27841, Hassell, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27841, Hassell, North Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 27841 has some form of health insurance. 100.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 91.67 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 27841 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27841. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 22 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 316 health care providers accessible to residents in 27841, Hassell, North Carolina.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27841 & Primary Care in Hassell**

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP code 27841 and the primary care landscape in nearby Hassell, North Carolina, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will provide a "Hypertension Score" perspective, evaluating factors crucial for effective hypertension control. We'll explore physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources, ultimately painting a picture of the area's capacity to address this prevalent health concern.

The "Hypertension Score" will be implicitly assessed based on the availability and quality of resources. A higher score reflects a more robust system, capable of better hypertension management. The score considers several key elements.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio & Access in 27841**

The foundation of hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. ZIP code 27841's score is influenced by the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, inherently lowers the score. This scarcity leads to appointment delays, potentially hindering early diagnosis and consistent treatment. The analysis must consider the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) actively accepting new patients within the ZIP code. Are there enough PCPs to accommodate the population's needs?

Furthermore, the presence of specialists, particularly cardiologists, impacts the score. While PCPs manage the majority of hypertension cases, access to cardiology consultations is crucial for complex cases or those unresponsive to initial treatment. The geographical proximity of cardiology practices, and the ease with which PCPs can refer patients, contribute to the overall score.

**Primary Care Availability in Hassell**

Hassell, a neighboring community, is assessed for its primary care resources. Its score is dependent on the number of PCPs serving the population. A higher concentration of PCPs in Hassell, even if not directly within 27841, can indirectly benefit residents of the ZIP code. Patients may be willing to travel a short distance for care, particularly if access is significantly improved.

The analysis examines the types of primary care practices available in Hassell. Are there solo practices, group practices, or federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)? FQHCs often serve underserved populations and may offer a broader range of services, including financial assistance and culturally sensitive care, potentially boosting the score.

**Practice Characteristics & Quality of Care**

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of care within the practices is paramount. The "Hypertension Score" is affected by several factors. Are the practices equipped with modern diagnostic tools, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM)? ABPM provides a more comprehensive assessment of blood pressure patterns than single-point readings, leading to more accurate diagnoses and treatment adjustments.

The adoption of evidence-based guidelines is another critical factor. Do the practices adhere to the latest recommendations from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)? This adherence ensures that patients receive the most effective and up-to-date treatments.

The availability of patient education materials and resources also contributes to the score. Practices that actively educate patients about lifestyle modifications, such as diet, exercise, and stress management, are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. Patient education is crucial for empowering individuals to take an active role in their health.

**Standout Practices in 27841 & Hassell**

Identifying standout practices is essential for understanding best practices. These practices may demonstrate excellence in hypertension management, offering valuable insights. The analysis will look for practices with high patient satisfaction scores, low rates of uncontrolled hypertension, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Practices that have invested in electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals receive a higher score. EHRs facilitate efficient data management and communication, while patient portals enable patients to access their records, communicate with their providers, and manage their appointments.

**Telemedicine Adoption & Its Impact**

Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The "Hypertension Score" is significantly influenced by the adoption of telemedicine by practices in 27841 and Hassell. Telemedicine allows patients to have virtual consultations, monitor their blood pressure remotely, and receive medication management, improving access to care and convenience.

Practices that offer telehealth services for blood pressure monitoring, medication refills, and follow-up appointments receive a higher score. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas, reducing the need for frequent in-person visits.

**Mental Health Resources & Hypertension**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and anxiety can elevate blood pressure, making it more difficult to control. The "Hypertension Score" considers the availability of mental health resources within the practices or through referral networks.

Practices that screen patients for mental health conditions and offer on-site counseling or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals receive a higher score. Integrated care, where mental health and physical health services are coordinated, can lead to improved outcomes for patients with hypertension and co-occurring mental health conditions.

**Conclusion**

Evaluating the "Hypertension Score" for ZIP code 27841 and primary care availability in Hassell involves a comprehensive assessment of physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score is not a single number, but a composite of various factors. The higher the score, the better equipped the area is to manage hypertension effectively.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in 27841 and Hassell, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These maps provide interactive visualizations of healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with high physician density, access to specialists, and other relevant factors.