28436, Delco, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28436, Delco, North Carolina is 98 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 77.53 percent of the residents in 28436 has some form of health insurance. 31.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.17 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 28436 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 400 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28436. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,449 health care providers accessible to residents in 28436, Delco, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 28436 Physicians and Delco Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis examines the landscape within ZIP Code 28436 and the broader context of primary care availability in Delco, aiming to provide a 'Hypertension Score' assessment. This score, though not a single numerical value, will reflect the relative strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in addressing hypertension, considering factors like physician density, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive services.

The first critical element is physician density. ZIP Code 28436, encompassing a specific geographic area, requires a detailed assessment of the physician-to-patient ratio. This involves identifying the number of primary care physicians (PCPs), cardiologists, and other specialists involved in hypertension care actively practicing within the zip code. Data from the North Carolina Medical Board, combined with information from insurance provider directories and online physician finders, is crucial. The ideal scenario is a high physician-to-patient ratio, ensuring adequate access to care. However, the quality of care is equally important.

Delco, as a larger regional area, presents a broader picture. Assessing primary care availability in Delco involves understanding the overall distribution of PCPs across the county. Rural areas often face challenges in physician recruitment and retention, leading to lower physician-to-patient ratios. This disparity necessitates examining transportation infrastructure and access to public transit, which can significantly impact a patient's ability to attend appointments and receive timely care.

Standout practices within 28436 and Delco deserve specific attention. Identifying practices demonstrating exemplary hypertension management requires analyzing their patient outcomes, adherence to clinical guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores. This information can be gleaned from patient reviews, publicly available quality reports (if available), and direct surveys. Practices employing innovative strategies, such as proactive patient outreach programs, comprehensive patient education materials, and integrated care models, should be highlighted. Practices that have demonstrated success in controlling hypertension rates within their patient populations would be considered high-performing.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in the modern healthcare landscape, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Examining the extent of telemedicine utilization among physicians in 28436 and Delco is essential. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring systems (e.g., blood pressure monitoring devices), and digital patient portals. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. The ease of access to these technologies and the training provided to both physicians and patients are important considerations.

Mental health resources play a significant, often underestimated, role in hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Therefore, assessing the availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, within the 28436 zip code and Delco is essential. This includes evaluating the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, the accessibility of mental health providers, and the availability of support groups and educational programs. Practices that recognize the connection between mental health and hypertension and provide integrated care models would receive a higher score.

Beyond the availability of resources, the quality of care is paramount. This involves assessing whether physicians are following established clinical guidelines for hypertension management, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. This includes evaluating the frequency of blood pressure checks, the use of appropriate medications, and the implementation of lifestyle modifications, such as dietary counseling and exercise recommendations.

The 'Hypertension Score' for physicians in 28436 and Delco would be a composite assessment. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of standout practices, the degree of telemedicine adoption, the availability of mental health resources, and the quality of care provided. The score would not be a single number, but rather a nuanced evaluation of the healthcare ecosystem's capacity to effectively manage hypertension.

For 28436, the score would be heavily influenced by the density of physicians within the zip code and the presence of practices demonstrating excellence in hypertension management. Delco's score would reflect the broader availability of primary care and the integration of supportive services, such as mental health resources and telemedicine.

This analysis, while providing a comprehensive overview, is limited by the availability of data. Publicly available information may not always capture the full picture of physician practices and patient outcomes. However, it provides a valuable starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in addressing hypertension. Continuous monitoring and data collection are crucial for tracking progress and identifying areas for improvement.

The integration of geographic information systems (GIS) can significantly enhance this analysis. Mapping the distribution of physicians, patient demographics, and health outcomes can reveal patterns and disparities that might not be apparent through traditional data analysis. Such mapping can also help identify areas where resources are most needed.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in 28436 and Delco and gain deeper insights into physician distribution, patient demographics, and access to care, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis.
Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize this data and gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape.