27810, Belhaven, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27810, Belhaven, North Carolina is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.61 percent of the residents in 27810 has some form of health insurance. 50.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.17 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 27810 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 744 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27810. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 971 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 32 health care providers accessible to residents in 27810, Belhaven, North Carolina.

The following analysis assesses hypertension management within ZIP code 27810, focusing on Belhaven, North Carolina, and evaluating primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine integration, mental health resources, and identifying potential standout practices. This comprehensive review aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, specifically as it relates to cardiovascular health.

The cornerstone of hypertension management lies in accessible and quality primary care. Belhaven, like many rural communities, faces challenges in this area. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio requires accessing up-to-date, verified data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau. However, generally, rural areas often exhibit a lower physician density compared to urban centers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially strained resources for existing practitioners. This scarcity directly impacts the ability of individuals to receive timely screenings, diagnoses, and ongoing management of hypertension.

The availability of primary care in Belhaven is not solely determined by the number of physicians. The types of practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans also play critical roles. Practices that offer extended hours, including evenings and weekends, significantly improve accessibility for working individuals. Furthermore, practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, ensure that financial barriers do not prevent patients from receiving necessary care. The presence of nurse practitioners and physician assistants within primary care settings can also help to alleviate the burden on physicians, providing additional resources for patient care and follow-up.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve hypertension management in a rural setting like Belhaven. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. The implementation of telemedicine can facilitate regular blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and patient education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, are likely to be better positioned to provide effective hypertension management. The success of telemedicine adoption depends on the availability of reliable internet access, patient comfort with technology, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into existing workflows.

Mental health plays an often-overlooked but critical role in hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. The availability of mental health resources, including therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, is therefore essential. Ideally, primary care practices should have established referral pathways to mental health providers, and ideally, some integration of mental health services into primary care settings. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site therapists or counselors, are likely to provide more holistic and effective care for patients with hypertension.

Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors, including patient satisfaction, quality metrics, and the integration of innovative approaches. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, offering resources on lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, are likely to achieve better patient outcomes. Practices that actively monitor patient blood pressure, regularly review medication regimens, and provide timely follow-up care are also likely to excel in hypertension management. Furthermore, practices that utilize electronic health records to track patient data and facilitate communication between healthcare providers are better equipped to provide coordinated and comprehensive care.

The integration of community resources can also significantly impact hypertension management. Collaborations with local pharmacies, community health centers, and support groups can provide patients with additional resources and support. Pharmacies can play a crucial role in medication adherence by offering medication reminders and counseling services. Community health centers can provide affordable care and health education programs. Support groups can offer peer support and encourage healthy lifestyle choices. Practices that actively engage with these community resources are likely to provide more comprehensive care and achieve better patient outcomes.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' for doctors in ZIP code 27810, and specifically in Belhaven, would be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It would incorporate data on physician-to-patient ratios, primary care accessibility, telemedicine adoption, mental health resource availability, and the presence of innovative practices. The score would be dynamic, reflecting ongoing changes in the healthcare landscape. A lower score would indicate challenges in accessing and managing hypertension, while a higher score would suggest a more robust and effective system of care.

The analysis of the healthcare landscape in Belhaven highlights the need for continuous improvement in hypertension management. Addressing physician shortages, expanding telemedicine capabilities, integrating mental health services, and fostering collaborations with community resources are all critical steps towards improving patient outcomes. The specific challenges faced by Belhaven, and similar rural communities, underscore the importance of innovative solutions and tailored interventions.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Belhaven, including the location of primary care practices, the availability of telemedicine services, and the presence of mental health resources, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to identify areas of high and low access, and to assess the overall 'Hypertension Score' for specific geographic areas.