28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina is 60 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.59 percent of the residents in 28775 has some form of health insurance. 68.88 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.94 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 28775 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 153 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28775. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 198 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,056 health care providers accessible to residents in 28775, Scaly Mountain, North Carolina.

The task is to analyze the landscape of hypertension care within ZIP Code 28775, specifically focusing on primary care availability in Scaly Mountain, North Carolina. This analysis will produce a "Hypertension Score" that considers factors like physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources, all critical components in effective hypertension management. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare environment, ultimately guiding individuals toward optimal care.

The first critical aspect of this analysis is the physician-to-patient ratio. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing and analyzing data from sources such as the North Carolina Medical Board and the U.S. Census Bureau. Within ZIP Code 28775, and particularly in the more rural Scaly Mountain area, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely to be a significant factor. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians relative to the population, could negatively impact the "Hypertension Score." This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses and treatment adjustments.

The availability of primary care physicians is crucial, as they often serve as the first point of contact for individuals with hypertension. They are responsible for initial screenings, diagnosis, and ongoing management. The presence of a robust primary care network in Scaly Mountain, encompassing family medicine, internal medicine, and potentially geriatric specialists, is a strong positive indicator for the "Hypertension Score." Conversely, a limited number of primary care providers, or the absence of specialists, would negatively impact the score, potentially forcing residents to travel further for care.

Standout practices within the ZIP Code are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension management. This includes practices that offer: (1) regular blood pressure monitoring, (2) patient education on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), (3) medication management, and (4) coordinated care with specialists when necessary. These practices often employ electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, facilitate communication, and improve adherence to treatment plans. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes would receive a higher score.

Telemedicine adoption plays a crucial role in enhancing access to care, especially in rural areas like Scaly Mountain. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and virtual follow-up appointments are better positioned to serve patients with hypertension. Telemedicine can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, improve medication adherence, and provide timely interventions. The extent of telemedicine integration, including the availability of user-friendly platforms and the training of staff in telehealth protocols, will influence the "Hypertension Score."

The integration of mental health resources is another critical element. Hypertension and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, are often comorbid. Stress and poor mental health can exacerbate hypertension, and conversely, managing hypertension can be challenging for individuals struggling with mental health issues. Practices that offer integrated mental health services, either in-house or through referrals, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, all of which contribute to improved outcomes.

Evaluating the availability of specific resources is essential. For example, the presence of registered dietitians who can provide personalized nutrition counseling is a positive indicator. Similarly, access to certified diabetes educators, who can help patients manage blood sugar levels (a common comorbidity with hypertension), is beneficial. The availability of exercise programs, such as those offered at local community centers or fitness facilities, can also support lifestyle modifications.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It is not a simple numerical ranking but a qualitative assessment of the overall healthcare environment. Practices that excel in multiple areas, such as physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration, will receive a higher score. Conversely, practices with limited resources or a lack of comprehensive care will receive a lower score. The score is intended to be a tool for patients, guiding them toward practices that prioritize effective hypertension management.

The specific practices within the ZIP Code that demonstrate exceptional care warrant recognition. This requires in-depth research, including patient reviews, quality metrics, and practice profiles. The "Hypertension Score" analysis would identify practices that offer a patient-centered approach, demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based medicine, and leverage technology to improve outcomes. These practices would serve as models for other providers in the region.

The challenges faced by healthcare providers in rural areas, such as Scaly Mountain, must also be acknowledged. These include workforce shortages, limited access to specialized services, and the financial constraints of operating in a low-population area. The "Hypertension Score" analysis will consider these challenges and provide context for the findings. It is important to recognize that even practices facing significant challenges can still provide high-quality care.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on hypertension management. Factors such as income, education, and access to healthy food can significantly influence a patient's ability to manage their condition. The "Hypertension Score" will consider these factors and provide insights into the disparities in care. This information can be used to inform interventions that address these disparities and improve health equity.

In conclusion, the "Hypertension Score" analysis for ZIP Code 28775, specifically focusing on primary care availability in Scaly Mountain, is a complex undertaking. It requires a thorough understanding of the local healthcare landscape, including physician density, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare environment, ultimately empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their care.

To visualize the landscape of hypertension care in the region, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize the location of healthcare providers, access to resources, and other relevant data.