28364, Maxton, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28364, Maxton, North Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.30 percent of the residents in 28364 has some form of health insurance. 48.19 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.46 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 28364 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,605 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 4 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28364. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,090 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,136 health care providers accessible to residents in 28364, Maxton, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Maxton, NC (ZIP Code 28364)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality in Maxton, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28364) requires a multifaceted approach, especially when assessing hypertension management. This analysis will provide a "Hypertension Score" ranking, considering factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources, all vital for effective hypertension control.

The foundation of this score lies in primary care physician (PCP) availability. Maxton, a rural community, often faces challenges in this area. Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) can strain resources, potentially leading to less frequent check-ups and less individualized care for hypertension patients. The ideal ratio is often considered to be around 1:1,500 or lower, but this can vary based on the specific population and health needs. A high ratio in Maxton would negatively impact the Hypertension Score. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with information from insurance providers and local hospital systems, would be essential to determine the precise ratio.

The quality of primary care practices in Maxton significantly influences the Hypertension Score. Factors like the presence of board-certified physicians, particularly in internal medicine and family medicine, are critical. Practices should demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, including regular blood pressure monitoring, medication adherence support, and lifestyle counseling. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for easy access to patient data and streamlined communication, would be ranked higher.

Standout practices would be those that go above and beyond. This includes practices that offer comprehensive hypertension management programs. These programs might include: dedicated hypertension nurses or medical assistants, patient education materials in multiple languages, and readily available blood pressure monitoring devices. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition programs, would also be considered exemplary.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that offer virtual consultations for medication refills, follow-up appointments, and even blood pressure monitoring are likely to receive a higher score. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as home blood pressure cuffs that transmit data directly to the physician, is another positive indicator. The ability to integrate telemedicine with existing EHR systems is also a critical factor.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can significantly impact blood pressure. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources in Maxton is a crucial component of the Hypertension Score. The presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs), is essential. Ideally, these resources should be integrated with primary care practices, either through on-site services or through established referral networks. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health issues and offer support services, or have readily available referrals, will be highly valued.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Maxton (ZIP Code 28364) would be a composite score, weighted based on the factors discussed above. Physician-to-patient ratio would be the most heavily weighted factor, followed by the quality of primary care practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor would be assigned a numerical score, and the final score would be calculated by averaging the weighted scores.

For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a board-certified physician, comprehensive hypertension management programs, robust telemedicine capabilities, and strong mental health integration would receive a high score. Conversely, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited resources, and no telemedicine or mental health support would receive a lower score.

The final Hypertension Score would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Maxton, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. This information can be used by healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers to improve hypertension management and ultimately, the health of the community.

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of these factors, and to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analytics. **CartoChrome maps** can help you visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability in Maxton. Explore the power of mapping to gain further insights.