28712, Brevard, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28712, Brevard, North Carolina is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 86.73 percent of the residents in 28712 has some form of health insurance. 46.48 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.51 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 28712 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,050 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28712. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,165 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,175 health care providers accessible to residents in 28712, Brevard, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Brevard, NC (ZIP Code 28712)

Analyzing hypertension care within Brevard, North Carolina (ZIP code 28712) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and identifies potential standout practices. This holistic view allows for a nuanced understanding of the local landscape and identifies areas for improvement in hypertension management.

The foundation of hypertension care lies in the availability of primary care physicians. Brevard, a relatively rural area, faces challenges common to such locales: potential physician shortages and geographical limitations. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Medical Board and the US Census Bureau can provide a baseline. However, this data needs refinement. It’s essential to account for physician specialization (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine), their patient load, and whether they accept new patients. A low physician-to-patient ratio (meaning more patients per physician) can lead to longer wait times, potentially impacting early detection and consistent management of hypertension.

Primary care availability is further complicated by geographical barriers. Brevard's surrounding mountainous terrain can make accessing healthcare difficult for some residents. This necessitates an evaluation of the distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP code. Are practices concentrated in the town center, leaving residents in more remote areas underserved? Examining transportation options, including public transportation and the availability of ride-sharing services, becomes important. A lack of accessible healthcare services can lead to delayed diagnoses, inconsistent medication adherence, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes for those with hypertension.

Telemedicine offers a promising solution to address some of these accessibility challenges. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Brevard is a key indicator of proactive care. Practices utilizing telehealth platforms for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of blood pressure readings can significantly improve patient access and convenience. Assessing the types of telehealth services offered (e.g., video visits, remote patient monitoring) and their integration into existing workflows is vital. The degree of patient adoption of these services and patient satisfaction levels also require investigation.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources within primary care practices is critical. Evaluating the availability of on-site mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors) or partnerships with local mental health providers is essential. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services are better positioned to provide comprehensive care, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of hypertension.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves assessing several factors. Do practices have robust systems for patient education on hypertension management, including lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise? Are they actively involved in patient outreach and follow-up, ensuring medication adherence and regular blood pressure monitoring? Do they participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at improving hypertension control rates? Patient satisfaction surveys and reviews can provide valuable insights into the patient experience.

Furthermore, it is important to consider the use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can facilitate data sharing between providers, allowing for a more coordinated approach to care. Practices that utilize EHRs effectively can improve the efficiency of care delivery, reduce medication errors, and facilitate population health management initiatives. Examining the interoperability of EHR systems across different practices is also relevant.

The analysis also needs to account for specific demographics within the 28712 ZIP code. Certain populations, such as older adults and those with lower socioeconomic status, may be at higher risk for hypertension and face greater barriers to accessing care. Tailoring care strategies to meet the specific needs of these populations is crucial. This might involve offering culturally sensitive educational materials, providing financial assistance for medications, or partnering with community organizations to address social determinants of health.

Finally, a comprehensive analysis must consider the impact of healthcare policy and regulations. Changes in insurance coverage, reimbursement rates, and other policy factors can significantly influence the availability and affordability of hypertension care. Staying abreast of these developments is essential for understanding the evolving healthcare landscape in Brevard.

In conclusion, evaluating hypertension care in Brevard, NC, requires a thorough examination of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and the identification of standout practices. This analysis should be coupled with an understanding of the local demographics, transportation challenges, and the impact of healthcare policy. A data-driven approach, utilizing publicly available information and direct outreach to healthcare providers, is essential for developing a comprehensive and actionable understanding of hypertension management within the community.

For a visually rich understanding of the distribution of healthcare resources, patient demographics, and other relevant factors, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. They can transform complex data into actionable insights, helping you visualize the landscape of hypertension care in Brevard, NC, and beyond.