28528, Gloucester, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.32 percent of the residents in 28528 has some form of health insurance. 28.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.96 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 28528 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 127 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28528. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 111 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,144 health care providers accessible to residents in 28528, Gloucester, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Gloucester, NC (ZIP Code 28528) & Primary Care Access

Analyzing hypertension management within Gloucester, North Carolina (ZIP code 28528) requires a multifaceted approach, examining not only the quality of care provided by individual physicians but also the broader context of primary care availability and supporting resources. This analysis aims to create a "Hypertension Score" reflecting the overall efficacy of hypertension management within the community, considering factors from physician-to-patient ratios to the availability of mental health support.

Gloucester, a relatively rural area, likely faces challenges common to such locations, including potential shortages of primary care physicians and limited access to specialized care. These factors directly impact the ability of residents to receive timely diagnoses, consistent monitoring, and effective treatment for hypertension. The "Hypertension Score" will therefore consider these contextual elements.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Access to Care:**

A critical component of the "Hypertension Score" is the physician-to-patient ratio. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially compromised continuity of care. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, alongside information from the American Medical Association, can be used to estimate the number of primary care physicians practicing within ZIP code 28528. This data, combined with the population of Gloucester, allows for a calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio will negatively impact the "Hypertension Score."

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP code is crucial. Are practices concentrated in specific areas, leaving some residents with limited access? The proximity of practices to residential areas, especially for vulnerable populations, directly impacts the ability to manage hypertension effectively. This aspect will be factored into the "Hypertension Score."

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Identifying "standout practices" involves assessing the quality of care provided by individual primary care providers. This assessment will rely on a combination of factors, including patient reviews, performance metrics (where available), and the adoption of best practices in hypertension management. Data sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) may provide insights into quality metrics for practices participating in federal programs.

Key indicators of high-quality hypertension management include: the consistent measurement and documentation of blood pressure readings, the timely initiation of appropriate medication, the regular monitoring of medication effectiveness, and the proactive management of comorbidities. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, lifestyle modifications, and the utilization of evidence-based guidelines will receive higher scores. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the prevalence of these practices within the ZIP code.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption by primary care practices in Gloucester is a significant factor in the "Hypertension Score." Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote patient monitoring, thereby improving access to care and enhancing patient adherence to treatment plans.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine will be assessed based on the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the ease of use for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into their overall care delivery model. The presence of telemedicine options will positively influence the "Hypertension Score," reflecting its potential to improve access and management.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health issues, such as stress and anxiety, which can significantly impact blood pressure control. The availability of mental health resources within Gloucester is, therefore, a critical component of the "Hypertension Score."

This involves assessing the availability of mental health professionals (e.g., psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists), the accessibility of mental health services (e.g., affordability, wait times), and the integration of mental health care into primary care practices. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, will receive higher scores. The availability of support groups and educational resources related to stress management and mental well-being will also be considered. The "Hypertension Score" will reflect the community’s ability to address the mental health needs of individuals with hypertension.

**Specific Considerations within ZIP Code 28528:**

The "Hypertension Score" will be tailored to the specific context of ZIP code 28528. This includes identifying any unique challenges or opportunities specific to the community. For example, the presence of a significant elderly population may necessitate a focus on geriatric-specific hypertension management strategies. Similarly, the prevalence of certain health conditions or lifestyle factors within the community may influence the assessment of individual practices.

**Overall "Hypertension Score" and Conclusion:**

The final "Hypertension Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will each contribute to the overall score. The score will provide a valuable snapshot of the current state of hypertension management within Gloucester, highlighting areas of strength and areas that require improvement.

The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of hypertension management in the community. This will empower residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to make informed decisions and implement strategies to improve the health and well-being of individuals with hypertension.

**Visualize the Data with CartoChrome Maps:**

To gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of primary care practices, the accessibility of healthcare resources, and the overall health landscape of Gloucester, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data used in this "Hypertension Score" analysis, allowing you to identify patterns, trends, and areas of need. Visit CartoChrome to discover how this interactive mapping tool can provide valuable insights into the healthcare environment within ZIP code 28528 and beyond.