28756, Mill Spring, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28756, Mill Spring, North Carolina is 67 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.24 percent of the residents in 28756 has some form of health insurance. 44.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.79 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 28756 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 845 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28756. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 777 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,297 health care providers accessible to residents in 28756, Mill Spring, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 28756 & Mill Spring Primary Care

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 28756, encompassing Mill Spring, North Carolina, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must assess the availability of primary care physicians, their adoption of best practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources, all crucial factors in controlling hypertension. This analysis aims to provide a "Hypertension Score" framework, offering insights into the quality and accessibility of care for individuals managing this prevalent condition.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on access to primary care. Mill Spring, a relatively rural area, likely faces challenges in physician-to-patient ratios. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Researching the specific physician-to-patient ratio within 28756 is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), would provide a baseline for understanding the current supply of primary care providers.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care is critical. We need to investigate the practices within 28756, evaluating their adherence to established hypertension guidelines. This includes assessing whether they routinely measure blood pressure accurately, monitor patients' blood pressure over time, and prescribe appropriate medications. This can be difficult to ascertain directly, as patient-level data is protected. However, publicly available information about the practices themselves, such as their accreditation status, participation in quality improvement programs, and patient reviews, can provide clues.

Standout practices within the region can be identified by their commitment to comprehensive hypertension care. These practices might excel in several areas. They may have dedicated staff, like registered nurses or certified medical assistants, focused on hypertension management. They could actively use electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, identify high-risk individuals, and facilitate communication between providers. They could also offer educational programs for patients, empowering them to understand their condition, manage their lifestyle factors, and adhere to their medication regimens. Identifying these practices and highlighting their best practices can serve as a model for others in the area.

Telemedicine offers a valuable tool in bridging geographical gaps and enhancing access to care, particularly in rural settings like Mill Spring. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care physicians in 28756 is a key indicator of their commitment to patient care. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management, allowing patients to receive care from the comfort of their homes. Assessing the availability of telemedicine services, the types of services offered (e.g., video visits, remote monitoring), and patient satisfaction with these services is crucial.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate high blood pressure and hinder adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources within 28756 is, therefore, a critical component of the "Hypertension Score." This includes assessing the presence of mental health providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, in the area. It also involves evaluating the integration of mental health services into primary care practices. Do primary care physicians screen patients for mental health conditions? Do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? Are there resources for patients to access mental health support, such as support groups or educational materials?

The "Hypertension Score" would ultimately be a composite metric, reflecting the availability of primary care, the quality of care provided, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Each component would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The score could then be used to rank the primary care practices within 28756, providing a comparative assessment of their effectiveness in managing hypertension.

Data collection for this analysis would involve several steps. We need to research physician-to-patient ratios, the accreditation status of practices, and the availability of telemedicine services. We would need to review patient reviews and public health data. Gathering information on the practices' participation in quality improvement programs would also be important. We would need to investigate the availability of mental health resources in the area, including the number of mental health providers and the integration of mental health services into primary care practices.

The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the landscape of hypertension management within 28756. This information can be used to inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare. It can help providers identify areas for improvement and adopt best practices. It can help policymakers allocate resources effectively to improve the health of the community.

This analysis, however, is just a starting point. The "Hypertension Score" is not a static number; it should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The availability of new technologies, such as remote monitoring devices and telehealth platforms, could impact the score. Changes in healthcare policies and regulations could also affect the score.

To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the geographic distribution of resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent the "Hypertension Score" for each practice, highlighting areas of strength and weakness. They can also map the locations of primary care physicians, mental health providers, and other resources, providing a clear picture of access to care within 28756 and the surrounding areas.