28226, Charlotte, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28226, Charlotte, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.78 percent of the residents in 28226 has some form of health insurance. 22.62 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.66 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 28226 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,306 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 88 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28226. An estimate of 68 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,564 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 53,387 health care providers accessible to residents in 28226, Charlotte, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Charlotte, NC (ZIP Code 28226)

The analysis focuses on evaluating the landscape of hypertension management within Charlotte, North Carolina's 28226 ZIP code, specifically examining primary care physician availability and related resources. This assessment aims to provide a "Hypertension Score," a nuanced evaluation of the area's capacity to effectively address and manage hypertension. This score considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial for holistic hypertension care.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational metric. In 28226, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts access to care. A lower ratio, indicating fewer PCPs per capita, can create bottlenecks, leading to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and potentially poorer hypertension control. Research into the specific ratio within 28226 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau, when combined, can provide an estimate. The analysis would need to identify the number of active PCPs practicing within the ZIP code and correlate that with the resident population. This ratio, compared to regional and national averages, provides a baseline understanding of access.

Standout practices within the area significantly influence the overall Hypertension Score. These are medical facilities that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. Identifying these practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Examining patient reviews, analyzing publicly available quality metrics (such as those from the National Committee for Quality Assurance - NCQA), and assessing the practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines (e.g., those from the American Heart Association) are key. Practices that have implemented comprehensive hypertension programs, including patient education, lifestyle counseling, medication management protocols, and regular follow-up appointments, would receive high marks. Furthermore, practices that offer extended hours, weekend availability, or same-day appointments contribute to improved access and control.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial component. The utilization of telehealth services has expanded rapidly, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Telemedicine offers significant advantages in hypertension management, including remote blood pressure monitoring, medication adjustments, virtual consultations, and patient education. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing patients with convenient and accessible care options, would score favorably. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote patient monitoring technologies, and the integration of telemedicine into the practice's workflow. The availability of patient portals and secure messaging systems are also important.

The integration of mental health resources is often overlooked but is critical. Hypertension and mental health are interconnected. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that recognize this connection and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This includes assessing whether practices screen for mental health conditions, offer counseling services, or collaborate with mental health professionals to provide integrated care. This integration is a key element in a high Hypertension Score.

The availability of resources such as certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians, who can provide specialized education and support for lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), also impacts the score. These resources are essential for promoting healthy behaviors and improving hypertension control. The presence of these professionals within a practice, or readily available referral networks, contributes positively to the score.

Data collection for this analysis involves several steps. First, identify all primary care practices within the 28226 ZIP code. Second, gather publicly available data on physician counts, patient demographics, and quality metrics. Third, review patient reviews and practice websites to assess telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the availability of specialized resources. Fourth, analyze the practice's adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Finally, synthesize the data to assign a score based on the weighted importance of each factor.

The Hypertension Score would be a composite metric, reflecting the overall capacity of the area to effectively manage hypertension. The score could be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-100), with higher scores indicating a more favorable environment for hypertension care. The score could also include sub-scores for each of the key factors, providing a more granular understanding of the area's strengths and weaknesses.

The analysis would also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension management. Factors such as income, education, and access to healthy food options can significantly impact hypertension control. The analysis would consider the socioeconomic profile of the 28226 ZIP code and assess how these factors may influence the effectiveness of hypertension management efforts.

The final report would provide a comprehensive overview of the hypertension landscape in 28226, identifying areas of strength and areas for improvement. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop strategies to improve hypertension management and reduce the burden of this chronic disease. The report would also provide recommendations for improving access to care, promoting evidence-based practices, and addressing the social determinants of health that impact hypertension control.

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