28741, Highlands, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28741, Highlands, North Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.59 percent of the residents in 28741 has some form of health insurance. 45.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.78 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 28741 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 357 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28741. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,630 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 943 health care providers accessible to residents in 28741, Highlands, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Highlands, NC (ZIP Code 28741)

The assessment of hypertension management within the Highlands, North Carolina (ZIP code 28741) area requires a nuanced approach, considering the unique demographic and geographic characteristics of this mountain community. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Hypertension Score’ ranking for local physicians, focusing on key indicators like physician-to-patient ratios, the availability of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources – all critical components of effective hypertension control.

The primary care landscape in Highlands is relatively limited compared to more densely populated areas. This scarcity directly impacts access to care, potentially hindering timely diagnosis and management of hypertension. The physician-to-patient ratio, a crucial metric, likely reflects this constraint. A higher ratio (fewer physicians per capita) can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced patient contact time, and challenges in establishing strong patient-physician relationships – all factors that can negatively affect hypertension control. Assessing this ratio requires meticulous data collection, comparing the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 28741 ZIP code to the estimated population.

Standout practices within Highlands would be those demonstrating exceptional performance in hypertension management. This goes beyond simply prescribing medication. Key indicators include the consistent use of evidence-based guidelines, the proactive monitoring of blood pressure, patient education initiatives, and the implementation of lifestyle modification programs. Practices excelling in these areas would likely exhibit lower rates of uncontrolled hypertension among their patient populations. Identifying these “best-in-class” practices necessitates a review of patient outcomes data, practice protocols, and patient feedback. Furthermore, the integration of technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) with built-in hypertension management tools, could be a differentiating factor.

Telemedicine adoption is particularly relevant in Highlands due to the potential for geographic barriers to accessing care. Telemedicine can bridge the distance, enabling patients to receive consultations, medication management, and even remote blood pressure monitoring. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for hypertension management would likely score higher in our analysis. Evaluating telemedicine adoption requires assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered remotely, and patient satisfaction with the telemedicine experience. The ability to offer remote monitoring devices and provide real-time feedback on blood pressure readings would also be a significant advantage.

The often-overlooked link between mental health and hypertension control is another critical aspect of this analysis. Chronic stress and anxiety can significantly elevate blood pressure, making it more difficult to manage hypertension effectively. Therefore, practices that proactively address mental health concerns and offer access to mental health resources would receive a higher score. This includes having mental health professionals on staff, establishing referral pathways to mental health specialists, and integrating mental health screening into routine check-ups. The availability of stress-reduction programs, such as mindfulness training or yoga, would also be a positive indicator.

The ‘Hypertension Score’ itself would be a composite metric, weighting the factors discussed above. Each physician or practice would receive a score based on their performance across these key areas. The weighting of each factor would reflect its relative importance in achieving optimal hypertension control. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and access to primary care would likely carry a significant weight, reflecting their fundamental importance. Telemedicine adoption and mental health integration would also be weighted, acknowledging their contribution to improved patient outcomes.

The data collection process for this analysis would be complex. It would involve gathering information from various sources, including public health data, insurance claims data, physician directories, practice websites, and potentially, patient surveys. Protecting patient privacy would be paramount throughout this process. The final ‘Hypertension Score’ ranking would be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing patients to easily compare physicians and practices.

This analysis is not simply about assigning scores. It's about identifying opportunities for improvement and promoting best practices in hypertension management within the Highlands community. By highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of local physicians and practices, this analysis can empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and encourage healthcare providers to enhance their services. The ultimate goal is to improve hypertension control rates, reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications, and improve the overall health and well-being of the residents of Highlands. The success of this analysis hinges on the availability of accurate, up-to-date data and the cooperation of local healthcare providers.

The findings of this analysis can be visualized and explored using advanced mapping tools. Understanding the geographic distribution of primary care physicians, telemedicine availability, and mental health resources can be significantly enhanced through spatial analysis. This is where CartoChrome maps can be invaluable.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape of Highlands, NC and explore the geographic distribution of key healthcare resources? Visit CartoChrome maps today to unlock powerful insights and gain a deeper understanding of hypertension management in your community.**