27818, Como, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27818, Como, North Carolina is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.31 percent of the residents in 27818 has some form of health insurance. 69.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.69 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 27818 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 309 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27818. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 393 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 160 health care providers accessible to residents in 27818, Como, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' ranking for physicians in ZIP code 27818, focusing on primary care availability in Como, North Carolina. This score is constructed based on several factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. The aim is to assess the overall capacity of the local healthcare system to effectively manage hypertension within the specified geographic area.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not a standardized metric, but rather a composite evaluation based on the available data and assumptions about best practices in hypertension management. The score is intended to be a general indicator of healthcare quality and accessibility, and it should not be interpreted as a definitive judgment of any individual physician or practice.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability**

Como, North Carolina, a small community within ZIP code 27818, likely faces challenges regarding primary care access. A key component of the 'Hypertension Score' is the physician-to-patient ratio. High ratios, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and challenges in providing consistent follow-up care, all of which are crucial for hypertension management. The analysis assumes that Como, being a rural area, probably experiences a higher-than-average physician-to-patient ratio compared to more urban centers. This would negatively impact the 'Hypertension Score.'

Assessing primary care availability involves more than just the number of physicians. The analysis considers the types of primary care providers available, including family physicians, internists, and nurse practitioners. The presence of a diverse range of providers can enhance access and cater to different patient needs. The proximity of these providers to Como residents is also a crucial factor. Travel time to reach a primary care physician significantly affects the ability to receive timely care, especially for individuals with chronic conditions like hypertension.

**Standout Practices: A Hypothetical Assessment**

Within ZIP code 27818, the 'Hypertension Score' would assess individual practices based on their demonstrated commitment to hypertension management. This includes examining the use of evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Practices that consistently adhere to these guidelines, including regular blood pressure checks, lifestyle counseling, and appropriate medication management, would receive higher scores.

The analysis would consider whether practices employ certified clinical hypertension specialists, or whether they have specialized programs focused on hypertension management. The presence of these programs indicates a greater commitment to providing comprehensive care for patients with hypertension. The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as electrocardiograms (EKGs) and blood tests, would also contribute positively to the score, as these services streamline the diagnostic process.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Component**

Telemedicine plays an increasingly important role in healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Como. The 'Hypertension Score' would heavily weigh the adoption of telemedicine by practices within ZIP code 27818. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments would receive significantly higher scores. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate more frequent monitoring of blood pressure, all of which are essential for effective hypertension management.

The analysis would consider the types of telemedicine platforms used by practices, assessing their ease of use, security, and integration with electronic health records (EHRs). Practices that utilize user-friendly, secure, and integrated platforms would be viewed more favorably. The availability of telemedicine services in multiple languages would also be considered, as it enhances accessibility for a diverse patient population.

**Mental Health Resources: A Crucial Link**

Hypertension often co-occurs with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. The 'Hypertension Score' would assess the availability of mental health resources within ZIP code 27818. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, would receive higher scores. This integration facilitates a more holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.

The analysis would consider the accessibility of mental health services, including the availability of appointments, the acceptance of insurance, and the presence of culturally sensitive providers. Practices that prioritize the mental health needs of their patients would be seen as demonstrating a greater commitment to comprehensive care. The integration of mental health screenings into routine primary care visits would also be viewed positively.

**Specific Examples & Hypothetical Scoring**

Let's imagine a hypothetical practice within ZIP code 27818, "Como Family Wellness." If Como Family Wellness has a reasonable physician-to-patient ratio, adheres to current hypertension guidelines, and offers telehealth appointments, its 'Hypertension Score' would be relatively high. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and no integrated mental health services would receive a lower score.

Another factor that would influence the score is the practice’s use of patient education materials. Practices that provide patients with clear, concise information about hypertension, including lifestyle modifications and medication management, would be viewed more favorably. The availability of these materials in multiple languages would further enhance the score.

**Conclusion: A Call to Action**

This 'Hypertension Score' analysis, while hypothetical, highlights the complexities of assessing healthcare quality and accessibility in a specific geographic area. The analysis emphasizes the importance of factors like physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources in the effective management of hypertension. The availability of comprehensive healthcare, including convenient access to primary care and specialized services, is crucial for improving health outcomes.

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