27869, Rich Square, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27869, Rich Square, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.30 percent of the residents in 27869 has some form of health insurance. 46.92 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 42.54 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 27869 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 208 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27869. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 469 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 618 health care providers accessible to residents in 27869, Rich Square, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 27869 and Rich Square Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly regarding hypertension management, necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 27869, encompassing Rich Square, North Carolina, and its surrounding areas, evaluating the availability of primary care physicians and associated resources crucial for effective hypertension control. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local landscape, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement.

The core of hypertension management rests on consistent primary care. In Rich Square, the availability of primary care physicians forms the bedrock of the system. Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially hindering timely diagnosis and treatment initiation. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data on physician distribution, including the number of actively practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and the surrounding county, is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services can provide this information. The analysis must consider the specific specialties of available physicians, including family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric medicine, as these are the primary providers for hypertension care.

Beyond the raw numbers, understanding the distribution of physicians within the community is vital. Are physicians concentrated in a single clinic or hospital system, or are they distributed across multiple practices? This distribution impacts patient access, particularly for those with transportation limitations or those residing in more rural areas within the ZIP code. The proximity of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is also a factor. While primary care physicians manage the majority of hypertension cases, access to specialists is crucial for complex cases or when complications arise. The analysis should consider the distance to the nearest cardiology and nephrology practices and the ease of referral processes.

Standout practices within the 27869 ZIP code warrant specific attention. Identifying practices that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management is crucial. This involves assessing their adherence to established clinical guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Key indicators include the use of evidence-based treatment protocols, the frequency of blood pressure monitoring, and the implementation of patient education programs. Practices that actively utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and manage chronic conditions often demonstrate better outcomes. Reviewing patient satisfaction surveys and practice reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience and the quality of care provided.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas like Rich Square. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence. The analysis should assess the extent to which local primary care practices offer telemedicine services. This includes evaluating the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), the technology used, and the reimbursement policies accepted. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education related to hypertension.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to hypertension management. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure and negatively impact treatment adherence. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within the community. This includes the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, and the ease of access to these services. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as co-located behavioral health providers, can improve patient outcomes by providing comprehensive care. The analysis should also consider the availability of support groups and educational resources related to stress management and mental well-being.

The social determinants of health play a crucial role in hypertension management. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and safe housing can significantly impact a patient's ability to control their blood pressure. The analysis should consider these factors within the context of the 27869 ZIP code. This includes examining data on poverty rates, food insecurity, and access to transportation. Identifying community resources that address these social determinants, such as food banks, community health centers, and transportation services, is crucial. Collaboration between healthcare providers and community organizations is essential to address the broader needs of patients and improve their overall health outcomes.

Data collection and analysis must be ongoing. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment guidelines, and community resources emerging regularly. Regular monitoring of physician availability, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and social determinants of health is essential to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the analysis. This can be achieved through ongoing data collection from public sources, collaboration with local healthcare providers, and patient feedback.

The success of hypertension management hinges on a robust healthcare infrastructure, patient education, and community support. The analysis should provide actionable insights for healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. By identifying areas of strength and weakness, the analysis can inform strategic planning and resource allocation to improve hypertension control and overall health outcomes in Rich Square and the surrounding areas. This includes the potential for targeted interventions, such as community health programs, telemedicine initiatives, and partnerships with local organizations.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, physician density, and patient demographics within ZIP code 27869, and to visualize the data in a dynamic and interactive way, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a visual representation of the data, allowing for a more comprehensive and insightful analysis of the local healthcare landscape.