27842, Henrico, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27842, Henrico, North Carolina is 39 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.73 percent of the residents in 27842 has some form of health insurance. 45.64 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.80 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 27842 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 219 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27842. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 643 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 398 health care providers accessible to residents in 27842, Henrico, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 27842 & Primary Care in Henrico

This analysis provides a comparative 'Hypertension Score' assessment, examining factors impacting hypertension management for physicians practicing within ZIP code 27842 (likely a rural area) and primary care access in Henrico County, Virginia (a more urbanized area). The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all crucial elements in effectively managing hypertension.

**27842: A Rural Landscape of Care**

ZIP code 27842, a rural area, likely faces unique challenges in hypertension management. A low population density often translates to a lower physician-to-patient ratio. This means each primary care physician (PCP) shoulders a larger patient load, potentially impacting the time available for comprehensive hypertension care. This includes detailed patient education, frequent monitoring, and proactive medication adjustments.

The type of practices within 27842 also plays a significant role. Are practices primarily solo practices, small group practices, or part of larger healthcare systems? Larger systems may offer more resources, such as specialized cardiology consultations, access to advanced diagnostic equipment, and dedicated hypertension management programs. Solo or small practices might struggle to offer the same breadth of services, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses or suboptimal treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly crucial in rural areas. Telehealth allows patients to access care remotely, mitigating the challenges of long travel distances and limited transportation options. The availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals can significantly improve hypertension control. The 'Hypertension Score' for 27842 would be positively impacted by a high rate of telemedicine adoption among local PCPs.

Mental health resources are another critical component. Hypertension is often linked to stress and anxiety, and addressing these underlying issues is essential for effective management. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the community or through referral networks, directly influences the 'Hypertension Score'. Limited access to these resources would negatively impact the overall score.

**Primary Care in Henrico: A More Urban Perspective**

Henrico County, being a more urban area, likely benefits from a higher physician-to-patient ratio compared to 27842. This could translate to more readily available appointments and more time for each patient. However, higher population density can also strain healthcare resources, potentially leading to longer wait times or increased competition for appointments.

The structure of primary care practices in Henrico County is likely more diverse. The presence of large healthcare systems, multi-specialty clinics, and independent practices offers patients a wider range of choices. The 'Hypertension Score' would be influenced by the quality of care offered by these various practice types. Are there practices that stand out for their hypertension management protocols, patient education programs, and commitment to evidence-based guidelines?

Telemedicine adoption is also relevant in Henrico. While travel distances may be shorter than in 27842, telemedicine can still improve convenience and access to care, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management. The 'Hypertension Score' would be positively affected by the widespread use of telehealth platforms and remote monitoring technologies.

Mental health resources are equally important in Henrico. The county's population diversity and potential for higher stress levels may increase the need for mental health support. The availability of mental health professionals, integrated mental health services within primary care practices, and access to specialized psychiatric care would significantly impact the 'Hypertension Score'. The presence of community mental health centers and support groups would also contribute positively.

**Standout Practices and Specific Considerations**

Identifying standout practices in both areas requires further investigation. This would involve analyzing patient outcomes, patient satisfaction scores, and the implementation of best practices in hypertension management. Practices that utilize electronic health records effectively, offer comprehensive patient education materials, and actively engage patients in their care would likely score higher.

Specific considerations include:

* **27842:** Assessing the availability of mobile health clinics that could reach underserved populations, the presence of community health centers, and the integration of pharmacists into patient care.
* **Henrico:** Examining the availability of bilingual healthcare providers to serve diverse populations, the implementation of chronic disease management programs, and the availability of specialized cardiology services.

**Comparative Analysis and Overall Score**

A direct comparison of the 'Hypertension Score' between 27842 and Henrico County is complex. While Henrico may have a higher physician-to-patient ratio and potentially greater access to specialized care, 27842's score could be improved by strong telemedicine adoption and innovative approaches to care delivery.

The 'Hypertension Score' for both areas would be a composite of various factors, including:

* Physician-to-patient ratios
* Practice characteristics (size, affiliation)
* Telemedicine adoption rates
* Availability of mental health resources
* Patient outcomes (blood pressure control rates)
* Patient satisfaction
* Adherence to evidence-based guidelines

Ultimately, both areas should strive to improve their 'Hypertension Score' by addressing their respective challenges and leveraging their strengths. This includes fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, promoting patient education and empowerment, and investing in resources that support comprehensive hypertension management.

**Visualizing the Data with CartoChrome Maps**

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in both 27842 and Henrico County, consider visualizing the data using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a clear and interactive representation of physician locations, healthcare resource availability, and other relevant data points. This can help identify areas with limited access to care, highlight successful practices, and inform targeted interventions to improve hypertension management. Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and gain valuable insights into the healthcare landscape.