28587, Vandemere, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28587, Vandemere, North Carolina is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.24 percent of the residents in 28587 has some form of health insurance. 72.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 41.13 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 28587 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 46 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28587. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 86 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 63 health care providers accessible to residents in 28587, Vandemere, North Carolina.

The analysis that follows assesses hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 28587, encompassing the town of Vandemere, North Carolina, with a focus on primary care availability and related resources. This evaluation provides a ‘Hypertension Score’ based on various factors, offering insights into the community's ability to effectively address this prevalent health concern.

The foundation of hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Vandemere, a relatively small community, presents a unique challenge. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Vandemere requires specific, up-to-date information from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board or the US Census Bureau in conjunction with practice directories. However, the general rural nature of the area suggests a potential for a lower ratio compared to more urban centers, which inherently affects the overall score.

Primary care practices within the area are the first line of defense. Evaluating these practices involves assessing their capacity to manage hypertension. This includes the availability of routine blood pressure checks, access to medication management, and patient education programs. Standout practices are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension care. This might manifest through dedicated hypertension clinics, where patients receive specialized attention, or through the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for treatment. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the American Medical Association, would also receive higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in improving access to care, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have embraced telemedicine for hypertension management, offering virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, would be ranked more favorably. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a key factor in the effectiveness of telemedicine.

Hypertension is often linked to other health conditions, including mental health issues. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and can also impact a patient's ability to manage their condition effectively. The availability of mental health resources in Vandemere is therefore a crucial component of the overall score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that integrate mental health screening and referral services into their hypertension management protocols would be considered particularly well-equipped. The integration of behavioral health specialists into primary care settings is a growing trend that would be a significant advantage.

Medication adherence is a cornerstone of successful hypertension control. The cost of medications, insurance coverage, and the availability of pharmacy services are all factors that influence a patient's ability to take their prescribed medications as directed. Practices that offer assistance with medication affordability, such as providing information about patient assistance programs or offering in-house pharmacy services, would contribute positively to the score. The presence of local pharmacies with a good selection of generic medications is also beneficial.

Patient education is essential. Practices that provide patients with clear and concise information about hypertension, its management, and lifestyle modifications would receive higher marks. This includes providing educational materials, offering group classes, and utilizing patient portals to share information. The ability of the practice to communicate effectively with patients, considering their health literacy levels, is also a key consideration.

The overall ‘Hypertension Score’ for doctors in ZIP Code 28587 would be determined by a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio would be given significant weight, as it directly impacts access to care. The availability of primary care practices with comprehensive hypertension management programs would also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, medication affordability support, and patient education efforts would all contribute to the score, with each area receiving a specific weight based on its perceived importance.

The analysis would not be a simple ranking. It would be a nuanced assessment, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. The score would not be a single number, but a composite of multiple factors, each representing a different aspect of hypertension management. The final score would provide a comprehensive overview of the community's ability to address this critical health concern.

To further enhance this analysis, a more in-depth investigation could include a review of local hospital data, assessing the rates of hypertension-related hospitalizations and emergency room visits. This data would provide additional insights into the effectiveness of current management strategies. Community health surveys, if available, could also provide valuable information about the prevalence of hypertension and the awareness of the condition within the population.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ is not just a number; it's a snapshot of a community's health infrastructure. It reflects the availability of resources, the commitment of healthcare providers, and the overall health of the population. Improving this score requires a collaborative effort, involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government.

To visualize this data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Vandemere and the surrounding areas, consider exploring the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare resources, and other relevant data points, helping you to better understand the dynamics of healthcare access and hypertension management in your community.