28725, Dillsboro, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28725, Dillsboro, North Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.13 percent of the residents in 28725 has some form of health insurance. 33.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 80.72 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 28725 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28725. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 25 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,035 health care providers accessible to residents in 28725, Dillsboro, North Carolina.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Dillsboro, NC (ZIP Code 28725)**

This analysis evaluates the landscape of hypertension management within the Dillsboro, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28725) area, focusing on primary care physician availability, practice characteristics, and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" analysis, assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem in addressing this prevalent condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. While specific, up-to-the-minute data on exact physician counts and patient demographics is proprietary and constantly evolving, publicly available sources, such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau, can provide estimates. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can create access challenges. This could lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the timely diagnosis and management of hypertension. Conversely, a favorable ratio suggests greater accessibility.

The availability of primary care is further impacted by the types of practices serving the community. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger group practices? Group practices often offer a broader range of services and may have extended hours, potentially improving access. The presence of urgent care facilities and walk-in clinics within or near the ZIP code can supplement primary care, providing alternative options for patients needing immediate attention for blood pressure concerns.

Standout practices within the 28725 area will be those that excel in several key areas. These include a commitment to patient education regarding lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management) and medication adherence. Practices demonstrating a proactive approach to hypertension management will have robust systems for regular blood pressure monitoring, both in-office and potentially at home. They would also have established protocols for medication titration and follow-up appointments. Furthermore, practices that integrate electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, enabling efficient data tracking and communication, are likely to deliver superior care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical component of modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Dillsboro. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to connect with their physicians remotely for consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient convenience, reduce travel burdens, and potentially enhance adherence to treatment plans. The availability of secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms is a significant indicator of a practice's commitment to patient care.

Hypertension is often linked to other health conditions, including mental health issues. The presence of mental health resources within the community is therefore a crucial factor in the overall "Hypertension Score." Access to mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, is vital for addressing the psychological factors that can contribute to hypertension or hinder effective management. Integration of mental health services within primary care practices, or strong referral networks to external providers, is a positive indicator.

Furthermore, the availability of resources such as support groups, educational programs, and access to registered dietitians can significantly impact a patient's ability to manage their hypertension. Practices that actively promote these resources demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care.

To assess the "Hypertension Score," we would need to consider several weighted factors. Physician-to-patient ratio would be a significant component, weighted according to the availability of primary care. The presence of group practices and urgent care facilities would also influence the score. Telemedicine adoption would be another key factor, with practices offering robust telehealth options receiving higher scores. The integration of mental health resources, including internal or external referrals, would be weighted heavily. Finally, the presence of patient education programs, support groups, and access to dietitians would contribute to the overall score.

A practice scoring high would demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. It would have a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, embrace telemedicine, integrate mental health resources, and actively promote patient education and support. A lower score would indicate areas for improvement, such as limited access to primary care, a lack of telemedicine options, or a scarcity of mental health resources.

Specific examples of practices in the 28725 area, and their individual scores, would require detailed investigation. This would involve reviewing practice websites, conducting patient surveys (with appropriate privacy protections), and potentially contacting practices directly to gather information on their services and resources.

The "Hypertension Score" is not just a numerical value; it is a reflection of the community's commitment to the health and well-being of its residents. By analyzing the healthcare landscape, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and promoting improvements, we can strive to create a healthier environment for everyone.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Dillsboro, including the locations of primary care practices, urgent care facilities, pharmacies, and other relevant resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive, data-rich visualization of the area, helping you understand the geographic distribution of healthcare services and identify potential gaps in access.