28669, Roaring River, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28669, Roaring River, North Carolina is 38 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.65 percent of the residents in 28669 has some form of health insurance. 35.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.49 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 28669 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 496 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28669. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 459 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,072 health care providers accessible to residents in 28669, Roaring River, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Roaring River, NC (ZIP Code 28669)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within Roaring River, North Carolina (ZIP code 28669) requires a multifaceted approach, considering not only the presence of primary care physicians but also the broader healthcare ecosystem. This analysis aims to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure concerning hypertension diagnosis, treatment, and patient support. This score will be derived from an evaluation of factors including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and an identification of standout practices.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on readily accessible primary care. Determining a precise physician-to-patient ratio for Roaring River is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau needs to be cross-referenced to calculate this ratio. A low physician-to-patient ratio, reflecting a higher concentration of doctors relative to the population, generally indicates better access to care. Conversely, a high ratio could signal potential challenges in securing timely appointments and consistent follow-up care, critical components of hypertension control. Any analysis must account for the possibility of physicians serving patients outside the immediate ZIP code, which could impact the effective ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are paramount. Identifying standout practices within 28669 requires a review of patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially direct outreach to local healthcare providers. Key indicators include a demonstrated commitment to preventative care, the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, and the implementation of patient-centered care models. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day sick visits can significantly improve patient adherence to treatment plans. Furthermore, practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, such as health fairs or educational seminars, demonstrate a proactive approach to promoting health awareness and early detection of hypertension.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in enhancing healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Roaring River. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving medication adherence through virtual check-ins. An evaluation of telemedicine adoption within the local primary care practices involves determining which practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and online patient portals for communication and prescription refills. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies are likely to score higher on the Hypertension Score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care.

The complex interplay between hypertension and mental health necessitates a thorough assessment of available mental health resources. Chronic conditions like hypertension can exacerbate existing mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, and vice versa. The availability of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, is therefore a vital component of comprehensive hypertension care. This assessment requires an examination of the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and their integration with primary care practices. Practices that have established referral pathways to mental health providers or offer integrated behavioral health services are better positioned to address the holistic needs of patients with hypertension.

Furthermore, an assessment of the availability of support groups, patient education materials, and community resources is essential. Support groups provide patients with a platform to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and receive emotional support. Patient education materials, such as brochures, websites, and educational videos, empower patients to actively participate in their care. Community resources, such as local pharmacies and health departments, can offer blood pressure screenings, medication assistance programs, and other valuable services. The presence and accessibility of these resources can significantly contribute to improved patient outcomes.

In assessing the Hypertension Score, it's important to consider the specific needs of the population in Roaring River. This includes factors such as age distribution, socioeconomic status, and access to healthy food options. Understanding these demographic factors can help tailor healthcare services to meet the unique challenges faced by the community. For example, a community with a higher proportion of older adults may benefit from increased access to geriatric specialists and home healthcare services. Similarly, a community with limited access to healthy food options may require interventions to promote healthier eating habits.

The identification of standout practices should highlight those that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in hypertension management. This could include practices that have achieved high patient satisfaction scores, implemented innovative care models, or achieved superior blood pressure control rates. These practices can serve as models for other healthcare providers in the area, inspiring them to improve their own practices and ultimately improve the overall quality of care. The assessment should also identify any gaps in care, such as a shortage of specialists or a lack of access to certain services. Addressing these gaps requires collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and policymakers.

The final Hypertension Score will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting assigned to each factor should be based on its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of primary care may be weighted more heavily than the availability of support groups. The score will be accompanied by a detailed report that explains the methodology used, the data sources consulted, and the rationale for the weighting scheme. This report should also provide recommendations for improvement, such as expanding telemedicine services, increasing the availability of mental health resources, and promoting community health education programs.

This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the hypertension healthcare landscape in Roaring River, NC (28669). By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare infrastructure, stakeholders can work together to improve access to care, enhance patient outcomes, and ultimately reduce the burden of hypertension in the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Roaring River and the surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialist providers, and community resources, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Gain insights into the geographic distribution of healthcare services and identify areas with potential access challenges.