27967, Powellsville, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 27967, Powellsville, North Carolina is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.54 percent of the residents in 27967 has some form of health insurance. 78.25 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.86 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 27967 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 11 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 27967. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 395 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 117 health care providers accessible to residents in 27967, Powellsville, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Powellsville, NC (ZIP Code 27967)

Analyzing the landscape of healthcare in Powellsville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 27967) requires a multifaceted approach, especially when focusing on hypertension management and primary care access. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of care related to hypertension, and explore the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, culminating in a 'Hypertension Score' assessment. The ultimate goal is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare ecosystem for residents and identify areas for improvement.

The foundation of any effective hypertension management program rests on the availability of primary care physicians. Powellsville, a relatively small community, likely faces challenges common to rural areas: physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the US Census Bureau can be utilized to estimate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, is a significant red flag. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment for conditions like hypertension.

Furthermore, the quality of primary care practices needs evaluation. This involves examining several factors. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer comprehensive primary care services, including routine checkups, blood pressure screenings, and medication management? Do they have electronic health records (EHRs) that allow for efficient data management and communication? Reviews from patients, accessible through online platforms and local community feedback, can provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall experience of care.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These are the practices that excel in providing high-quality hypertension care. They may demonstrate superior patient outcomes, proactive patient education programs, or innovative approaches to care delivery. These practices often have a strong focus on preventative care, actively screen patients for hypertension risk factors, and provide clear and concise education about lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise. They also emphasize the importance of medication adherence and regular follow-up appointments.

The adoption of telemedicine is a critical factor in improving access to care, especially in rural areas like Powellsville. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving access to specialists. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can offer virtual consultations for blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and follow-up appointments. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those who live far from the nearest clinic. The availability of remote patient monitoring devices, which allow patients to track their blood pressure at home and share the data with their physician, is another important aspect of telemedicine integration.

Mental health resources are intricately linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, access to mental health services is crucial for holistic care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the community is a key consideration. Ideally, primary care practices should have established referral pathways to mental health services, or even integrate mental health professionals directly into their practices. This integrated approach facilitates early identification of mental health issues and ensures that patients receive the necessary support to manage stress and anxiety, thereby contributing to better hypertension control.

The 'Hypertension Score' for Powellsville (ZIP Code 27967) can be conceptualized as a composite metric reflecting the factors discussed above. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a weight based on its importance. For instance, the physician-to-patient ratio might carry a higher weight than the availability of telemedicine, given its fundamental impact on access to care. The score could range from 0 to 100, with a higher score indicating a more favorable healthcare environment for hypertension management.

Based on the analysis, the current 'Hypertension Score' for Powellsville is likely moderate, possibly in the 50-65 range. This estimation is based on the presumption of rural challenges. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely a concern, potentially leading to limited access to care. While some practices may be providing high-quality care, the overall availability of resources, including telemedicine and mental health services, may be limited.

To improve the 'Hypertension Score', several actions are needed. Recruitment and retention of primary care physicians are paramount. Expanding telemedicine capabilities, including remote patient monitoring, can improve access to care and facilitate better management of hypertension. Strengthening the integration of mental health services into primary care practices is crucial. Community-wide initiatives to promote healthy lifestyles, such as exercise programs and healthy eating education, can also contribute to better hypertension control.

Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is crucial for effective planning and resource allocation. Mapping these resources can highlight areas with limited access to care and identify potential gaps in services. CartoChrome maps provide an excellent platform for visualizing this information.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Powellsville and surrounding areas? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and identify opportunities for improvement. Visit CartoChrome today!**