28358, Lumberton, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.84 percent of the residents in 28358 has some form of health insurance. 49.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.84 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 28358 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 10,125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28358. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,002 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,359 health care providers accessible to residents in 28358, Lumberton, North Carolina.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Lumberton, NC (ZIP Code 28358)**

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of hypertension management capabilities within Lumberton, North Carolina (ZIP code 28358), focusing on primary care availability, physician resources, and related factors. The goal is to determine a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the community's capacity to effectively address this prevalent health concern. This score will be based on the availability of primary care physicians, the quality of care provided, and the integration of modern technologies and resources.

The foundation of effective hypertension management is readily accessible primary care. Lumberton's primary care availability is a critical factor. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. The ideal ratio allows physicians sufficient time to provide comprehensive care, including regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. A high ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially compromised care quality. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau is essential to calculate this ratio accurately, allowing for a baseline assessment of primary care access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care practices is a crucial aspect. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several factors. These include patient satisfaction scores (gathered through surveys and online reviews), adherence to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment (e.g., those set forth by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology), and the integration of patient education programs. Practices that proactively engage patients in their care, providing resources on diet, exercise, and stress management, are likely to demonstrate better outcomes. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another key indicator. EHRs facilitate efficient data management, enabling physicians to track patient progress, identify trends, and personalize treatment plans.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool in expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas like Lumberton. Its integration into hypertension management is particularly relevant. Telemedicine allows for remote consultations, medication refills, and remote monitoring of blood pressure. Practices that embrace telemedicine can reach a wider patient population, improve adherence to treatment plans, and potentially reduce the need for frequent in-person visits. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered, and the ease of use for patients is critical to evaluating the community’s hypertension care capabilities.

Mental health is often a neglected component of hypertension management, despite its significant impact. Stress and anxiety can elevate blood pressure, and untreated mental health conditions can hinder adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources in Lumberton is thus a vital factor. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, as well as support groups and mental health education programs. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their hypertension management protocols are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. Assessing the integration of these services is a key component of the Hypertension Score.

The availability of specialist care is another consideration. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, patients with complex cases may require the expertise of cardiologists or nephrologists. The proximity and availability of these specialists, and the ease with which patients can be referred to them, directly impact the quality of care. Analyzing the number of specialists, their wait times, and the referral processes within the local healthcare system is essential.

Another factor is the socioeconomic makeup of the community. Hypertension disproportionately affects certain populations, including those with lower incomes, limited access to healthy food options, and inadequate health insurance coverage. Assessing the socioeconomic factors within Lumberton is important to contextualize the findings. This includes analyzing poverty rates, food insecurity, and insurance coverage levels. Understanding these factors helps to tailor interventions and resources to meet the specific needs of the community.

The Hypertension Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted contribution of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the access to specialist care, and the socioeconomic characteristics of the community will all be considered. The score will be presented as a numerical value, allowing for a comparative assessment over time and across different geographic areas.

The final score will provide a valuable tool for stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations. It can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness in hypertension management, to inform resource allocation decisions, and to track progress over time. It can also be used to compare Lumberton's performance with other communities.

This analysis is not intended to be a definitive judgment of any particular practice or provider. Rather, it is a comprehensive assessment of the community's overall capacity to manage hypertension effectively. It aims to promote a data-driven approach to healthcare improvement, ultimately leading to better outcomes for residents of Lumberton.

For a detailed visual representation of physician locations, primary care availability, and related demographic data, including interactive maps and data visualizations, we encourage you to explore the CartoChrome maps. These maps provide a powerful tool for understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and identifying areas where interventions are most needed.