28781, Topton, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28781, Topton, North Carolina is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.14 percent of the residents in 28781 has some form of health insurance. 59.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 68.67 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 28781 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 72 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28781. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 414 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 903 health care providers accessible to residents in 28781, Topton, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Topton, NC (ZIP Code 28781)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management in Topton, North Carolina (ZIP code 28781) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will assess the availability of primary care physicians, their practices in managing hypertension, the integration of technology, and the provision of supporting mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a "Hypertension Score" ranking, offering insights into the quality of care available to residents.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. The population of Topton, and the surrounding areas within the 28781 ZIP code, must be considered. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services provides population estimates. This data, combined with information on the number of practicing primary care physicians within the specified geographic area, allows for a preliminary calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio (more patients per physician) can indicate potential strain on resources and longer wait times for appointments.

Identifying the specific primary care practices in Topton is the next step. This involves searching online directories, insurance provider websites, and local resources. Once identified, a deeper dive into each practice is necessary. This includes examining their approach to hypertension management. Key indicators include the frequency of blood pressure screenings, the use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment (e.g., those from the American Heart Association or the American College of Cardiology), and the availability of patient education materials. Do the practices routinely monitor blood pressure, offer lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise), and prescribe appropriate medications? Are there protocols for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments? Practices that consistently demonstrate adherence to established guidelines will receive higher scores.

Standout practices often distinguish themselves through innovative approaches. This could include the implementation of patient-centered medical homes, where a team of healthcare professionals (physicians, nurses, medical assistants) work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care. Practices that offer extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments for urgent needs also enhance accessibility. Furthermore, practices that actively engage patients in their care, providing them with the tools and knowledge to manage their condition, will be highly regarded.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Topton. Practices that utilize telemedicine to monitor blood pressure readings, provide medication refills, and offer follow-up appointments will receive higher scores. This technology can reduce the burden of travel for patients, improve medication adherence, and facilitate more frequent monitoring.

The connection between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and make it more difficult to manage. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of a comprehensive hypertension care plan. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either through on-site therapists or through referrals to mental health professionals, will receive higher scores. Does the practice screen for mental health conditions? Do they offer counseling or support groups? Are there readily available resources for patients struggling with stress or anxiety?

The "Hypertension Score" for each practice will be based on a weighted system, considering the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant factor, reflecting the overall availability of care. Adherence to evidence-based guidelines, the adoption of telemedicine, and the provision of mental health resources will also be weighted heavily. Standout practices, demonstrating innovative approaches to patient care, will receive additional points.

The analysis also needs to consider the limitations of the data available. Publicly available information may not always reflect the full picture of a practice's operations. Patient reviews, while useful, can be subjective. Therefore, the "Hypertension Score" should be considered an estimate, offering a general overview of the quality of care available.

Overall, the goal of this analysis is to provide a practical overview of hypertension management in Topton, NC. The final "Hypertension Score" will offer insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape. This information can be used by residents to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to address healthcare disparities in the community.

To gain a deeper, more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Topton, NC, and to explore the geographic distribution of resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that can visualize data related to healthcare access, physician locations, and population demographics. This can help you identify areas with limited access to care and understand the factors influencing hypertension management in the community.