28746, Lake Lure, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28746, Lake Lure, North Carolina is 57 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.02 percent of the residents in 28746 has some form of health insurance. 55.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.63 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 28746 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 453 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28746. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 868 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,941 health care providers accessible to residents in 28746, Lake Lure, North Carolina.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 28746 and Primary Care Availability in Lake Lure**

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care services, particularly concerning hypertension management, within ZIP Code 28746 (which encompasses Lake Lure, North Carolina) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the physician landscape, assess patient-to-physician ratios, evaluate the adoption of telemedicine, and explore the integration of mental health resources, all crucial elements in delivering comprehensive hypertension care. The ultimate goal is to provide an informed 'Hypertension Score' assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.

Lake Lure, a picturesque town nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The population, while relatively small, may include a significant proportion of retirees and individuals with chronic conditions, potentially increasing the demand for primary care and specialized services like hypertension management. The geographic isolation can also pose a barrier to accessing care, making the availability and accessibility of healthcare providers paramount.

**Physician Landscape and Patient-to-Physician Ratios**

Determining the exact number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within ZIP Code 28746 is the initial step. This includes general practitioners, internal medicine specialists, and family medicine physicians. Publicly available databases, insurance provider directories, and local healthcare networks are key sources for this information. Once the physician count is established, it is essential to calculate the patient-to-physician ratio. This metric provides a critical understanding of the potential workload each physician carries and the accessibility of appointments. A high ratio may indicate longer wait times, reduced appointment availability, and potentially less personalized care.

The presence of larger medical groups or hospital affiliations within the ZIP Code can significantly impact the patient-to-physician ratio. Larger organizations often have more resources, allowing them to employ a greater number of physicians and support staff, potentially improving access to care. Conversely, a lack of such affiliations may indicate a more fragmented healthcare system, potentially leading to challenges in care coordination and resource allocation.

**Standout Practices and Hypertension Management Protocols**

Identifying practices that excel in hypertension management is crucial. This involves evaluating their adherence to established clinical guidelines, such as those from the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology. Key indicators include the use of standardized protocols for blood pressure measurement, the implementation of evidence-based treatment plans, and the regular monitoring of patient outcomes.

Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education and self-management support are particularly noteworthy. This includes providing patients with educational materials, offering lifestyle counseling (e.g., diet and exercise), and empowering them to actively participate in their care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) can also play a vital role in hypertension management, enabling physicians to track patient data, identify trends, and personalize treatment plans.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Lake Lure. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, improve access to care, and enhance patient convenience. Its application in hypertension management includes virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management.

Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among local practices requires investigating their use of virtual platforms, the availability of telehealth appointments, and the integration of remote monitoring devices. Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve patient outcomes by providing more frequent and convenient follow-up care.

**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration**

The link between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and complicate treatment. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care is essential for comprehensive hypertension management.

This involves assessing the availability of mental health providers within the community, the extent of collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals, and the availability of mental health screening tools and counseling services within primary care practices. Practices that prioritize mental health integration are better positioned to address the holistic needs of their patients and improve their overall well-being.

**'Hypertension Score' Assessment and Conclusion**

Based on the above analysis, a 'Hypertension Score' can be assigned to the primary care landscape within ZIP Code 28746. This score would reflect the availability of PCPs, the patient-to-physician ratio, the quality of hypertension management protocols, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. The score could be represented using a numerical scale or a qualitative rating system (e.g., excellent, good, fair, poor).

The final score would provide a snapshot of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system regarding hypertension management. Areas of improvement could include increasing the number of PCPs, improving access to telemedicine services, enhancing mental health integration, and promoting patient education and self-management support.

To gain a deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of healthcare resources and patient demographics within ZIP Code 28746, explore the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps can provide visual representations of physician locations, patient populations, and other relevant data, facilitating a more comprehensive analysis and informing strategic planning for improved healthcare delivery.