27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.21 percent of the residents in 27948 has some form of health insurance. 25.37 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.76 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 27948 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,947 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 25 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27948. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,109 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 847 health care providers accessible to residents in 27948, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Kill Devil Hills, NC (ZIP Code 27948)

Analyzing hypertension management within Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27948) necessitates a comprehensive assessment. This analysis will evaluate the availability and quality of primary care, focusing on factors crucial for effective hypertension control. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all of which contribute to a "Hypertension Score" for the area.

The foundation of hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is paramount. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can provide an initial understanding. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. However, this metric alone is insufficient. The *distribution* of physicians within the ZIP code is also critical. Are primary care physicians concentrated in specific areas, creating "medical deserts" for certain residents? This geographical analysis is crucial.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care significantly impacts hypertension control. Identifying standout practices involves examining several factors. This includes patient reviews, which can offer insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the perceived quality of care. Furthermore, we can assess the adoption of evidence-based practices. Do practices routinely measure blood pressure accurately? Are they adhering to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology? Do they offer comprehensive patient education on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise?

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely. This is especially relevant for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education related to hypertension. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote blood pressure monitoring, can improve patient adherence and outcomes. This can be evaluated by reviewing practice websites, surveying patients, and examining insurance coverage for telehealth services within the area.

The often-overlooked link between mental health and hypertension requires careful consideration. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Kill Devil Hills is crucial. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Examining the presence of integrated behavioral health services within primary care practices is particularly important. Do primary care physicians have access to mental health professionals who can provide collaborative care for patients with hypertension and co-occurring mental health conditions?

To create a "Hypertension Score," we can assign weighted values to each of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratios might account for a certain percentage of the score, with lower ratios receiving higher scores. The presence of evidence-based practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability could each contribute significantly to the overall score. Patient reviews, while subjective, can also be incorporated, perhaps as a modifier to the practice's overall score.

Analyzing the specific practices within Kill Devil Hills is crucial. We can identify practices that excel in hypertension management. This might involve highlighting practices with excellent patient reviews, a strong focus on patient education, and seamless integration of telemedicine. Conversely, practices that lag behind in these areas might be identified as needing improvement. This analysis, however, should be performed with sensitivity, recognizing that all practices are working to provide the best possible care within their resources.

The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, also plays a role. While primary care physicians are at the forefront of hypertension management, access to specialists is essential for patients with complex cases or those who are not responding to initial treatment. Examining the referral patterns of primary care physicians and the availability of specialist appointments is important.

Furthermore, the analysis should consider the demographics of Kill Devil Hills. Are there disparities in hypertension prevalence or control rates among different demographic groups? Addressing these disparities requires targeted interventions and culturally sensitive care. This might involve identifying practices that cater to specific populations or offering language services.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Kill Devil Hills can be a valuable tool for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients can use this information to make informed decisions about their care, while healthcare providers can use it to identify areas for improvement and benchmark their performance against their peers. This score can also be used to advocate for policy changes that support better hypertension management within the community.

The data collection process itself is complex. It requires gathering information from multiple sources, including public health agencies, medical boards, insurance providers, and patient surveys. The accuracy and reliability of the data are paramount. Regular updates are also essential, as healthcare practices and the availability of resources are constantly evolving.

In conclusion, a thorough analysis of hypertension management in Kill Devil Hills requires a multi-faceted approach. Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources are all crucial components. The "Hypertension Score" framework provides a valuable mechanism for understanding the current state of care and identifying areas for improvement.

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