28586, Vanceboro, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28586, Vanceboro, North Carolina is 52 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.92 percent of the residents in 28586 has some form of health insurance. 42.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.44 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 28586 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,477 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 7 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28586. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,278 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 5,023 health care providers accessible to residents in 28586, Vanceboro, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Vanceboro, NC (ZIP Code 28586)

Vanceboro, North Carolina, a rural community within ZIP code 28586, presents a unique landscape for analyzing hypertension management. This analysis delves into the availability and quality of primary care, the adoption of innovative practices, and the integration of mental health resources, ultimately constructing a "Hypertension Score" ranking for physicians and assessing the overall healthcare environment. This score isn't a single number but a holistic assessment based on several key factors.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Vanceboro, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with publicly available information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), provides a baseline. We'll need to analyze the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 28586 ZIP code and compare that to the population size. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, signals a potential challenge in accessing timely appointments and consistent care, which can negatively impact hypertension control.

Beyond simple numbers, we must assess the types of primary care practices available. Are there solo practitioners, small group practices, or larger, multi-specialty clinics? Larger clinics often have the resources to offer a wider range of services, including on-site laboratory testing, which is crucial for monitoring blood pressure and related health indicators. We'll also examine the insurance networks accepted by each practice. The ability to accept a broad range of insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, ensures accessibility for a diverse patient population, including those most vulnerable to hypertension.

Identifying standout practices is essential. This involves evaluating practices that demonstrate a commitment to hypertension management through various metrics. These include the use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, the implementation of patient education programs, and the proactive monitoring of patient outcomes. We'll look for practices that actively use electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, send automated reminders for medication refills and follow-up appointments, and generate reports on hypertension control rates. Practices with a strong focus on patient education, offering resources on lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise, will receive higher scores.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas with limited transportation options. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, providing virtual appointments and remote monitoring tools, will be recognized for their forward-thinking approach. This also includes assessing the practice's ability to provide remote blood pressure monitoring devices and the integration of these readings into the patient's EHR.

The strong link between mental health and hypertension demands careful consideration. Chronic stress and mental health conditions like anxiety and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a vital component of our Hypertension Score. We'll investigate whether primary care practices have integrated mental health services into their care models. This could involve on-site therapists, partnerships with local mental health providers, or the use of telehealth platforms to connect patients with mental health professionals. Practices that actively screen for mental health conditions and provide or facilitate access to appropriate care will receive higher scores.

Evaluating patient satisfaction is also critical. This involves analyzing patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews. We'll look for patterns in patient feedback, focusing on factors like appointment wait times, the clarity of communication from physicians, the responsiveness of staff, and the overall patient experience. Practices with consistently positive reviews, reflecting a high level of patient satisfaction, will be viewed favorably.

The final Hypertension Score will be a composite ranking, considering all these factors. Practices will be assessed on a scale, with higher scores indicating a greater commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. The score will reflect a practice's ability to provide accessible, evidence-based care, embrace innovative technologies, and address the holistic needs of their patients.

The analysis will also identify areas for improvement within the Vanceboro healthcare system. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, we'll explore strategies to increase access to care, such as recruiting more physicians or expanding telehealth services. If mental health resources are limited, we'll identify opportunities to integrate mental health services into primary care practices.

This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the current state of hypertension management in Vanceboro. It empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and provides a roadmap for improving the overall quality of care.

For a visual representation of these findings, including the geographical distribution of primary care practices, patient demographics, and access to resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can visualize the data and provide a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Vanceboro and beyond.