27872, Roxobel, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27872, Roxobel, North Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 70.69 percent of the residents in 27872 has some form of health insurance. 58.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 26.55 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 27872 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 42 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27872. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 89 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 545 health care providers accessible to residents in 27872, Roxobel, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Roxobel, NC (ZIP Code 27872)

Analyzing the hypertension landscape within ZIP code 27872 (Roxobel, North Carolina) requires a multi-faceted approach, considering not only the availability of primary care physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem's capacity to manage and mitigate this prevalent condition. This analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, identify standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and evaluate the availability of mental health resources, ultimately culminating in a 'Hypertension Score' assessment.

The initial hurdle in Roxobel, and many rural areas, is the potential scarcity of primary care physicians. A low physician-to-patient ratio can significantly impact access to preventative care, early diagnosis, and ongoing management of hypertension. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potential delays in crucial interventions. Publicly available data, such as those from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, can provide estimates of this ratio. However, this data needs to be coupled with information on physician specialization (e.g., internal medicine, family practice), practice size, and patient load to paint a complete picture.

Identifying standout practices involves looking beyond simple physician numbers. Practices that prioritize patient education, offer comprehensive blood pressure monitoring, and actively engage in medication management are critical. These practices often utilize evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, to guide their treatment protocols. Furthermore, practices employing certified clinical medical assistants (CCMAs) or registered nurses (RNs) to support patient education and medication adherence can enhance the overall quality of care. Practices that actively track patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates and cardiovascular event rates, demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement and patient well-being.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly vital role in addressing healthcare access challenges, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can extend their reach, providing care to patients who may have difficulty traveling to the clinic. The availability of secure video conferencing platforms, remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and electronic health records (EHRs) that support telehealth are crucial for successful implementation. The 'Hypertension Score' would reward practices that have effectively integrated telemedicine into their care delivery model.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder effective management of the condition. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical component of a comprehensive hypertension care strategy. This includes access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers, through shared care models or referrals, is essential for providing integrated care. The 'Hypertension Score' would give weight to practices that actively screen for mental health conditions and have established referral pathways for patients needing mental health support.

Assessing the 'Hypertension Score' for Roxobel (27872) requires a holistic evaluation of the factors discussed above. A practice with a high score would likely demonstrate the following characteristics:

* **Favorable Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A sufficient number of primary care physicians to meet the community's needs.
* **Evidence-Based Practices:** Adherence to established guidelines for hypertension management, including regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle recommendations, and medication management.
* **Patient Education and Support:** Robust patient education programs on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques.
* **Telemedicine Integration:** Utilization of telemedicine to expand access to care and facilitate remote monitoring.
* **Mental Health Collaboration:** Established referral pathways and collaborative relationships with mental health providers.
* **Outcome Tracking:** Active monitoring of patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates and cardiovascular event rates, to demonstrate continuous improvement.

Conversely, a practice with a low score might face challenges such as:

* **Limited Physician Availability:** A shortage of primary care physicians, leading to access barriers.
* **Lack of Resources:** Insufficient access to diagnostic equipment, patient education materials, or support staff.
* **Limited Telemedicine Adoption:** Inability to offer remote consultations or monitoring.
* **Poor Mental Health Integration:** Lack of mental health screening or referral pathways.
* **Inadequate Outcome Tracking:** Absence of data on patient outcomes, hindering continuous improvement efforts.

The 'Hypertension Score' would be a relative measure, comparing practices within the Roxobel area and potentially benchmarking them against regional or national averages. This score could be derived from a combination of publicly available data, practice surveys, and potentially, patient feedback. The scoring system could assign points based on the presence or absence of specific features and the degree to which best practices are implemented.

The ultimate goal of this analysis is to identify strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare system and to provide recommendations for improvement. This could include suggestions for recruiting more physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, enhancing patient education programs, and strengthening collaborations with mental health providers.

The 'Hypertension Score' serves as a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers alike. It empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, allows providers to assess their performance and identify areas for improvement, and informs policymakers about the healthcare needs of the community.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Roxobel, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore interactive maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, enabling you to see the 'Hypertension Score' factors spatially and gain a comprehensive understanding of the local healthcare environment. Visit CartoChrome maps today to explore the healthcare resources in Roxobel and discover how you can improve your health and well-being.