28671, Rutherford College, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28671, Rutherford College, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 57.18 percent of the residents in 28671 has some form of health insurance. 37.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.69 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 28671 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 25 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28671. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 103 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,873 health care providers accessible to residents in 28671, Rutherford College, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Rutherford College, NC (ZIP Code 28671)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of hypertension management capabilities within ZIP code 28671, focusing on primary care availability and related factors. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the local landscape, enabling residents to make informed healthcare decisions. The "Hypertension Score" isn't a formal, standardized metric; rather, it represents a qualitative evaluation based on available data and observed trends.

Rutherford College, North Carolina, falls within a rural setting, which often presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. Evaluating the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the first critical step. Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a fundamental indicator. Ideally, a lower ratio signifies better access. However, simply counting physicians isn't sufficient. We must also consider factors like practice size, appointment availability, and the acceptance of new patients.

The town’s primary care landscape appears to be dominated by a few key practices. These practices likely serve a large portion of the population. The presence of these practices, their staffing levels, and their capacity to handle a patient load are crucial elements in assessing the overall Hypertension Score. Further investigation into the practices’ operational efficiency, including appointment scheduling processes and wait times, would significantly refine the evaluation.

Standout practices, if any, would be those demonstrating a proactive approach to hypertension management. This includes the implementation of evidence-based guidelines, regular blood pressure monitoring, patient education programs, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress. Practices integrating these elements would likely receive a higher score. The adoption of standardized protocols for hypertension screening, diagnosis, and treatment is a strong indicator of quality care.

Telemedicine adoption is another important factor. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management through telehealth platforms would enhance the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine's ability to overcome geographical barriers is particularly relevant in a rural setting like Rutherford College.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to hypertension management. Stress and anxiety are known contributors to elevated blood pressure. The availability of mental health services, either within primary care practices or through referrals, is therefore a significant component of the overall score. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and offer access to therapists or psychiatrists would be viewed favorably. The integration of mental health services into primary care is a key element of holistic patient care.

The quality of patient education materials and programs also influences the score. Practices providing patients with educational resources about lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques would be considered more effective in managing hypertension. These resources can empower patients to take an active role in their health.

Medication access is another critical consideration. The availability of affordable medications and the ease with which patients can obtain prescriptions are essential. Practices that offer assistance with medication costs or have established relationships with local pharmacies to ensure medication adherence would receive a higher score.

Community support systems play a role, too. The presence of local support groups, health education programs, and community outreach initiatives can contribute to the overall effectiveness of hypertension management efforts. These initiatives can help raise awareness and promote healthy behaviors.

Analyzing the demographics of the population served by the practices is also essential. Identifying any disparities in access to care or treatment outcomes based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status is crucial for a complete assessment. Addressing health inequities is a critical aspect of providing quality healthcare.

Data limitations are a factor in this analysis. Publicly available information may be incomplete or outdated. A more thorough assessment would involve directly contacting the practices, reviewing patient satisfaction surveys, and analyzing claims data (where available).

The overall Hypertension Score for the primary care landscape in Rutherford College, NC (ZIP Code 28671) is likely moderate. While the presence of primary care practices provides a foundation, the rural setting presents challenges regarding access, resources, and the integration of best practices. The score could be improved through increased telemedicine adoption, enhanced mental health services, and expanded patient education initiatives.

To gain a more granular understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of primary care practices, pharmacies, and other relevant services, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping capabilities, enabling users to visualize healthcare data and gain valuable insights into the local healthcare landscape. This can help identify areas with limited access to care and inform efforts to improve healthcare delivery.