28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina is 14 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.04 percent of the residents in 28644 has some form of health insurance. 42.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.22 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 28644 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 125 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28644. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 432 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 729 health care providers accessible to residents in 28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant health concern, and effective management hinges on accessible and quality primary care. This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP Code 28644, Laurel Springs, North Carolina, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of supportive resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the strengths and weaknesses in this area to inform both residents and healthcare providers.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In Laurel Springs, the availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. A low physician-to-patient ratio can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less effective management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access and potentially improved patient outcomes. Determining the exact ratio requires a precise count of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code and an accurate population estimate. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau can provide the necessary figures.

Standout practices in Laurel Springs demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. These practices often integrate several key elements. First, they utilize evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, adhering to established protocols for medication management and lifestyle recommendations. Second, they emphasize patient education, empowering individuals to understand their condition and actively participate in their care. This includes providing educational materials on diet, exercise, and stress management. Third, they implement efficient appointment scheduling and communication systems to ensure timely access to care and facilitate ongoing monitoring. Identifying these standout practices requires a review of patient satisfaction surveys, peer reviews, and potentially, on-site assessments.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Laurel Springs. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by providing remote consultations, medication management, and monitoring. For hypertension, telemedicine can be particularly valuable for follow-up appointments, blood pressure monitoring, and medication adjustments. Practices that embrace telemedicine can extend their reach, reduce travel burdens for patients, and improve overall care coordination. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves evaluating the availability of virtual appointments, the use of remote monitoring devices, and the integration of telehealth platforms into the practice workflow.

Mental health resources are often intertwined with hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure, and addressing these issues is crucial for comprehensive care. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house providers or referral networks, are better positioned to address the holistic needs of their patients. This integration can involve screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, and coordinating care with mental health specialists. The availability of these resources is an important factor in evaluating the quality of hypertension care.

The specific practices and their approaches must be assessed. Does the practice have a dedicated hypertension clinic? Does it offer group education sessions focused on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise? Does the practice use electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and facilitate communication with other healthcare providers? These are all important factors. Furthermore, the practice’s ability to provide culturally competent care is essential, especially in a diverse community. This includes ensuring that materials and services are available in multiple languages and that the staff is trained to address the unique needs of different patient populations.

The effectiveness of a practice's hypertension management can be evaluated by examining patient outcomes. This includes monitoring blood pressure control rates, the frequency of cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks and strokes), and patient satisfaction. Practices that demonstrate high rates of blood pressure control and positive patient outcomes are considered to be providing high-quality care. Data on patient outcomes can be obtained from various sources, including EHRs, patient surveys, and public health databases.

The integration of technology is a key factor in modern healthcare. Practices that leverage technology to improve hypertension management are often more efficient and effective. This includes using EHRs to track patient data, implementing remote blood pressure monitoring systems, and utilizing patient portals for communication and education. The use of technology can also facilitate care coordination and improve communication between patients and providers.

The availability of community resources is also important. This includes access to healthy food options, exercise facilities, and support groups. Practices that partner with community organizations to promote healthy lifestyles are better positioned to support their patients. This can involve providing referrals to local resources, organizing health fairs, and participating in community outreach programs.

The analysis of hypertension care in Laurel Springs, NC (28644) reveals a complex landscape. The availability of primary care physicians, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources are all crucial factors in determining the quality of care. Practices that prioritize patient education, utilize evidence-based guidelines, and leverage technology are often the most successful in managing hypertension. The overall effectiveness of care is reflected in patient outcomes, including blood pressure control rates and cardiovascular event rates.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Laurel Springs, and to visualize the geographic distribution of resources and providers, consider exploring the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the location of healthcare facilities, the distribution of population demographics, and the availability of community resources. These maps can be used to identify areas with limited access to care and to inform strategies for improving healthcare delivery.