hypertension complications (such as heart attack or stroke), and higher rates of patient adherence to medication and lifestyle recommendations are prime candidates. Secondly, the use of evidence-based guidelines is vital. Practices that consistently follow guidelines established by organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology are more likely to provide high-quality care. Thirdly, the integration of technology can significantly improve hypertension management. This includes the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data tracking, automated reminders for appointments and medication refills, and patient portals for secure communication and access to health information.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Telemedicine offers several benefits for hypertension management. It allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations for medication adjustments, and ongoing patient education. The availability of telemedicine services in 27110, and the extent to which primary care physicians utilize them, should be assessed. This involves determining which practices offer telemedicine options, the types of services provided (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), and the patient satisfaction levels with these services. Furthermore, the technological infrastructure available, including internet access and the availability of necessary devices, is also a critical factor to consider.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and can hinder adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is an integral part of comprehensive hypertension management. Assessing the availability of mental health services in 27110 requires an examination of several factors. This includes the number of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) available in the area, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times). Furthermore, the degree to which primary care physicians collaborate with mental health professionals, such as through referrals and shared care plans, is crucial.

Analyzing the data collected from these areas will provide a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' analysis for primary care in ZIP code 27110. The score would be a composite measure, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices (assessed by patient outcomes, guideline adherence, and technology use), the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The score would be a valuable tool for patients, physicians, and policymakers. Patients can use it to make informed decisions about their healthcare, physicians can use it to identify areas for improvement, and policymakers can use it to allocate resources and improve the overall quality of care.

The final assessment should also consider the role of patient education and community resources. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with educational materials about hypertension, healthy lifestyle choices, and medication management, tend to have better outcomes. Community resources, such as support groups, exercise programs, and access to healthy food options, can also play a significant role in helping patients manage their hypertension. Identifying and evaluating these resources within 27110 is essential for a complete analysis.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of resources and challenges, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a powerful visual representation of the 'Hypertension Score' analysis, highlighting areas with high and low scores, visualizing physician density, and showing the location of various resources. This can help identify areas where interventions are most needed and facilitate data-driven decision-making to improve hypertension management in Winston-Salem.