28618, Deep Gap, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28618, Deep Gap, North Carolina is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.74 percent of the residents in 28618 has some form of health insurance. 34.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.28 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 28618 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 583 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28618. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 315 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,905 health care providers accessible to residents in 28618, Deep Gap, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Deep Gap, NC (ZIP Code 28618)

Analyzing the availability and quality of hypertension management within the Deep Gap, North Carolina (ZIP code 28618) area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis aims to provide an informed 'Hypertension Score,' considering factors from physician-to-patient ratios to the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources. The goal is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals seeking to manage their hypertension within this specific geographic region.

The foundation of any hypertension management strategy rests on accessible primary care. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While precise figures fluctuate, a high ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care. The ideal ratio, reflecting adequate access, is difficult to pinpoint precisely, but a significantly higher-than-average ratio for rural areas could signal a need for improvement. Data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, combined with information from the American Medical Association, would be necessary to derive this figure.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the ZIP code matters. Are the practices concentrated in one area, creating potential travel barriers for residents in more remote sections of Deep Gap? Are there specific clinics or practices that stand out in terms of their commitment to hypertension management? This requires examining factors like the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment (e.g., 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols. Practices with a dedicated focus on chronic disease management, including hypertension, would likely score higher.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management through telehealth can significantly improve access to care, particularly for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in geographically isolated areas. Practices actively utilizing telehealth platforms, offering remote patient monitoring programs, and providing online patient portals for communication would receive a higher score. This would include an assessment of the ease of use and accessibility of these platforms for all patients, including those with limited technological literacy.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through readily accessible referrals, is a vital component of a comprehensive hypertension management strategy. Practices that screen for mental health conditions, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals would be viewed favorably. The integration of mental health services demonstrates a holistic approach to patient well-being.

The quality of care provided by individual practices should also be evaluated. This includes assessing the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, the frequency of patient follow-up appointments, and the effectiveness of patient education programs. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with the knowledge and tools they need to manage their condition, would likely achieve better outcomes. Data on patient satisfaction, collected through surveys or patient feedback mechanisms, can also provide valuable insights into the quality of care.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology consultations or endocrinology referrals, is important. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, access to specialists is crucial for patients with complex cases or those who are not responding to standard treatments. The ease of referral to specialists and the timeliness of these referrals can significantly impact patient outcomes.

Analyzing the availability of affordable medications is another critical factor. The cost of medications can be a significant barrier to adherence, particularly for individuals with limited financial resources. Practices that offer assistance with medication costs, such as providing information on patient assistance programs or utilizing generic medications, would be viewed favorably. The ability of practices to navigate the complexities of insurance coverage and advocate for their patients is also essential.

The overall 'Hypertension Score' for doctors in ZIP code 28618 would be a composite score, weighing the factors discussed above. The score would be a relative measure, comparing the availability and quality of hypertension management services in Deep Gap to benchmarks for rural areas and national standards. The score would not be a definitive judgment, but rather a tool to inform patients about the healthcare landscape and to identify areas where improvements are needed. The final score would be based on a thorough analysis of publicly available data, supplemented by direct outreach to local practices and healthcare providers.

This analysis is a snapshot in time. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The 'Hypertension Score' would need to be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a dynamic assessment that empowers patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and encourages healthcare providers to continuously improve the quality of care they provide.

To further explore the healthcare landscape in Deep Gap and visualize the locations of healthcare providers, access their services, and understand the geographic distribution of resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare environment in your area.