27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.57 percent of the residents in 27950 has some form of health insurance. 22.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.57 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 27950 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 358 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27950. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 220 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 188 health care providers accessible to residents in 27950, Knotts Island, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management and primary care access within the specific geographic constraints of ZIP Code 27950, encompassing Knotts Island, North Carolina. This assessment aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, specifically regarding the availability and quality of care for individuals managing or at risk of hypertension. We will delve into the physician-to-patient ratio, identify noteworthy practices, examine the utilization of telemedicine, and explore the presence of mental health resources, all crucial components of a comprehensive hypertension care strategy.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Knotts Island, 27950, is a critical starting point. This metric reflects the overall accessibility of primary care providers. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can present significant challenges for patients seeking timely appointments, preventative care, and ongoing management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with publicly available information from the American Medical Association and other sources, would be essential to ascertain the precise ratio. This data would need to be cross-referenced with population figures for Knotts Island to determine the actual availability of primary care physicians.

Identifying standout practices within the 27950 ZIP Code is crucial. These practices would ideally demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management. This includes the consistent use of national guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, for diagnosis, treatment, and patient education. Features to look for include a robust electronic health record (EHR) system that facilitates tracking patient data, medication adherence, and blood pressure control. Furthermore, practices that offer comprehensive patient education programs, including lifestyle modification counseling (diet, exercise, stress management), and readily available resources, would be considered exemplary. These programs would improve patient outcomes and promote self-management of hypertension.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Knotts Island. Telemedicine offers a convenient way for patients to access healthcare services, reducing the need for travel and improving access to specialists. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms, should be recognized. The availability of telehealth services can significantly improve access to care for patients with hypertension, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Furthermore, telemedicine can facilitate more frequent monitoring and follow-up appointments, leading to better blood pressure control.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is another crucial aspect of effective hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure, making it essential for primary care providers to address mental health concerns. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This integration allows for a more comprehensive approach to hypertension management, addressing both the physical and psychological factors contributing to the condition. Early identification and treatment of mental health issues can improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.

The availability of support services for patients with hypertension is also essential. This includes access to registered dietitians, certified diabetes educators, and exercise specialists. Practices that collaborate with these professionals can provide patients with the tools and support they need to make lifestyle changes that improve blood pressure control. These services can be particularly beneficial for patients who are struggling to manage their condition through medication alone.

Analyzing the specific practices in the 27950 ZIP Code would require a detailed review of their websites, patient reviews, and publicly available information. Direct contact with the practices would be necessary to gather information on their hypertension management protocols, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This would involve a comprehensive survey of the available healthcare providers.

To formulate a Hypertension Score for doctors in 27950, a weighted scoring system would be employed. This system would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each of these factors would be assigned a weight based on its importance in effective hypertension management. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, reflecting its impact on access to care. The presence of comprehensive patient education programs and the integration of mental health services would also be assigned significant weights. Practices would then be scored based on their performance in each of these areas, and the scores would be combined to produce an overall Hypertension Score.

The score would provide a comparative assessment of the healthcare landscape in Knotts Island, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the available services. This would allow patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and encourage practices to improve their hypertension management strategies.

The final analysis would be presented in a clear and concise format, including a summary of the key findings, the Hypertension Score for each practice (where available), and recommendations for improving hypertension care in the community. This information would be valuable for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. The analysis would emphasize the importance of access to care, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the integration of mental health resources.

For a more detailed visualization of the healthcare landscape in Knotts Island, including the location of primary care providers, the distribution of patient populations, and other relevant data, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and dynamic view of the data, allowing users to explore the healthcare resources available in the 27950 ZIP Code. This can be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers seeking to improve hypertension management in the community.