27357, Stokesdale, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27357, Stokesdale, North Carolina is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.85 percent of the residents in 27357 has some form of health insurance. 30.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.63 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 27357 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,491 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27357. An estimate of 3 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,142 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,103 health care providers accessible to residents in 27357, Stokesdale, North Carolina.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Stokesdale, NC (ZIP Code 27357)**

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 27357, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, a critical factor in controlling high blood pressure. We will assess the physician-to-patient ratio, examine standout practices, evaluate telemedicine adoption, and explore the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for the area.

Stokesdale, a primarily residential community, likely presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. A key indicator of healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing current data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, we can make some informed assumptions. If the area experiences a shortage of primary care physicians, this would negatively impact the "Hypertension Score." Long wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and difficulty establishing a consistent relationship with a primary care provider are all potential consequences. Conversely, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, where there are ample primary care physicians, would significantly boost the score.

Several primary care practices operate within or near the 27357 ZIP code. Evaluating these practices requires considering factors beyond just the number of physicians. The quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the implementation of best practices for hypertension management are all crucial. Standout practices will likely demonstrate several characteristics. They might have a robust system for identifying and monitoring patients with hypertension. This could include regular blood pressure screenings, electronic health records (EHRs) with built-in alerts for elevated readings, and automated reminders for follow-up appointments. They should also have a clear protocol for medication management, including patient education about lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and potential side effects. Furthermore, practices actively involved in community outreach and education programs, promoting healthy lifestyles and preventative care, would be highly valued.

Telemedicine adoption is another important aspect of the "Hypertension Score." The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient education materials can significantly improve access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or busy schedules. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and integrated them seamlessly into their workflow would score higher. This includes offering virtual appointments for medication refills, providing educational resources online, and using remote monitoring devices to track blood pressure readings. Telemedicine can also facilitate communication between patients and their healthcare providers, leading to better adherence to treatment plans and improved blood pressure control.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is a critical component of effective hypertension management. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric evaluations, or have established strong referral networks with mental health professionals, would receive a higher score. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers can lead to a more holistic approach to patient care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension.

Furthermore, the availability of resources such as patient education materials, support groups, and access to affordable medications also influences the "Hypertension Score." Practices that actively promote patient education, provide resources for healthy eating and exercise, and assist patients in navigating the complexities of medication costs would be considered more patient-centered and, therefore, receive a higher score.

The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that reflects the evolving healthcare landscape. It is influenced by factors such as the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the accessibility of support services.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the "Hypertension Score" for Stokesdale, NC (ZIP Code 27357), it is essential to gather data from various sources, including:

* **Public health agencies:** Information on physician-to-patient ratios, prevalence of hypertension, and access to care.
* **Local healthcare providers:** Data on practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health services.
* **Patient surveys:** Feedback on patient satisfaction, access to care, and the quality of services.
* **Insurance providers:** Data on utilization rates and the cost of care.

By analyzing this data, a more accurate and nuanced "Hypertension Score" can be developed, providing valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension management in the area. This information can then be used to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies for enhancing the quality of care and improving patient outcomes.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Stokesdale, NC, is likely to be influenced by the specific characteristics of the primary care practices, the level of telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the overall access to care within the community. The availability of resources such as patient education materials, support groups, and access to affordable medications also influences the "Hypertension Score."

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Stokesdale, NC, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data, allowing you to identify areas with high and low access to care, pinpoint the locations of primary care practices, and assess the availability of resources.