28604, Banner Elk, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28604, Banner Elk, North Carolina is 41 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.15 percent of the residents in 28604 has some form of health insurance. 38.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.61 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 28604 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,571 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28604. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,819 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,912 health care providers accessible to residents in 28604, Banner Elk, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 28604 & Primary Care in Banner Elk

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 28604, which encompasses Banner Elk, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the quality of primary care available, focusing on factors critical to effective hypertension control. These factors include physician accessibility, the integration of modern healthcare practices, and the availability of crucial support services like mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a 'Hypertension Score' ranking, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within Banner Elk is essential. Data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can be combined to estimate this ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, would negatively impact the 'Hypertension Score'.

Beyond simple numbers, the distribution of primary care providers matters. Are physicians clustered in a single practice, or are they spread throughout the community, offering greater accessibility to residents across the geographic area? The location of practices, their proximity to residential areas, and the availability of transportation options all influence a patient’s ability to access care. This geographic accessibility will be a key factor in determining the 'Hypertension Score'.

Identifying standout practices is critical. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management will receive higher scores. This includes practices that: utilize standardized protocols for blood pressure monitoring, proactively screen patients for hypertension, and offer comprehensive patient education programs. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including lifestyle modifications like dietary counseling and exercise programs, will also be highly regarded.

The adoption of telemedicine is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape. Telemedicine offers several advantages in hypertension management. It enables remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management, particularly for patients in rural areas or with mobility limitations. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, providing convenient and accessible care options, will receive a higher 'Hypertension Score'. The availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and digital patient portals are all indicators of telemedicine adoption.

Effective hypertension management also requires a holistic approach, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. The availability of mental health resources within the Banner Elk healthcare system is therefore crucial. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with local mental health providers, will receive a higher score. This includes the availability of counseling services, support groups, and access to psychiatric care.

The 'Hypertension Score' will also consider the presence of ancillary services. This includes access to on-site pharmacies, laboratory services, and specialized care, such as cardiology. The ability of patients to access these services conveniently contributes to improved adherence to treatment plans and overall health outcomes. Practices that offer these integrated services will be viewed favorably.

Specific data points are needed to create a truly accurate 'Hypertension Score'. This includes the number of primary care physicians practicing within 28604, the average wait times for appointments, the percentage of patients with controlled hypertension, the availability of telemedicine options, and the integration of mental health services. Gathering this information requires a combination of public data sources, direct outreach to local practices, and potentially patient surveys.

The analysis would then compile all the data and assign weighted scores to each factor. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in hypertension management. For example, physician accessibility and the adoption of evidence-based protocols might be given higher weights than the availability of on-site pharmacies. The 'Hypertension Score' would be a composite score, reflecting the overall quality of hypertension management within the community.

The final 'Hypertension Score' would be presented in a clear and concise format, providing a readily understandable assessment of the healthcare landscape. This score would be accompanied by specific recommendations for improvement. These recommendations might include: increasing the number of primary care physicians, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, expanding mental health services, and encouraging practices to implement evidence-based hypertension management protocols.

This analysis, while comprehensive, is inherently limited by the availability of data. Publicly available data may not always be complete or up-to-date. Direct outreach to local practices can be time-consuming and may not always yield complete responses. Patient surveys can provide valuable insights but are subject to sampling bias.

The analysis would also include a discussion of any potential disparities in healthcare access within the community. Are there specific populations, such as the elderly, low-income residents, or those with limited transportation options, who face greater challenges in accessing care? Addressing these disparities is crucial to achieving equitable hypertension management outcomes.

In conclusion, the 'Hypertension Score' analysis for 28604 and primary care availability in Banner Elk requires a detailed examination of physician accessibility, the integration of modern healthcare practices, and the availability of support services. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the local healthcare ecosystem, identify areas of strength and weakness, and offer recommendations for improvement.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Banner Elk and beyond? Explore the power of data-driven mapping with CartoChrome maps. Gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, patient demographics, and healthcare resource distribution. Visit CartoChrome maps to unlock actionable insights and transform your approach to healthcare analysis.**