27893, Wilson, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27893, Wilson, North Carolina is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.80 percent of the residents in 27893 has some form of health insurance. 45.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.24 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 27893 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,791 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27893. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,894 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,078 health care providers accessible to residents in 27893, Wilson, North Carolina.

The health landscape of Wilson, North Carolina, specifically within the 27893 ZIP code, requires a nuanced understanding to assess the availability and quality of hypertension care. This analysis, framed as a 'Hypertension Score,' delves into various factors impacting patient outcomes, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support. It aims to provide a comprehensive picture for residents seeking primary care and effective hypertension management.

The foundation of effective hypertension care lies in access to primary care physicians. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio within 27893 is crucial. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, could lead to delayed appointments, longer wait times, and potentially, inadequate monitoring of blood pressure. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can be used to determine the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the population they serve. This ratio, expressed as patients per physician, forms a critical component of the Hypertension Score. A higher ratio would negatively impact the score, indicating a potential strain on resources.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of primary care practices matters. Are practices concentrated in specific areas within the ZIP code, creating access challenges for residents in other areas? Are there underserved populations, such as those in rural pockets or with limited transportation options? Geographic information system (GIS) tools can be used to map the locations of primary care practices and overlay them with demographic data to identify potential disparities in access. This spatial analysis informs the Hypertension Score, penalizing areas with limited practice coverage and rewarding those with more equitable distribution.

The characteristics of individual primary care practices significantly influence the quality of hypertension care. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours, including evenings or weekends, to accommodate patient schedules? Do they have dedicated staff, such as nurses or medical assistants, trained in hypertension management? Practices that implement evidence-based protocols, such as regular blood pressure monitoring, medication adherence support, and lifestyle counseling, contribute positively to the Hypertension Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, receive a boost in their Hypertension Score. Telemedicine can improve access for patients with mobility limitations, those living in remote areas, or those with busy schedules. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure readings and provide timely interventions is a key factor in effective hypertension management.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The availability of mental health support, including counseling, therapy, and medication management, is a crucial component of the Hypertension Score, reflecting the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of hypertension.

Identifying standout practices within 27893 is a key objective. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in hypertension care, as evidenced by patient outcomes, adherence to clinical guidelines, and patient satisfaction, are recognized. This evaluation considers factors such as the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, the use of evidence-based treatment protocols, and patient feedback gathered through surveys or online reviews. Practices that consistently achieve positive outcomes and prioritize patient-centered care receive a higher score, serving as models for other providers.

The Hypertension Score also considers the availability of resources beyond the physician's office. This includes access to pharmacies for medication refills, community-based programs that promote healthy lifestyles, and patient education materials. The presence of these resources supports patients in managing their hypertension effectively. A higher density of pharmacies, the availability of community health programs, and the provision of patient education materials positively influence the score.

The overall Hypertension Score for 27893 is a composite measure, incorporating all the aforementioned factors. The score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that can change over time as the healthcare landscape evolves. Regular updates are essential to reflect changes in physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of support resources.

In conclusion, the 'Hypertension Score' analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of the healthcare resources available to manage hypertension in the 27893 ZIP code. By considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, mental health support, and the availability of external resources, the score offers a valuable tool for patients seeking primary care and effective hypertension management. Understanding these factors empowers residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare and advocate for improved access and quality of care.

For a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wilson and surrounding areas, including detailed maps of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of the data, allowing users to identify areas with high and low access to care, compare practice characteristics, and explore the availability of support resources.