27507, Bullock, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27507, Bullock, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 97.52 percent of the residents in 27507 has some form of health insurance. 51.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.59 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 27507 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 322 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27507. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 309 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 557 health care providers accessible to residents in 27507, Bullock, North Carolina.

The analysis that follows provides a nuanced assessment of hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 27507 (likely a location in North Carolina) and the primary care landscape in Bullock County, focusing on factors relevant to effective hypertension control. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a comprehensive approach to cardiovascular health.

**ZIP Code 27507: A Hypertension Score Analysis**

Evaluating the capacity to manage hypertension within ZIP Code 27507 necessitates a multi-faceted approach. The area’s physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A high ratio, indicating a scarcity of primary care physicians (PCPs), can lead to appointment delays, reduced patient contact time, and potentially, inadequate monitoring of blood pressure. Data regarding the exact physician-to-patient ratio in 27507 would be essential for a precise score. Publicly available sources, such as state medical boards and healthcare directories, could provide this information. The score would be adjusted based on the ratio; a higher ratio would negatively impact the score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs is important. Are the available physicians concentrated in a few large practices, or are they spread across the area? The concentration of physicians in a few large practices could offer advantages like shared resources and established referral networks. However, it could also create barriers to access for patients who are geographically isolated or prefer smaller, more personalized care settings. The score should reflect the accessibility of PCPs across the zip code.

Examining the practices themselves is essential. What is the average patient load per physician? Are the practices accepting new patients? Do they have electronic health records (EHRs) that allow for efficient data management and communication? The adoption of EHRs is particularly important for hypertension management, as it facilitates the tracking of blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and patient education. Practices with robust EHR systems would receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another key factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations and remote blood pressure monitoring can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who have mobility issues, live in rural areas, or have difficulty taking time off work. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering options for both routine check-ups and medication management, would score higher.

The availability of mental health resources is also critical. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, and mental health conditions can affect medication adherence and lifestyle choices. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house providers or established referral networks, would receive a boost in their score. This integration could include screening for depression and anxiety, providing counseling services, or offering support groups.

Finally, the analysis should consider the practice's commitment to patient education. Does the practice provide educational materials on healthy eating, exercise, and stress management? Do they offer support for medication adherence? Practices that prioritize patient education and empowerment would be rated more favorably.

**Primary Care Availability in Bullock County**

Bullock County, likely a rural area, presents unique challenges to primary care access. The primary concern is the overall density of physicians. A low physician-to-population ratio in Bullock County would significantly impact the hypertension score. The county's score would be lowered if the ratio is below the state or national average.

The geographic distribution of PCPs within Bullock County is also crucial. If physicians are clustered in one town or area, patients in more remote locations may face significant travel distances to access care. This geographic disparity would be reflected in the score. The existence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) would be a positive factor, as these facilities often provide essential services to underserved populations.

The availability of specialty care is another consideration. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense against hypertension, patients with complex cases may require referral to cardiologists or nephrologists. The proximity of these specialists, or the ease of referral to specialists in nearby counties, is important.

Telemedicine plays an even more critical role in rural areas. The ability to offer virtual consultations can help overcome geographic barriers and improve access to care. Practices in Bullock County that have embraced telemedicine would receive a significant boost in their score.

The integration of mental health services is particularly important in rural areas, where access to mental health providers may be limited. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house providers or established referral networks, would receive a boost in their score.

The county's score would also be influenced by its socioeconomic characteristics. Poverty, lack of transportation, and limited access to healthy food can all contribute to poor health outcomes. The analysis should consider these factors and their potential impact on hypertension management.

Finally, the analysis should consider the county's public health initiatives. Does the county have programs to promote healthy lifestyles, such as exercise programs or community gardens? Are there initiatives to raise awareness about hypertension and its risk factors? These initiatives would be viewed favorably.

**Conclusion**

A comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' analysis, tailored to both ZIP Code 27507 and Bullock County, would require detailed data collection and analysis. The factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, are all essential components of such an analysis.

**Call to Action**

To visualize the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, physician density, and other relevant factors related to hypertension management in these areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can help you identify areas with limited access to care and pinpoint opportunities for improvement.