27217, Burlington, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27217, Burlington, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.06 percent of the residents in 27217 has some form of health insurance. 41.04 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.61 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 27217 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,373 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27217. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,466 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,762 health care providers accessible to residents in 27217, Burlington, North Carolina.

The following analysis provides an assessment of hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 27217, Burlington, North Carolina, focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources. This “Hypertension Score” isn't a formal, standardized metric, but rather a qualitative evaluation based on publicly available data and common best practices in hypertension care.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. A critical element is the physician-to-patient ratio. In ZIP Code 27217, this ratio can be estimated by analyzing publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, the exact ratio fluctuates. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential challenges in securing timely appointments and consistent follow-up care, crucial for hypertension control. Conversely, a lower ratio generally implies greater access. The analysis would need to consider the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code, including family medicine, internal medicine, and general practice physicians. This also includes the number of patients residing in the area.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of these physicians is important. Are they concentrated in specific areas within the ZIP code, potentially creating "healthcare deserts" for some residents? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) and other safety-net providers is also a key factor. These facilities often serve vulnerable populations and may offer sliding-scale fees and other resources. Their availability significantly impacts the overall “Hypertension Score” because of their ability to provide care for all patients.

Standout practices within the ZIP code are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This includes practices that proactively screen patients for hypertension, implement evidence-based treatment protocols, and provide robust patient education. Key indicators of excellence include the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate medication management. Practices that actively monitor blood pressure control rates, and consistently achieve high rates of blood pressure control, would score favorably. The presence of certified hypertension specialists or nurses within a practice also strengthens its score.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important in hypertension care. Telemedicine allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. Telemedicine facilitates more frequent check-ins and allows for prompt adjustments to medication regimens. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices and the integration of these readings into the EHR are also crucial. Practices that utilize telemedicine effectively would receive a higher “Hypertension Score.”

Mental health is a critical, often-overlooked, component of hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Practices that integrate mental health resources into their care models are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This includes the availability of on-site mental health professionals, referrals to mental health specialists, and the use of screening tools to identify patients with mental health concerns. Practices that provide patient education on stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, also enhance their score.

The availability of resources for patient education is also essential. This includes providing patients with information about healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, as well as education on medication adherence. Practices that offer group education sessions, provide written materials in multiple languages, and utilize patient portals to share educational resources would score favorably. The availability of a registered dietitian or a certified diabetes educator can also significantly improve the quality of care.

The “Hypertension Score” would also factor in the availability of resources for specific populations, such as those with diabetes or chronic kidney disease, conditions that often co-occur with hypertension. The presence of specialized clinics or programs that cater to these populations would positively impact the score. Collaboration with specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is also crucial for managing complex cases.

The effectiveness of community outreach programs is another key consideration. Practices that actively participate in community health initiatives, such as health fairs and blood pressure screenings, demonstrate a commitment to improving the overall health of the community. The presence of partnerships with local pharmacies, community organizations, and other healthcare providers also enhances the score.

The data collection and analysis for this “Hypertension Score” would involve several steps. Publicly available data sources would be utilized to gather information on physician availability, practice locations, and the presence of specialized services. Patient reviews and ratings from online platforms could provide insights into patient satisfaction and the quality of care. Information on telemedicine adoption and mental health resources could be obtained through practice websites and direct inquiries.

The final “Hypertension Score” would be a composite of these factors, providing a nuanced assessment of the hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 27217. This analysis, while not a formal scoring system, provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. It highlights areas for improvement and identifies practices that are leading the way in providing high-quality hypertension care. The goal is to provide a comprehensive picture of the resources available to patients.

To explore these factors further and gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Burlington, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and community resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment.