28754, Mars Hill, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28754, Mars Hill, North Carolina is 97 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.05 percent of the residents in 28754 has some form of health insurance. 40.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.66 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 28754 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,859 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28754. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,071 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,607 health care providers accessible to residents in 28754, Mars Hill, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Mars Hill, NC (ZIP Code 28754)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within Mars Hill, North Carolina (ZIP Code 28754) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. These factors collectively contribute to a “Hypertension Score,” reflecting the community's capacity to effectively address and manage this prevalent health concern.

Primary care access forms the bedrock of hypertension control. In Mars Hill, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. Assessing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the ZIP code, or serving its population, provides a baseline. This number, however, must be contextualized. Are there enough PCPs to meet the needs of the population, particularly considering the prevalence of hypertension, which often necessitates frequent check-ups and medication management?

The physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A high ratio (fewer patients per physician) generally indicates better access and potentially more individualized care. Conversely, a low ratio can lead to longer wait times, rushed appointments, and a diminished ability for PCPs to provide comprehensive hypertension management. Data on the average patient load per PCP in 28754 is essential to accurately assess this ratio. Public health resources often provide this data, along with information from insurance providers and local medical societies.

Identifying standout practices in Mars Hill requires delving beyond mere numbers. What practices demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension management? Are they actively participating in quality improvement initiatives, tracking patient outcomes, and employing best practices as recommended by the American Heart Association and other leading medical organizations? Do these practices offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day access for urgent needs?

Telemedicine adoption is another key indicator. The ability to offer virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth can significantly improve hypertension control, especially for patients in rural areas. Telemedicine reduces the burden of travel, improves adherence to medication regimens, and allows for more frequent monitoring. Assessing the extent of telemedicine integration among PCPs in Mars Hill is vital. Are practices utilizing secure video conferencing, patient portals for communication, and remote monitoring devices?

The intricate link between mental health and hypertension cannot be ignored. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate hypertension and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a critical factor. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, readily accessible to patients in Mars Hill? Do PCPs have established referral pathways for patients who need mental health support? Integrated care models, where mental health services are offered within primary care practices, can be particularly beneficial.

Evaluating these factors allows for the construction of a "Hypertension Score" for Mars Hill. The score would incorporate weighted values for each category: primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Each factor would be graded based on available data, allowing for a comprehensive assessment of the community's strengths and weaknesses in hypertension management.

For instance, a high physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of practices actively engaged in quality improvement, and robust telemedicine adoption would positively impact the score. Conversely, limited primary care access, a scarcity of mental health resources, and minimal telemedicine integration would negatively affect the score.

The final "Hypertension Score" would provide a valuable snapshot of the community's preparedness to address hypertension. It could be used to identify areas for improvement, guide resource allocation, and inform public health initiatives. For example, if the score reveals a shortage of mental health resources, local health officials could prioritize efforts to increase access to mental health services.

The analysis would also highlight any disparities in access to care based on factors like socioeconomic status, race, or geographic location within the ZIP code. Addressing these disparities is crucial to ensure equitable hypertension management for all residents of Mars Hill.

The "Hypertension Score" would be a dynamic tool, requiring regular updates to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new practices open, telemedicine adoption increases, or mental health resources expand, the score would need to be revised to accurately reflect the community's progress.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mars Hill and surrounding areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialists, and pharmacies, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a detailed, interactive visualization of healthcare resources, allowing for a more intuitive understanding of access and availability.