27937, Gates, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27937, Gates, North Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.37 percent of the residents in 27937 has some form of health insurance. 35.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.42 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 27937 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 766 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27937. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 671 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 475 health care providers accessible to residents in 27937, Gates, North Carolina.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Gates County, NC (ZIP Code 27937)**

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within Gates County, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services in ZIP code 27937. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients managing hypertension, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis will not use lists.

Gates County, a rural area, presents unique challenges in healthcare access. The population density is low, which impacts physician-to-patient ratios and the feasibility of establishing large, multi-specialty practices. This geographical reality significantly influences the ability of residents to access timely and comprehensive care for chronic conditions like hypertension. A critical component of this analysis is understanding the current state of primary care availability, as primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for hypertension diagnosis, management, and ongoing monitoring.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. A higher ratio, meaning fewer patients per physician, generally suggests better access to care. However, this metric alone is insufficient. The distribution of physicians within the county, their practice specializations, and their willingness to accept new patients are equally important. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might be misleading if the available PCPs are nearing retirement or are not actively accepting new patients. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau will be used to estimate this ratio, but the true picture requires additional investigation into practice-specific details.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves assessing the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the adoption of best practices for hypertension management. This requires looking at factors such as the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for tracking patient data and medication adherence, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., blood pressure monitoring, laboratory testing), and the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment. Practices that prioritize patient education, provide clear communication, and actively involve patients in their care plans are likely to achieve better outcomes. This assessment will consider factors such as patient reviews, practice accreditations, and the availability of multilingual services.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in addressing access challenges, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care for those with mobility limitations or transportation barriers. The availability of telemedicine services for hypertension management, including remote blood pressure monitoring and virtual consultations, can significantly improve patient outcomes. The analysis will investigate which practices in ZIP code 27937 offer telemedicine options and the extent to which these services are utilized.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in the context of chronic disease management, but they play a vital role in patient outcomes. Hypertension can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals, is a critical consideration. The analysis will explore the integration of mental health services within primary care practices in the area and the availability of mental health specialists who accept patients with hypertension.

The analysis will also consider the availability of ancillary services, such as pharmacy services, nutrition counseling, and exercise programs. These services are crucial for comprehensive hypertension management. The proximity of pharmacies, the availability of pharmacists who can provide medication counseling, and the availability of nutritionists and exercise specialists who can provide tailored guidance all contribute to better patient outcomes. The analysis will investigate the availability of these services within the county and their accessibility to patients.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the socioeconomic factors that influence hypertension management. Poverty, lack of access to healthy food, and limited health literacy can all contribute to poor outcomes. The analysis will consider the socioeconomic profile of the population in ZIP code 27937 and the availability of resources to address these challenges, such as food banks, health education programs, and financial assistance programs.

The challenges of providing healthcare in a rural area like Gates County are significant. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that considers the availability of physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health services, and the availability of ancillary services. It also requires addressing the socioeconomic factors that influence patient outcomes.

By analyzing these factors, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the current healthcare system in ZIP code 27937 and identify areas where improvements are needed. This will involve assessing the current state of primary care availability, evaluating the adoption of telemedicine, and examining the integration of mental health services. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the resources available to patients managing hypertension and to identify opportunities to improve access to care and patient outcomes.

This analysis is intended to be a starting point for further investigation. The information presented here is based on publicly available data and may not fully capture the complexities of the healthcare landscape in Gates County. Further research, including interviews with healthcare providers and patients, is needed to gain a more complete understanding. This analysis will provide a solid foundation for understanding the current state of hypertension management in Gates County.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Gates County, including physician locations, practice specializations, and access to resources, consider exploring the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data and identifying areas where resources are needed.