28763, Otto, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28763, Otto, North Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.15 percent of the residents in 28763 has some form of health insurance. 37.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.58 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 28763 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 610 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28763. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 629 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,176 health care providers accessible to residents in 28763, Otto, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Otto, NC (ZIP Code 28763)

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, within Otto, North Carolina (ZIP code 28763), requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into physician availability, specifically primary care physicians (PCPs), and assess the resources available for managing hypertension, including telemedicine and mental health support. The goal is to provide a nuanced "Hypertension Score" assessment, considering the unique characteristics of this rural community.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in readily available primary care. In Otto, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical factor. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining healthcare professionals. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, directly impacts appointment availability, follow-up care, and patient adherence to treatment plans. This scarcity can translate into delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring, and ultimately, poorer control of hypertension.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code matters. Are physicians concentrated in one area, leaving others underserved? This geographic disparity can create healthcare deserts, where residents face significant travel distances to access care. Analyzing the physical locations of practices and their proximity to population centers is crucial for understanding accessibility. Furthermore, the types of practices present – solo practitioners, group practices, or affiliations with larger healthcare systems – influence the resources available.

Identifying standout practices within the 28763 ZIP code is essential. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management. This might include robust patient education programs, proactive screening protocols, and efficient appointment scheduling. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively can streamline patient data, enabling better tracking of blood pressure readings, medication adherence, and overall health outcomes. A practice's commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication and shared decision-making, is also a key indicator of quality.

Telemedicine adoption plays a significant role in bridging the healthcare gap, particularly in rural areas. Telehealth offers the potential to expand access to care by enabling remote consultations, medication management, and patient education. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for hypertension management can improve patient outcomes by providing more frequent monitoring and support, especially for those with limited mobility or transportation challenges. The availability of secure video conferencing platforms, remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and patient portals are all indicators of a practice’s commitment to telehealth.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is a crucial component of effective hypertension management. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, as well as support groups and educational programs. Practices that integrate mental health screenings and referrals into their hypertension management protocols demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health professionals is vital for providing comprehensive care.

Assessing the availability of ancillary services is also important. Access to a registered dietitian for nutritional counseling, a pharmacist for medication review, and a certified diabetes educator (if applicable) can significantly improve hypertension control. These professionals can provide specialized support to patients, helping them manage their diet, medications, and lifestyle factors that impact blood pressure. The presence of these resources within the community, or readily accessible through referral networks, contributes to a more comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.

The “Hypertension Score” for Otto, NC (28763) would be a composite measure, incorporating these factors. It would consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic distribution of practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of ancillary services. A higher score would indicate better access to care, more comprehensive services, and a greater likelihood of effective hypertension management. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed.

The evaluation of each practice would involve collecting data from various sources, including publicly available information, practice websites, and, where possible, direct surveys or interviews with healthcare providers. Data on physician availability would be obtained from state licensing boards and healthcare directories. Telemedicine adoption would be assessed by examining practice websites and inquiring about telehealth services. Mental health resource availability would be evaluated by identifying local mental health providers and support groups.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a clear picture of the healthcare landscape in Otto, NC, regarding hypertension management. By identifying strengths and weaknesses, this assessment can inform strategies to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and ultimately, improve the health outcomes of residents. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop targeted interventions and allocate resources effectively.

To visualize the healthcare landscape in Otto, NC, and gain a deeper understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide interactive visualizations that allow you to explore geographic data, identify patterns, and analyze healthcare access in detail. They can be a valuable tool for understanding the nuances of hypertension management in this rural community.