28768, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28768, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.51 percent of the residents in 28768 has some form of health insurance. 45.22 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.68 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 28768 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,348 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28768. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,310 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,154 health care providers accessible to residents in 28768, Pisgah Forest, North Carolina.

The task is to analyze the hypertension management landscape for primary care physicians within ZIP code 28768, encompassing Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, focusing on factors influencing a hypothetical "Hypertension Score." This score would reflect the effectiveness of local healthcare providers in managing hypertension, considering patient access, treatment strategies, and support systems. The analysis will delve into physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources, providing a comprehensive picture of the local healthcare environment.

Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio in Pisgah Forest (ZIP code 28768) is a crucial first step. A low ratio, indicating a greater number of patients per physician, can strain resources and potentially impact appointment availability and the time physicians can dedicate to each patient. Conversely, a higher ratio might indicate better access, allowing for more frequent check-ups and consultations, critical for managing hypertension effectively. Publicly available data, such as that from the North Carolina Medical Board or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), would be consulted to determine the exact ratio. This data would be a foundational element of the Hypertension Score, influencing the overall assessment of access to care.

The availability of primary care physicians is paramount. A robust primary care infrastructure, with sufficient providers and a diverse range of specialties, is essential. The presence of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, within or easily accessible to the area, significantly enhances the ability to manage complex hypertension cases. The analysis would investigate the number of primary care practices in the area, the types of services offered, and the availability of specialists. This information would be factored into the Hypertension Score, as it directly relates to the ability of patients to receive comprehensive care.

Identifying standout practices is a key element of this analysis. These practices would demonstrate superior performance in hypertension management. The criteria for identifying these practices would include factors such as the use of evidence-based treatment guidelines, adherence to national quality measures, and patient outcomes. Data from sources like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) or the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) could be used to identify practices with high scores in areas like blood pressure control rates, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction. These practices would serve as benchmarks, providing insights into best practices that could be adopted by other providers in the area.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of hypertension management. Telemedicine offers a convenient and accessible means for patients to monitor their blood pressure, receive medication adjustments, and consult with their physicians. The analysis would assess the extent to which local primary care practices utilize telemedicine. This includes examining the availability of virtual appointments, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and the use of patient portals for communication and education. Practices that actively embrace telemedicine are likely to achieve higher Hypertension Scores, as they demonstrate a commitment to improving patient access and convenience.

The integration of mental health resources is also crucial. Hypertension and mental health often have a bidirectional relationship. Stress, anxiety, and depression can elevate blood pressure, while the diagnosis and management of hypertension can also contribute to mental health challenges. The analysis would evaluate the availability of mental health services within the primary care practices or in the surrounding community. This includes assessing the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists or psychiatrists, the availability of mental health screenings, and the referral pathways between primary care and mental health providers. Practices that effectively integrate mental health services are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients, leading to improved hypertension management and a higher Hypertension Score.

The analysis would also consider the availability of patient education resources. Effective hypertension management requires patients to actively participate in their care. This includes understanding their condition, adhering to their medication regimens, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. The analysis would assess the availability of patient education materials, such as brochures, websites, and educational programs, within the primary care practices. Practices that provide comprehensive patient education resources are more likely to empower their patients to take control of their health, leading to better outcomes and a higher Hypertension Score.

Furthermore, the analysis would examine the presence of community resources that support hypertension management. This includes factors such as the availability of affordable healthy food options, access to exercise facilities, and community-based support groups. The analysis would assess the extent to which primary care practices collaborate with these community resources to support their patients. Practices that actively engage with the community are more likely to create a supportive environment that promotes healthy behaviors and improves hypertension outcomes, leading to a higher Hypertension Score.

The analysis would also evaluate the practices' commitment to preventive care. This includes assessing the frequency of blood pressure screenings, the implementation of lifestyle interventions, and the use of risk assessment tools. Practices that prioritize preventive care are more likely to identify and manage hypertension early, preventing complications and improving patient outcomes. This would be a significant factor in determining the Hypertension Score.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" for primary care physicians in ZIP code 28768, Pisgah Forest, would be a composite measure reflecting various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, access to specialists, telemedicine adoption, integration of mental health resources, and the availability of patient education and community support. The analysis would identify strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare landscape, highlighting best practices and areas for improvement. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality of hypertension management in the area, enabling patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and empowering providers to improve their services.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pisgah Forest and surrounding areas, including the location of practices, specialists, and community resources, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a dynamic and interactive visualization of the data analyzed, allowing for a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment and its impact on hypertension management.