28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.06 percent of the residents in 28626 has some form of health insurance. 34.09 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.44 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 28626 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 471 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28626. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 605 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,845 health care providers accessible to residents in 28626, Fleetwood, North Carolina.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Fleetwood, NC (ZIP Code 28626)**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within Fleetwood, North Carolina (ZIP code 28626), specifically concerning hypertension management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, the utilization of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and other relevant factors to generate a "Hypertension Score" for the area. This score, while not a single numerical value, represents a comprehensive understanding of the community's capacity to address hypertension effectively.

Fleetwood, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area often translates to lower population density, potentially impacting physician-to-patient ratios and access to specialized care. This analysis will delve into these aspects to provide a clear picture of the resources available to manage hypertension within the community.

**Primary Care Physician Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The cornerstone of hypertension management is consistent primary care. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical determinant of the Hypertension Score. The analysis begins by identifying the number of PCPs practicing within ZIP code 28626 and its immediate surrounding areas. This includes family medicine physicians, internal medicine specialists, and any other providers who offer primary care services. Publicly available databases, insurance provider directories, and local healthcare websites will be consulted to gather this information.

Following the identification of PCPs, the analysis will estimate the physician-to-patient ratio. This involves calculating the number of residents in the ZIP code and dividing it by the number of available PCPs. A higher ratio indicates a potential shortage of PCPs, which could lead to longer wait times for appointments and decreased access to preventative care, including hypertension screening and management. This ratio will be compared to state and national averages to provide context and benchmark the situation in Fleetwood.

**Standout Practices and Hypertension Management Protocols**

Beyond the raw numbers, the analysis will investigate the practices of individual primary care providers. This involves examining their websites, patient reviews, and any publicly available information regarding their approach to hypertension management. Key areas of interest include:

* **Adherence to guidelines:** Do the practices follow established guidelines for hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring, such as those from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology?
* **Patient education:** Do they offer educational materials or programs to help patients understand hypertension, its risks, and lifestyle modifications?
* **Medication management:** Do they have protocols for prescribing and adjusting medications, and for monitoring patient adherence to their medication regimens?
* **Appointment availability:** What is the typical wait time for appointments, and are there options for same-day or urgent care visits?

Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to evidence-based hypertension management, patient education, and accessible care will be recognized as "standout practices" and will positively influence the Hypertension Score.

**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact**

Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The analysis will assess the extent to which telemedicine is utilized by primary care practices in Fleetwood. This includes:

* **Virtual visits:** Do practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication management, and patient education?
* **Remote monitoring:** Do they utilize remote blood pressure monitoring devices or other technologies to track patient health data?
* **Integration with electronic health records (EHRs):** Are telemedicine platforms integrated with EHRs to ensure seamless data sharing and communication between providers and patients?

Practices that have embraced telemedicine will receive a higher score, as this technology can help overcome geographical barriers and improve patient access to care.

**Integration of Mental Health Resources**

Hypertension is often linked to stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. The analysis will examine the availability of mental health resources within the community and how they are integrated with primary care. This includes:

* **Co-location of services:** Are mental health providers located within or near primary care practices?
* **Referral pathways:** Do PCPs have established referral pathways to mental health professionals?
* **Mental health screening:** Do PCPs screen patients for mental health conditions as part of their routine care?
* **Availability of mental health support groups:** Are there any local support groups or resources available for individuals with hypertension and related mental health concerns?

The presence of integrated mental health resources will significantly improve the Hypertension Score, as it reflects a holistic approach to patient care.

**Other Factors Influencing the Hypertension Score**

Several other factors will be considered when calculating the Hypertension Score:

* **Community resources:** Availability of resources like local pharmacies, exercise facilities, and healthy food options.
* **Insurance coverage:** The prevalence of health insurance coverage in the community.
* **Transportation access:** The availability of public transportation or other means of transportation to medical appointments.
* **Patient demographics:** The age distribution and socioeconomic status of the population, as these factors can influence health outcomes.

**Overall Assessment and Conclusion**

The Hypertension Score for Fleetwood, NC (ZIP code 28626) will be a qualitative assessment based on the factors outlined above. It will reflect the community's strengths and weaknesses in addressing hypertension. A high score would indicate strong primary care availability, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management. A lower score would indicate areas where improvements are needed.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Fleetwood. The findings can be used by healthcare providers, community leaders, and residents to identify areas for improvement and to develop strategies to enhance hypertension management within the community.

For a visual representation of the data and a more in-depth analysis of the healthcare landscape in Fleetwood and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. These maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, patient demographics, and other relevant factors.