28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.71 percent of the residents in 28468 has some form of health insurance. 55.23 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.46 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 28468 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 418 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28468. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,128 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,138 health care providers accessible to residents in 28468, Sunset Beach, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 28468, specifically Sunset Beach, North Carolina. This assessment considers factors influencing patient access to care, the quality of services provided, and the overall capacity of the local healthcare system to address hypertension. A comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' isn't a single, universally accepted metric. Instead, this analysis synthesizes various indicators to offer a nuanced understanding of the landscape.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Sunset Beach, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Physician-to-patient ratios provide a baseline understanding. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and consistent follow-up care. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau are essential to calculate this ratio accurately. The analysis needs to determine the number of active primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and compare that to the population of Sunset Beach.

Beyond physician numbers, the distribution of primary care practices is important. Are practices concentrated in one area, creating potential access challenges for residents in other parts of the town? The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers can significantly improve access for underserved populations. These centers often offer sliding-scale fees and comprehensive services, which can be crucial for patients with hypertension who may face financial barriers to care.

Standout practices are those that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. This can be assessed through various means. Reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, if available, offers insight into patient experiences. Analyzing data on practice adherence to clinical guidelines for hypertension treatment, such as those published by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American College of Cardiology (ACC), is vital. Practices that actively monitor blood pressure, titrate medications appropriately, and provide patient education likely achieve better outcomes. Examining the availability of ancillary services, such as on-site pharmacies or laboratory services, can also contribute to a practice's score.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth can significantly improve access to care for patients with hypertension. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are likely to score higher in this analysis. The analysis needs to identify which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered, and the extent to which patients are utilizing these options.

Hypertension often co-exists with other health conditions, including mental health disorders. The presence of mental health resources within primary care practices or through referral networks is crucial. Practices that screen for depression and anxiety, and that have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to provide comprehensive care. This analysis will need to identify the availability of mental health services within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals.

The quality of care also depends on patient education and support. Practices that provide educational materials on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, and that offer support groups or other resources for patients with hypertension, are likely to achieve better outcomes. The availability of bilingual staff or materials is also important in a diverse community.

The analysis needs to consider the availability of diagnostic services within the ZIP code. Access to timely and accurate blood pressure monitoring equipment, laboratory testing for cholesterol and other risk factors, and cardiovascular imaging services is essential for effective hypertension management. Practices that have these resources readily available will score higher.

The analysis must also assess the availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, within a reasonable distance of Sunset Beach. Patients with uncontrolled hypertension or those with complications may require specialized care. The proximity of these specialists and the ease with which patients can access their services are important factors.

Another critical element is the presence of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes access to healthy food options, opportunities for physical activity, and public health programs that promote awareness and prevention. The analysis needs to identify and assess these resources.

Finally, the analysis should consider the demographics of the population within ZIP Code 28468. Factors such as age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the ability of individuals to access care. The analysis should consider these factors when evaluating the overall healthcare landscape.

Creating a definitive 'Hypertension Score' involves weighting these various factors and assigning numerical values. The weights assigned to each factor should reflect their relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension management. The final score would then be a composite measure reflecting the overall capacity of the healthcare system in Sunset Beach to address hypertension.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Sunset Beach and surrounding areas, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations of geographical data, including healthcare resources. You can use CartoChrome to map physician locations, identify areas with limited access to care, and analyze the distribution of healthcare services. This visualization can help you identify areas where improvements are needed and make informed decisions about healthcare access and delivery. Explore CartoChrome maps today to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your area.