27705, Durham, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27705, Durham, North Carolina is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.07 percent of the residents in 27705 has some form of health insurance. 27.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.18 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 27705 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,074 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 646 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27705. An estimate of 250 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,637 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 45,592 health care providers accessible to residents in 27705, Durham, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Durham, NC (ZIP Code 27705)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension care within Durham, North Carolina's 27705 ZIP code necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of hypertension management, and explore innovative approaches like telemedicine and mental health integration. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to patients in this area, ultimately informing decisions about healthcare access and improvement.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio within 27705 is a critical metric. While precise, real-time figures fluctuate, publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, when cross-referenced, can provide a reasonable estimate. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally signifies better access. This analysis needs to consider not only the raw number of physicians but also their practice settings (e.g., solo practice, group practice, hospital-affiliated) and their willingness to accept new patients.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of primary care practices across the ZIP code is important. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Are there significant disparities in access based on socioeconomic factors or transportation limitations? The presence of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and other safety-net providers is a crucial factor, as they often serve vulnerable populations and can play a vital role in hypertension screening and management.

Within the primary care landscape, the quality of hypertension care varies. Some practices stand out. To identify these "standout practices," several factors must be considered. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is a baseline requirement, as it facilitates data tracking and adherence to clinical guidelines. Practices that actively monitor blood pressure readings, regularly adjust medications based on established protocols, and provide patient education are likely to achieve better outcomes. Data from quality reporting initiatives, such as those from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can offer valuable insights into practice performance. Furthermore, patient satisfaction surveys, when available, provide a crucial perspective on the patient experience.

Telemedicine has emerged as a significant tool for improving hypertension management, particularly in areas with limited access to care. The adoption rate of telemedicine within 27705 is a key area of investigation. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and online patient portals. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially reach a wider patient base, improve medication adherence through virtual check-ins, and provide more convenient access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or transportation challenges. The specific platforms and technologies utilized, and the ease of use for both patients and providers, are also important considerations.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the 27705 ZIP code is a critical component of a comprehensive hypertension management strategy. This analysis must examine the availability of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) and the ease with which patients can access these services. Are there integrated care models where primary care physicians and mental health providers collaborate to provide coordinated care? Do practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral pathways? The integration of mental health services into hypertension care can lead to better patient outcomes and improved overall well-being.

The success of hypertension management also depends on patient education and self-management. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about their condition, medications, lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise), and the importance of regular monitoring are more likely to achieve positive results. This includes providing educational materials in multiple languages if necessary, and ensuring that patients understand their treatment plan. The availability of resources like support groups, educational workshops, and online tools can further empower patients to take an active role in their health.

The socioeconomic characteristics of the 27705 ZIP code also play a significant role. Factors such as income levels, access to healthy food options, and safe environments for physical activity can all impact hypertension control. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for achieving equitable outcomes. This may involve partnering with community organizations to provide resources and support to patients, such as food assistance programs or access to exercise facilities.

In conclusion, assessing hypertension care within Durham's 27705 ZIP code requires a comprehensive evaluation of primary care availability, physician quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. By analyzing these factors, we can gain a clearer picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare landscape and identify opportunities for improvement. This analysis should inform efforts to improve access to care, enhance the quality of treatment, and ultimately, improve the health and well-being of residents.

Want to visualize the data and explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in 27705? Use CartoChrome maps to uncover the hidden patterns and gain a deeper understanding of hypertension care in your community.