28783, Tuckasegee, North Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 28783, Tuckasegee, North Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 69.84 percent of the residents in 28783 has some form of health insurance. 40.85 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 48.21 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 28783 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 452 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 28783. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 301 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,475 health care providers accessible to residents in 28783, Tuckasegee, North Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Tuckasegee, NC (ZIP Code 28783)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Tuckasegee, North Carolina (ZIP code 28783) through the lens of hypertension management requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will examine the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and identify standout practices to formulate a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score, while not a numerical value, will provide a qualitative understanding of the area's capacity to effectively manage hypertension.

The foundation of hypertension care rests on accessible primary care. Tuckasegee, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas: a potential shortage of primary care physicians. Determining the exact physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. Publicly available data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be the primary sources for this information. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, would negatively impact the Hypertension Score. Patients might face longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation.

The physical location of primary care practices is also critical. Are practices clustered in a central location, or are they dispersed throughout the community? Geographic accessibility, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those lacking reliable transportation, directly influences the ability to receive timely care. Practices located in areas with higher concentrations of elderly residents or those with pre-existing health conditions would be particularly important to assess.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the characteristics of existing practices play a significant role. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate diverse schedules? The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as blood pressure monitoring and basic laboratory tests, streamlines the diagnostic and management process. Practices with a comprehensive approach, including patient education materials, nutritional counseling, and support groups, would contribute positively to the Hypertension Score.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant opportunity to enhance hypertension management, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely consult with physicians, monitor blood pressure readings, and receive medication management. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments, remote monitoring devices, and secure communication platforms, would receive a higher score. This approach can improve access to care, reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, and promote patient adherence to treatment plans.

The integration of mental health resources is another crucial element of effective hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Practices that recognize the link between mental and physical health and offer integrated mental health services, either on-site or through referrals, are better equipped to provide holistic care. This could include access to therapists, psychiatrists, or support groups specializing in stress management techniques. The presence of mental health resources directly impacts the Hypertension Score.

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided. This involves evaluating patient satisfaction scores, adherence to clinical guidelines for hypertension management, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data and facilitate communication. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based practices, actively engage patients in their care, and prioritize patient outcomes would be considered exemplary.

The evaluation process would involve reviewing publicly available data, conducting interviews with healthcare professionals, and potentially surveying patients to gather comprehensive insights. The analysis would consider the availability of bilingual services, particularly in areas with a significant non-English speaking population.

The assessment of medication management practices is also crucial. Do practices offer medication reconciliation services to ensure patients are taking the correct medications at the appropriate dosages? Do they provide assistance with medication affordability, such as connecting patients with financial assistance programs or offering generic medication options? These factors significantly affect patient adherence to treatment plans and, consequently, blood pressure control.

Furthermore, the analysis would consider the presence of community health initiatives focused on hypertension prevention and management. This could include health fairs, educational programs, or partnerships with local organizations to promote healthy lifestyles. The involvement of practices in such initiatives demonstrates a commitment to community health and contributes positively to the Hypertension Score.

The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology services, is also important. While primary care physicians are the cornerstone of hypertension management, access to specialists is essential for patients with complex cases or those requiring advanced interventions. The proximity of cardiology specialists and the ease of referral processes would be considered in the overall assessment.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for Tuckasegee (ZIP code 28783) would be determined by a holistic evaluation of these factors. A community with a high physician-to-patient ratio, limited telemedicine adoption, and a lack of mental health integration would likely receive a lower score. Conversely, a community with readily available primary care, widespread telemedicine use, integrated mental health services, and standout practices would receive a higher score, indicating a greater capacity to effectively manage hypertension. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Tuckasegee and identifying areas for improvement.

For a detailed visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care in Tuckasegee and surrounding areas, explore CartoChrome maps. They can provide a valuable spatial perspective on the healthcare resources available in the region.