27924, Colerain, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27924, Colerain, North Carolina is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.86 percent of the residents in 27924 has some form of health insurance. 30.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.53 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 27924 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 382 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27924. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 598 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 695 health care providers accessible to residents in 27924, Colerain, North Carolina.

Hypertension, a silent killer, necessitates vigilant management, especially in areas with limited healthcare access. This analysis examines the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP Code 27924, focusing on Colerain, North Carolina, evaluating physician availability, quality of care, and resource accessibility. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in managing this critical health concern.

The initial assessment revolves around physician-to-patient ratios. Colerain, a rural community, likely faces challenges in this regard. Determining the exact number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the ZIP Code is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services can provide this information. Comparing this number to the population of 27924 yields a physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, raises concerns about access to timely appointments, regular check-ups, and consistent care, all essential for hypertension management.

Further investigation requires delving into the specific practices within the area. Identifying the primary care clinics and their associated physicians is the next step. Researching their specialties (e.g., internal medicine, family medicine) and board certifications adds to the profile. Analyzing the patient demographics they serve provides insight into the community’s needs. Do these practices cater to a predominantly elderly population, a group particularly vulnerable to hypertension? Are there specific programs or initiatives geared towards managing chronic conditions like hypertension?

Standout practices, if any, deserve special attention. These could be clinics that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. This assessment would involve analyzing patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates. Do these practices have a high percentage of patients achieving their target blood pressure goals? Are they actively involved in patient education programs, teaching patients about lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and the importance of regular monitoring? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient progress and facilitate communication?

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. In a rural area like Colerain, telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, improving access to care. Are local practices offering telehealth consultations for hypertension management? This includes virtual appointments for medication refills, blood pressure monitoring guidance, and follow-up visits. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as home blood pressure cuffs that transmit readings directly to the physician, would be a significant advantage. The level of telemedicine integration is a key indicator of a practice's commitment to patient convenience and accessibility.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure. Assessing the availability of mental health services within the community is therefore essential. Are there psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs) practicing in the area? Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site therapists? Access to mental health support is crucial for addressing the psychological factors that can exacerbate hypertension.

The quality of care is a multifaceted concept. It encompasses several elements: the expertise of the physicians, the availability of diagnostic tools, the efficiency of the practice, and the patient experience. Examining the availability of diagnostic tools, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), is essential. ABPM provides a more comprehensive picture of blood pressure fluctuations throughout the day and night. The efficiency of the practice, including wait times for appointments and the ease of communication with the medical staff, also impacts the patient experience. Patient satisfaction surveys, if available, can offer valuable insights into the quality of care.

Specific initiatives or programs aimed at hypertension management would be a significant positive indicator. This could include disease management programs, patient education classes, or partnerships with local pharmacies. Are there community outreach programs that provide free blood pressure screenings or educational materials? These initiatives demonstrate a proactive approach to preventing and managing hypertension within the community.

The analysis also needs to consider the socioeconomic factors that impact hypertension management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and limited transportation options can all present significant challenges. Are there resources available to address these social determinants of health? This could include food banks, transportation assistance programs, or partnerships with community organizations.

The conclusion of this analysis would summarize the findings, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 27924 regarding hypertension management. It would provide a 'Hypertension Score' based on the factors discussed, reflecting the overall quality of care and accessibility. This score would be a relative measure, allowing for comparison with other areas. The analysis would also offer recommendations for improvement, such as increasing physician recruitment, expanding telemedicine services, and strengthening mental health resources.

The data, the information, and the insights derived from this detailed analysis can be visually represented and explored using mapping tools. CartoChrome maps can transform this complex data into an interactive and easily understandable format. Visualize physician locations, patient demographics, and resource availability, all overlaid on a geographic map. This allows for a clear, concise, and impactful presentation of the findings.

Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of 27924 and other communities? Explore the power of data visualization with CartoChrome maps. Contact us today to learn how we can help you gain a deeper understanding of your community’s healthcare needs.