27551, Macon, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27551, Macon, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.59 percent of the residents in 27551 has some form of health insurance. 47.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.11 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 27551 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 252 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27551. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 589 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 53 health care providers accessible to residents in 27551, Macon, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27551 and Macon Primary Care

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 27551 (likely a specific area within North Carolina) and examines the broader context of primary care availability in Macon, focusing on factors that influence a "Hypertension Score." This hypothetical score, for the purpose of this analysis, represents the overall effectiveness of the local healthcare system in addressing and controlling hypertension. We will evaluate key elements such as physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, providing a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities within this healthcare environment.

The cornerstone of effective hypertension management is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). ZIP code 27551’s Hypertension Score is directly impacted by the availability of PCPs. A low physician-to-patient ratio, meaning a high number of patients per physician, can strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and less frequent follow-up care. Conversely, a favorable ratio allows for more personalized attention, proactive screenings, and more effective patient education regarding lifestyle modifications and medication adherence. The specific ratio within 27551 would need to be meticulously examined, cross-referencing data from the North Carolina Medical Board, local hospital systems, and insurance provider networks. This data would be critical in determining the base level of the Hypertension Score.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices significantly impacts the score. "Standout practices" are those demonstrating exceptional performance in hypertension management. This requires a deep dive into quality metrics. These metrics would include the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, adherence to national guidelines for hypertension treatment (such as those from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology), and the utilization of evidence-based practices. Practices actively implementing these practices, such as automated blood pressure monitoring in the office, electronic health record (EHR) systems with built-in hypertension protocols, and patient education programs, would contribute positively to the score. Conversely, practices lacking these features would likely detract from the overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and digital health tools, has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, especially in areas with limited access to in-person care. In 27551, the extent of telemedicine adoption by primary care practices would be a key determinant of the Hypertension Score. Practices offering virtual appointments for medication refills, blood pressure monitoring, and lifestyle counseling would score higher. Barriers to adoption, such as lack of patient access to technology, limited insurance coverage for telemedicine services, and physician comfort levels with virtual care, would negatively affect the score.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked, yet it is paramount to effective hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly elevate blood pressure and interfere with medication adherence and lifestyle changes. The availability of mental health services, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referral networks, is a critical component of a high Hypertension Score. Practices that proactively screen patients for mental health conditions, offer on-site counseling, or have strong partnerships with mental health providers would be considered more effective in managing hypertension holistically. Conversely, a lack of attention to mental health needs would likely lower the score.

Primary care availability in Macon, the county seat of Bibb County, Georgia, provides a broader context. The overall physician-to-patient ratio in Macon, along with the distribution of PCPs across the city, impacts the accessibility of care for residents within 27551 who may travel to Macon for healthcare. If Macon faces a PCP shortage, this will strain the resources available to residents in the surrounding areas. The presence of large hospital systems and medical centers in Macon could mitigate this issue, providing more resources and potentially improving the Hypertension Score for patients in 27551 who seek care in Macon.

Furthermore, the type of primary care practices in Macon matters. Are there a significant number of independent practices, or are most PCPs affiliated with larger health systems? Independent practices may have more flexibility in adopting innovative approaches, such as telemedicine, while larger health systems may have more resources for implementing comprehensive hypertension management programs. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Macon would also be a positive factor, as these centers often serve underserved populations and provide comprehensive care, including hypertension management.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for 27551 and the surrounding areas is a complex metric reflecting the interplay of various factors. Physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources all play a crucial role. Assessing these elements requires a detailed examination of local healthcare data, including physician demographics, practice characteristics, telemedicine utilization rates, and the availability of mental health services.

To gain a visual understanding of these factors and their spatial distribution, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome can help you visualize physician density, practice locations, and other relevant data points, allowing you to analyze the landscape of hypertension management in 27551 and Macon with greater clarity.