28701, Alexander, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28701, Alexander, North Carolina is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.15 percent of the residents in 28701 has some form of health insurance. 30.36 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.98 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 28701 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,059 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28701. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 632 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,667 health care providers accessible to residents in 28701, Alexander, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Alexander County, NC (ZIP Code 28701)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within Alexander County, North Carolina, specifically focusing on the 28701 ZIP code and the availability of primary care services. The goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering factors like physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support – all crucial elements in effective hypertension control. This score is not a numerical rating but rather a qualitative evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare ecosystem in this area, aimed at informing both patients and healthcare providers.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Alexander County, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, the overall availability of primary care physicians, including family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric specialists, is a key indicator. A lower physician-to-patient ratio generally translates to easier access to appointments, more personalized care, and potentially better outcomes in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Researching and analyzing the current physician-to-patient ratio within the 28701 ZIP code, and more broadly in Alexander County, is the first step in evaluating the local healthcare landscape. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide valuable insights.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is also important. Are they clustered in one area, or are they distributed across the county, providing convenient access for residents in different communities? This geographic distribution impacts the ease with which patients can access care, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Examining the location of primary care practices within the 28701 ZIP code and surrounding areas, and assessing the availability of public transportation or other support services, can help determine the accessibility of care.

Identifying standout practices is crucial. This involves evaluating practices that demonstrate a commitment to best practices in hypertension management. This includes factors like the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, the implementation of evidence-based treatment protocols, and proactive patient education programs. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments can also be considered standout performers, as they improve access to care. Furthermore, analyzing patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews can provide valuable insights into the quality of care provided by different practices.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly significant role in hypertension management. Telemedicine offers the potential to increase access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility issues. It enables remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management, all of which can contribute to improved blood pressure control. Evaluating the extent to which primary care practices in the 28701 ZIP code have embraced telemedicine is a key aspect of this analysis. This includes assessing the availability of virtual appointments, remote monitoring capabilities, and patient support systems for using telemedicine platforms. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their hypertension management programs can be considered to have a higher "Hypertension Score."

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder effective treatment. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the 28701 ZIP code and Alexander County is a critical component of a comprehensive hypertension management strategy. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, as well as the presence of mental health support groups and counseling services. Practices that have integrated mental health services into their care models, either through in-house providers or through partnerships with external mental health organizations, are better positioned to provide holistic care and improve patient outcomes.

In addition to the factors mentioned above, the availability of patient education resources and community support programs is essential. This includes access to educational materials on healthy lifestyle choices, such as diet and exercise, as well as support groups for patients with hypertension. Practices that actively promote patient education and provide access to community resources are demonstrating a commitment to empowering patients to take control of their health.

Finally, the "Hypertension Score" analysis should consider the overall healthcare infrastructure in Alexander County. This includes the presence of hospitals, pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities that support the delivery of care. The availability of specialized services, such as cardiology and nephrology, is also important, as these specialists play a critical role in managing complex cases of hypertension.

By systematically evaluating these factors, a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment can be developed for the 28701 ZIP code and Alexander County. This analysis can serve as a valuable resource for patients seeking care, healthcare providers looking to improve their services, and policymakers aiming to enhance the overall health of the community. The goal is to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement, ultimately leading to better hypertension control and improved health outcomes for residents of Alexander County.

To further visualize and understand the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data within Alexander County, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and visually engaging way to analyze the healthcare landscape and identify areas with the greatest needs.