28607, Boone, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28607, Boone, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.29 percent of the residents in 28607 has some form of health insurance. 23.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.70 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 28607 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28607. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,276 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,231 health care providers accessible to residents in 28607, Boone, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Boone, NC (ZIP Code 28607)

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management resources and primary care accessibility within Boone, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28607). We'll delve into the availability of primary care physicians, assess the quality of care provided for hypertension, and examine the integration of telemedicine and mental health services, all contributing to a "Hypertension Score" for the area. This score, though not explicitly quantified here, is a qualitative assessment reflecting the overall health of the community in relation to hypertension management.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible and quality primary care. Boone, being a relatively small town, presents unique challenges and opportunities in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, less personalized care, and potentially, less frequent monitoring of blood pressure. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access to primary care. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio in Boone requires accessing specific data, but we can infer from publicly available information and regional trends. The presence of Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (ARHS) in the broader region is a positive factor, often providing a network of primary care physicians. However, the rural nature of the area can still present challenges in physician recruitment and retention, potentially impacting the ratio.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of care is paramount. This involves assessing the practices of primary care providers in managing hypertension. Key indicators include the frequency of blood pressure screenings, the use of evidence-based guidelines for treatment (such as those from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology), the implementation of lifestyle modification counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and the availability of medication management support. Outstanding practices will demonstrate a proactive approach to hypertension management, regularly monitoring patients, adjusting treatment plans as needed, and educating patients on self-management strategies. These practices will likely have robust electronic health record (EHR) systems to facilitate efficient data management and care coordination.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in rural areas. Telemedicine offers significant advantages in hypertension management. It allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, medication refills, and patient education, thereby improving access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The "Hypertension Score" is positively impacted by the extent to which practices in Boone have embraced telemedicine. This includes the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telemedicine platforms into their workflows. Practices that proactively offer and utilize telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care and improved health outcomes.

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Chronic stress and anxiety can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and mental health conditions can negatively impact adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is crucial. The "Hypertension Score" is enhanced by the presence of readily accessible mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Ideally, primary care practices should have strong referral networks to mental health providers, and some may even integrate mental health screenings and basic counseling services into their practices. The integration of mental health care into the overall healthcare system is vital for comprehensive hypertension management.

Specific practices within Boone may stand out in their approach to hypertension management. Identifying these "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into their operations, patient outcomes, and patient satisfaction surveys. Factors to consider include the use of patient portals for communication and education, the implementation of chronic disease management programs, and the availability of specialized services such as registered dietitians or certified diabetes educators. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, provide comprehensive education, and demonstrate positive patient outcomes will likely be considered exemplary.

The overall "Hypertension Score" for Boone, NC (28607) is a composite of these factors. While a definitive numerical score cannot be provided without detailed data analysis, the assessment considers the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The higher the score, the better the community is positioned to effectively manage hypertension and improve the health outcomes of its residents.

The future of hypertension management in Boone will likely involve a continued emphasis on patient education, lifestyle modification, and the integration of technology. The development of population health initiatives, coordinated care programs, and partnerships between primary care providers, specialists, and community organizations will be essential. The ability to leverage data analytics to identify high-risk patients and personalize treatment plans will further enhance the effectiveness of hypertension management efforts.

To visualize the landscape of healthcare providers in Boone, including their locations, specialties, and potentially, the services they offer related to hypertension management, consider exploring the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. Their platform allows for a visual representation of healthcare resources, aiding in the understanding of access and availability within the community.