28698, Zionville, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28698, Zionville, North Carolina is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.07 percent of the residents in 28698 has some form of health insurance. 37.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.06 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 28698 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 463 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28698. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 581 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 332 health care providers accessible to residents in 28698, Zionville, North Carolina.

The pursuit of optimal hypertension management in Zionville, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28698), necessitates a detailed analysis of the available healthcare resources. This assessment considers several key factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of supporting mental health services. A comprehensive understanding of these elements allows for a nuanced "Hypertension Score" evaluation, providing insights for both patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of hypertension care rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Zionville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to appointment delays, reduced follow-up care, and ultimately, poorer blood pressure control. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and the potential for more proactive management strategies. Accurate data on this ratio, gleaned from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and local healthcare systems, forms the initial layer of the Hypertension Score. Publicly available data on this metric, however, may be limited and often requires aggregation from multiple sources.

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices significantly impact hypertension management. The Hypertension Score considers factors like the size of the practice, the types of services offered, and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs). Larger practices may have more resources, including specialized nurses or pharmacists who can assist in patient education and medication management. Practices with robust EHR systems can facilitate data tracking, medication reconciliation, and automated reminders for appointments and blood pressure monitoring. The presence of on-site laboratory services for blood work and urine tests, commonly needed for hypertension management, also positively influences the score.

Standout practices within Zionville, if any, are those that demonstrably excel in hypertension care. These practices often implement evidence-based guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. They may employ strategies like team-based care, where nurses and medical assistants play an active role in patient education and monitoring. Furthermore, these practices may have a strong focus on patient engagement, providing educational materials, offering group classes, and actively encouraging patients to take ownership of their health. Identifying these standout practices requires examining patient reviews, analyzing quality metrics, and potentially conducting site visits or interviews with providers.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly vital in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management support, particularly beneficial for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices with established telemedicine programs receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to accessibility and patient convenience. The sophistication of the telemedicine platform, including its ability to integrate with EHRs and provide secure communication, is also considered.

The connection between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within or near Zionville is a critical component of the Hypertension Score. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that proactively screen for mental health issues and have established referral pathways to mental health professionals receive a higher score. The integration of mental health services into the overall care plan demonstrates a holistic approach to patient well-being, which is essential for effective hypertension management.

The Hypertension Score also considers the availability of specialized services, such as cardiology consultations and pharmacy support. Quick access to cardiologists for complex cases is crucial. Similarly, the presence of local pharmacies that offer medication counseling and blood pressure monitoring services contributes to a higher score. The coordination between primary care physicians, specialists, and pharmacists is essential for seamless and comprehensive hypertension care.

Analyzing the data requires a systematic approach. Each factor, such as physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability, is assigned a weighted score based on its importance. The individual scores are then aggregated to produce an overall Hypertension Score for the ZIP Code. This score provides a snapshot of the current state of hypertension care in Zionville, highlighting strengths and weaknesses.

The interpretation of the Hypertension Score should be nuanced. A high score indicates a favorable environment for hypertension management, with readily available resources and a focus on patient-centered care. A low score suggests potential challenges, such as limited physician access, inadequate telemedicine infrastructure, or a lack of mental health support. The score serves as a starting point for improvement, identifying areas where resources can be allocated and interventions implemented.

The ongoing monitoring of the Hypertension Score is essential. Healthcare landscapes evolve, and new technologies and practices emerge. Regular updates, incorporating the latest data and insights, are crucial to maintain the relevance and accuracy of the score. This continuous assessment allows for adaptive strategies and ensures that patients in Zionville receive the best possible care.

The data gathering and analysis to generate this Hypertension Score is a complex undertaking, often requiring expertise in healthcare data, geographic information systems (GIS), and statistical analysis. The ability to visualize this data geographically, highlighting areas of strength and weakness, is paramount.

For a detailed, interactive map of Zionville's healthcare landscape, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a visual representation of the data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension care.