02905, Providence, Rhode Island Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02905, Providence, Rhode Island is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.54 percent of the residents in 02905 has some form of health insurance. 49.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.41 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 02905 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,026 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02905. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,533 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 7,040 health care providers accessible to residents in 02905, Providence, Rhode Island.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Providence, RI (ZIP Code 02905)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management within Providence, Rhode Island, specifically focusing on the 02905 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, termed a "Hypertension Score," considers several key factors: the availability and accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs), the quality of hypertension management practices, the integration of technology like telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial components in effectively addressing this widespread health concern.

The foundation of effective hypertension control lies in robust primary care. Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio within 02905 is paramount. While publicly available data from the Rhode Island Department of Health or the US Department of Health & Human Services can provide general estimates, the actual patient load and accessibility can vary significantly. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a potentially overburdened primary care system, could negatively impact the Hypertension Score. This is because physicians with excessive patient volumes may have limited time for comprehensive hypertension management, including regular blood pressure monitoring, medication adjustments, and patient education.

The availability of primary care extends beyond simply counting physicians. The acceptance of new patients, insurance coverage acceptance (including Medicaid and Medicare), and the presence of multilingual staff are all critical considerations. Practices that readily accept new patients, cater to diverse insurance plans, and offer services in multiple languages enhance accessibility, thereby improving the Hypertension Score. Furthermore, the physical location of practices within the 02905 ZIP code, considering public transportation access and proximity to underserved populations, also plays a role.

Within the realm of hypertension management, certain practices may stand out. These "standout practices" often exhibit a proactive approach to patient care. This includes the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, regular blood pressure screenings, and the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient progress and medication adherence. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, through patient education programs, lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise), and medication management support, are likely to achieve better hypertension control rates. The use of patient portals, allowing patients to access their health information and communicate with their physicians, also contributes positively.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly impact the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth platforms, can improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their hypertension management protocols, demonstrating improved patient outcomes and satisfaction, would receive a higher score. This includes the availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices and the ability of physicians to remotely review and adjust medication regimens.

The interplay between hypertension and mental health is well-documented. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a crucial component of the Hypertension Score. Practices that have established relationships with mental health professionals, either on-site or through referral networks, and routinely screen patients for mental health concerns, demonstrate a more holistic approach to patient care. This integration of mental health services can lead to improved patient adherence to medication and lifestyle recommendations.

Analyzing data on medication adherence within the 02905 ZIP code is also vital. High rates of medication non-adherence are a significant barrier to effective hypertension control. Practices that implement strategies to improve medication adherence, such as medication reconciliation, patient education on medication side effects, and the use of medication reminder systems, would contribute to a higher score. The availability of affordable medications, potentially through partnerships with local pharmacies or assistance programs, also plays a role.

To develop a comprehensive Hypertension Score, data collection from various sources is necessary. This includes publicly available data, practice surveys, patient feedback (through patient satisfaction surveys and online reviews), and potentially, de-identified health records (while adhering to all HIPAA regulations). The analysis should consider the prevalence of hypertension within the 02905 ZIP code, demographic data, and socioeconomic factors, to provide a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities in hypertension management.

The final Hypertension Score would be a composite measure, reflecting the performance of each practice and the overall availability of resources within the 02905 ZIP code. This score could be used to identify areas for improvement, highlight best practices, and inform policy decisions aimed at improving hypertension control in the community. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape, including the adoption of new technologies and the implementation of evidence-based practices.

Ultimately, the goal of this analysis is to provide a clear picture of the state of hypertension management in Providence, specifically within the 02905 ZIP code. By assessing the availability of primary care, the quality of care provided, the integration of technology, and the access to mental health resources, we can identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement. This analysis, when coupled with ongoing monitoring and evaluation, can contribute to better patient outcomes and a healthier community.

For a visual representation of this data, including practice locations, physician-to-patient ratios, and access to resources, explore the power of spatial analysis. **Click here to explore interactive maps and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Providence, RI, using CartoChrome maps.**