28340, Fairmont, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28340, Fairmont, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.79 percent of the residents in 28340 has some form of health insurance. 57.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.72 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 28340 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,975 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28340. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,044 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,305 health care providers accessible to residents in 28340, Fairmont, North Carolina.

The analysis below focuses on hypertension management within ZIP code 28340, encompassing Fairmont, North Carolina, and evaluates primary care availability. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, particularly regarding hypertension care, and to identify areas of strength and potential improvement. This assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial factors in effective hypertension control.

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in Fairmont is a fundamental starting point. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to increased wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially, delayed diagnosis and treatment of hypertension. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the US Census Bureau will be used to establish the physician-to-population ratio. This data, however, is often aggregated across larger geographical areas. This requires a deep dive into local directories and healthcare provider websites to determine the exact number of primary care physicians practicing within the 28340 ZIP code. The data collected will be compared to national and state averages to determine the adequacy of the physician supply.

The availability of primary care physicians is not just about quantity; it's also about accessibility. Factors such as insurance acceptance (Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance), office hours, and the ability to accommodate new patients are critical. We will assess the presence of clinics and practices within Fairmont that are accepting new patients, particularly those with common insurance plans. This information is gathered through direct phone calls to practices, online reviews, and insurance provider directories. The goal is to identify practices that are readily accessible to the population and can provide timely care for hypertension management.

Several practices within Fairmont may stand out for their approach to hypertension care. These standout practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient education, lifestyle modification counseling, and the use of evidence-based treatment protocols. Identifying these practices involves reviewing patient testimonials, examining the services offered on their websites, and analyzing their performance metrics if available. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes will be highlighted. This analysis will also look for practices that offer specialized services, such as registered dietitians or certified diabetes educators, who can play a crucial role in managing hypertension.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine allows for remote monitoring of blood pressure, medication management, and virtual consultations, which can significantly improve patient adherence and outcomes. The analysis will determine the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Fairmont. This includes assessing whether practices offer virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices that embrace telemedicine are often better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to manage the condition. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension care. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, within Fairmont. It will also assess the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, such as on-site counseling or referrals to mental health specialists. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to these resources are better equipped to support patients with hypertension.

Data on the prevalence of hypertension within the 28340 ZIP code is also vital. Public health data from the CDC and NCDHHS provides general estimates of hypertension prevalence. However, local-level data, if available, offers a more precise understanding of the burden of hypertension within the community. The analysis will attempt to obtain any available local data on hypertension prevalence, which can help to identify high-risk populations and inform targeted interventions. The data on prevalence will be correlated with the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of resources to assess the overall effectiveness of hypertension management efforts.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes programs offered by local health departments, hospitals, or community organizations. These programs may include blood pressure screenings, health education classes, support groups, and access to affordable medications. The analysis will identify and evaluate these resources, as they play a vital role in promoting awareness, prevention, and management of hypertension within the community. The goal is to create a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape, going beyond the availability of physicians to include the broader support system available to patients.

The quality of care is not only about the availability of resources but also about the outcomes achieved. If available, the analysis will look for metrics related to hypertension control rates, such as the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure within the practices. This requires obtaining data from healthcare providers or public health agencies. The ability to track and measure outcomes is essential for assessing the effectiveness of hypertension management efforts and identifying areas for improvement.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' for doctors in ZIP Code 28340 and primary care availability in Fairmont will be a composite of all the factors discussed. It will reflect the physician-to-patient ratio, accessibility of care, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, community support, and available outcome data. This score is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in the area, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. The goal is to help patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions about hypertension care.

Finally, to visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources and patient needs, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide an interactive platform to visualize the data collected, allowing you to explore the physician density, the locations of various healthcare facilities, and the prevalence of hypertension across different areas. The visualization capabilities of CartoChrome maps can facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fairmont.