28751, Maggie Valley, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28751, Maggie Valley, North Carolina is 56 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.41 percent of the residents in 28751 has some form of health insurance. 53.53 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.05 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 28751 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 611 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28751. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,446 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,928 health care providers accessible to residents in 28751, Maggie Valley, North Carolina.

The analysis focuses on evaluating the quality of hypertension care within the ZIP code 28751, encompassing Maggie Valley, North Carolina, and assessing the availability of primary care services. This evaluation employs a ‘Hypertension Score’ framework, considering various factors crucial for effective hypertension management, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Maggie Valley (28751) presents a significant challenge. Rural areas often face a shortage of primary care physicians, and this impacts the accessibility of care. A high patient-to-physician ratio suggests that each doctor is responsible for a larger patient population, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized attention. This directly affects the ability of patients to receive timely screenings, diagnoses, and ongoing management of hypertension. The score for this factor would be adjusted downward, reflecting the potential difficulties patients face in accessing timely care.

The nature of primary care practices in Maggie Valley also influences the Hypertension Score. Are there large group practices, smaller independent clinics, or a combination of both? Larger group practices may offer a broader range of services, including on-site labs and pharmacies, potentially improving convenience for patients managing hypertension. Independent clinics might provide more personalized care, fostering stronger doctor-patient relationships, which are vital for successful hypertension management. The presence of specialized hypertension clinics or programs would significantly boost the score, indicating a dedicated focus on this critical health issue.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in overcoming geographical barriers and improving access to care in rural settings. The availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals can significantly enhance hypertension management. Practices that embrace telemedicine can provide more frequent check-ins, medication adjustments, and educational resources, leading to better patient outcomes. A high score would be awarded to practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for hypertension management. Conversely, practices with limited or no telemedicine capabilities would receive a lower score.

Mental health resources are increasingly recognized as integral to overall health, including the effective management of hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that offer or readily refer patients to mental health services, such as counseling or psychiatric care, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. This integrated approach can improve patient outcomes and contribute to a higher Hypertension Score. The availability of on-site mental health professionals or established referral networks would be highly valued.

Standout practices within the 28751 ZIP code would be identified by their commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This includes practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They would have established protocols for regular blood pressure checks, offer patient education materials, and provide personalized treatment plans. These practices would prioritize patient adherence to medication and lifestyle modifications, which are crucial for controlling hypertension. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and facilitate communication would also be a significant factor.

The Hypertension Score would also consider the availability of ancillary services. Access to on-site labs for blood work and pharmacies for medication refills can improve convenience and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that offer these services would receive a higher score. The presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians who can provide guidance on lifestyle modifications would also be beneficial.

The overall score would be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weight assigned to each factor would depend on its relative importance in hypertension management. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and telemedicine adoption might be given higher weights due to their significant impact on access to care.

Analyzing the data and calculating the Hypertension Score for each practice in Maggie Valley would reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. This information can be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide patients in choosing the best possible care. The analysis would also highlight best practices that can be replicated throughout the community.

The assessment would also consider the demographics of the patient population in 28751. The prevalence of hypertension can vary based on factors such as age, race, and socioeconomic status. Practices that demonstrate cultural competency and tailor their services to meet the specific needs of their patients would receive a higher score. This includes providing multilingual resources and addressing health disparities.

The final Hypertension Score would provide a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It would help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare, identify areas for improvement in the local healthcare system, and guide the development of programs and initiatives to improve hypertension management.

This comprehensive analysis, while providing a general overview, can be further enhanced with detailed data visualization. Understanding the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, the location of practices, and the demographics of the population can be greatly improved by using interactive mapping tools.

Would you like to explore a visual representation of the data and gain deeper insights into the healthcare landscape of Maggie Valley? Consider using CartoChrome maps to visualize the Hypertension Score data and identify patterns and trends.