27917, Barco, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27917, Barco, North Carolina is 36 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 71.86 percent of the residents in 27917 has some form of health insurance. 44.84 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 28.71 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 27917 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 93 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27917. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 19 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,083 health care providers accessible to residents in 27917, Barco, North Carolina.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' assessment for primary care physicians in ZIP code 27917, focusing on factors relevant to hypertension management and patient access. This score is a composite, considering various metrics and is not an official or validated clinical tool. It aims to provide a conceptual overview. We will also examine primary care availability in Barco, North Carolina, a community within this ZIP code.

The 'Hypertension Score' for a physician would begin with an assessment of their patient panel size. A manageable patient load allows for more personalized care and more frequent follow-up, crucial for hypertension control. High patient-to-physician ratios, a common challenge in rural areas, would negatively impact the score. Barco, being a smaller community, might face this challenge.

Next, the score would evaluate the physician's adherence to established hypertension guidelines. This includes the frequency of blood pressure checks, the use of appropriate medications, and the implementation of lifestyle recommendations. Practices that actively utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and adherence to these guidelines would score higher. The ability to generate automated reminders for follow-up appointments and medication refills is also a plus.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical component. The ability to offer virtual consultations, especially for medication management and lifestyle counseling, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in remote areas or with mobility limitations. Physicians actively using telemedicine platforms and integrating them seamlessly into their workflows would receive a higher score. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, allowing patients to track their readings at home and share them with their doctor, would further enhance the score.

The integration of mental health resources is also essential. Hypertension and mental health often have intertwined relationships. Stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and effective management of both conditions is crucial. Physicians who have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, or who offer in-house counseling services, would score higher. This could include access to therapists, psychiatrists, or mental health support groups.

The availability of ancillary services also plays a role. Access to on-site laboratory testing for blood work, convenient pharmacy services, and access to registered dietitians for nutritional counseling would positively influence the score. Practices that prioritize patient education, providing resources on healthy eating, exercise, and stress management, would also be favored.

Analyzing primary care availability in Barco, we would assess the number of primary care physicians practicing within the community or readily accessible to its residents. The proximity of these physicians to the population is a key factor. The presence of urgent care clinics or walk-in clinics, offering immediate care for acute issues, could also contribute positively, although they do not replace the need for consistent primary care.

The 'Hypertension Score' would also consider the physician's communication practices. Practices that offer clear and concise communication with patients, including providing educational materials in multiple languages if needed, would be favored. The availability of after-hours contact, such as a nurse line or on-call physician, would also improve the score.

Now, let's delve into some hypothetical examples within ZIP code 27917. Let's imagine "Coastal Family Practice" in Barco. If Coastal Family Practice has a manageable patient load, actively utilizes EHRs for hypertension management, and has embraced telemedicine for follow-up visits, they would likely receive a higher 'Hypertension Score.' If they also have strong referral pathways to mental health professionals and offer patient education materials, their score would be even higher.

Conversely, a practice with a high patient-to-physician ratio, limited telemedicine capabilities, and a lack of mental health resources would likely receive a lower score. This is not a judgment of the quality of care provided, but rather an assessment of the resources and infrastructure available to support effective hypertension management.

Standout practices might be those that have implemented innovative approaches to hypertension management. This could include the use of remote patient monitoring, group medical visits focused on hypertension education, or the integration of community health workers to assist patients with lifestyle modifications. These practices would be recognized for their proactive approach to patient care.

The 'Hypertension Score' is not a static metric; it is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated to reflect changes in practice patterns, technological advancements, and evolving healthcare guidelines. It is essential to remember that this is a hypothetical scoring system.

The goal of this analysis is to provide a framework for evaluating the availability and quality of hypertension care in a specific geographic area. It highlights the importance of factors such as patient access, adherence to guidelines, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources.

For a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access and physician availability in ZIP code 27917 and beyond, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations and data analysis tools that can help you explore healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access, and gain valuable insights into the healthcare landscape.