28472, Whiteville, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28472, Whiteville, North Carolina is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.88 percent of the residents in 28472 has some form of health insurance. 44.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 47.72 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 28472 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,568 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28472. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,060 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 770 health care providers accessible to residents in 28472, Whiteville, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Whiteville, NC (ZIP Code 28472)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of hypertension management resources and primary care availability within Whiteville, North Carolina (ZIP code 28472). We'll examine key indicators influencing hypertension control, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health support, ultimately assigning a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" based on these factors. This score is designed to offer a general overview and should not be considered a definitive ranking.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on readily accessible primary care. Whiteville, a relatively rural community, faces challenges common to such areas, particularly regarding physician distribution. A critical metric is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise figures fluctuate, a higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, follow-up care, and preventative screenings – all crucial for managing hypertension. The availability of primary care physicians, including internal medicine specialists and family practitioners, directly impacts the ability of residents to receive the necessary monitoring and medication adjustments.

Within Whiteville, the presence of larger healthcare systems, such as hospitals or affiliated networks, can significantly influence the quality and accessibility of care. These systems often have greater resources for recruiting and retaining physicians, offering advanced diagnostic capabilities, and implementing standardized treatment protocols. Practices affiliated with these systems are likely to have a higher "Hypertension Score" due to their potential for better infrastructure and support. Conversely, smaller, independent practices may face limitations in resources, potentially impacting their ability to offer comprehensive hypertension management.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. These are healthcare providers demonstrating a commitment to excellence in hypertension care. This might include practices that actively monitor patient blood pressure, offer patient education programs on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), and consistently achieve positive outcomes in blood pressure control. Practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) with integrated clinical decision support tools are likely to be more efficient in identifying and managing patients with hypertension. These practices would contribute positively to the overall "Hypertension Score" for the area.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that offer telehealth appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring, and virtual follow-up visits would receive a higher "Hypertension Score." This is because telemedicine can improve adherence to treatment plans and facilitate more frequent monitoring, both vital for hypertension management.

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. The availability of mental health resources within the community is therefore a crucial factor in hypertension management. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their hypertension care protocols would be considered superior. This might involve partnerships with local mental health providers, on-site counseling services, or educational materials addressing the connection between mental well-being and cardiovascular health. The presence of these resources directly influences the "Hypertension Score."

Furthermore, the availability of community resources, such as support groups, exercise programs, and nutritional counseling, also contributes to the overall effectiveness of hypertension management. These resources empower patients to take an active role in managing their condition and can significantly improve outcomes. A community rich in these resources would positively influence the "Hypertension Score."

The hypothetical "Hypertension Score" for Whiteville, NC (28472) would be calculated based on a weighted average of these factors. Physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources would all contribute to the score. A higher score would indicate a more favorable environment for hypertension management, with greater access to care, advanced technologies, and comprehensive support services. Conversely, a lower score would suggest potential challenges in accessing and managing hypertension effectively.

It is important to emphasize that this "Hypertension Score" is a theoretical construct based on available information. A true assessment would require detailed data collection, including patient outcomes, physician surveys, and community resource inventories. However, this analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of hypertension management resources in Whiteville.

Ultimately, improving the "Hypertension Score" requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes efforts to recruit and retain primary care physicians, expand telemedicine capabilities, integrate mental health services into primary care, and promote community-based wellness programs. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential to create a supportive environment for individuals with hypertension.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Whiteville, including physician locations, practice affiliations, and the distribution of community resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can provide valuable insights into the geographical distribution of healthcare services and other relevant factors influencing hypertension management.