28663, Piney Creek, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28663, Piney Creek, North Carolina is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.93 percent of the residents in 28663 has some form of health insurance. 46.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.13 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 28663 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 112 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28663. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 220 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 244 health care providers accessible to residents in 28663, Piney Creek, North Carolina.

The analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP code 28663, focusing on Piney Creek, North Carolina, with the aim of evaluating the accessibility and quality of primary care services, specifically concerning the management of hypertension. This assessment considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which significantly influence the ability of residents to effectively manage their hypertension.

Piney Creek, a rural community within 28663, likely faces challenges common to such areas, including limited access to healthcare professionals. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A high ratio, reflecting fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and difficulty in establishing strong patient-physician relationships. Conversely, a lower ratio, indicative of a greater availability of physicians, often translates to improved access and, potentially, better hypertension management. Data from reliable sources, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards, would be necessary to ascertain the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 28663. This data should be compared against national or state averages to determine the relative adequacy of primary care resources.

Identifying standout practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Practices that excel in hypertension management often demonstrate several key characteristics. These include a commitment to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, such as those established by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). They may utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively to track patient data, monitor blood pressure readings, and ensure timely follow-up appointments. Furthermore, these practices often emphasize patient education, providing resources and support to help patients understand their condition, make lifestyle modifications, and adhere to their medication regimens. Patient testimonials, online reviews, and professional recommendations can offer insights into which practices are highly regarded within the community.

The adoption of telemedicine is particularly relevant in rural areas like Piney Creek. Telemedicine, encompassing remote consultations, virtual monitoring, and online patient portals, can help bridge geographical barriers and improve access to care. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer greater convenience for patients, reducing the need for travel and time off work. Telemedicine also facilitates more frequent monitoring of blood pressure, medication adherence, and overall health status. The availability of telemedicine services within 28663 should be assessed, noting the types of services offered (e.g., virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring), the platforms used, and the extent of patient adoption.

The integration of mental health resources is another critical aspect of hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Practices that recognize the interconnectedness of physical and mental health often incorporate mental health screenings, counseling services, or referrals to mental health professionals. This holistic approach can help patients address the psychological factors that may contribute to their hypertension. The availability of mental health services within 28663, including the presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and access to psychiatric medications, should be carefully evaluated.

A comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' for primary care in 28663 would integrate these factors. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, assessing the availability of primary care physicians and specialists. It would evaluate the quality of care offered by standout practices, taking into account their adherence to guidelines, use of EHRs, patient education efforts, and patient satisfaction. It would measure the extent of telemedicine adoption, examining the availability and utilization of virtual services. Finally, it would assess the integration of mental health resources, evaluating the presence of mental health professionals and services.

The score could be presented using a scoring system, perhaps on a scale of 1 to 10, with higher scores indicating better access to care and higher quality of hypertension management. Each component could be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted heavily, reflecting its fundamental impact on access. The quality of care offered by standout practices could also be given a significant weight, recognizing its influence on patient outcomes. Telemedicine adoption and mental health integration could be assigned moderate weights, acknowledging their importance in improving access and promoting holistic care.

The final score would provide a snapshot of the overall state of hypertension care in 28663, highlighting strengths and weaknesses. This information could be used by residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The analysis should also consider potential disparities in access to care. Rural communities may face challenges related to transportation, internet access, and socioeconomic factors that can impact a patient’s ability to receive care. These factors should be taken into account when interpreting the 'Hypertension Score'.

In conclusion, a thorough evaluation of hypertension care in 28663, specifically in Piney Creek, requires a detailed assessment of physician-to-patient ratios, the identification of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis, culminating in a 'Hypertension Score', provides valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

For a visual representation of this data, including geographic mapping of physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the healthcare landscape within 28663, offering a powerful tool for understanding the accessibility and availability of hypertension care.