02907, Providence, Rhode Island Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 02907, Providence, Rhode Island is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.66 percent of the residents in 02907 has some form of health insurance. 62.03 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 35.67 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 02907 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 9,244 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 12 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 02907. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,115 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,995 health care providers accessible to residents in 02907, Providence, Rhode Island.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 02907 & Primary Care in Providence

Analyzing the availability and quality of primary care, specifically concerning hypertension management, within ZIP code 02907 (Providence, RI) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, a "Hypertension Score," will assess key factors impacting patient access to care, the quality of treatment, and the overall health outcomes related to hypertension. We will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of integrated mental health resources.

The foundation of effective hypertension management is readily accessible primary care. The physician-to-patient ratio in 02907 is a critical starting point. A high ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care physicians, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and ultimately, poorer control of chronic conditions like hypertension. Data from the Rhode Island Department of Health and the American Medical Association needs to be consulted to determine the current physician-to-patient ratio. This data will provide a baseline for understanding the existing capacity to serve the population within the zip code.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is crucial. Are the physicians concentrated in specific areas, leaving other parts of 02907 underserved? Are there sufficient practices accepting new patients, particularly those with Medicare, Medicaid, or limited insurance coverage? Addressing these questions reveals potential disparities in access to care. The "Hypertension Score" will penalize areas with significant physician shortages or limited patient intake capacity.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These practices demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. This involves looking at various metrics. Do they have a high percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure? Do they employ evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment, including lifestyle modifications and medication management? Do they offer comprehensive patient education programs on diet, exercise, and stress reduction? These practices often integrate technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate data tracking and patient communication. The "Hypertension Score" will reward practices with demonstrably superior outcomes and patient-centered care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly relevant. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve hypertension management. It can reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, making it easier for patients to adhere to their treatment plans. This is especially important for patients with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited transportation options. The "Hypertension Score" will consider the extent to which practices utilize telemedicine to improve patient access and engagement. Practices that offer virtual blood pressure monitoring and secure messaging will receive higher scores.

The link between hypertension and mental health is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into primary care is crucial. Does the practice have on-site mental health providers, or do they have established referral pathways to mental health specialists? Do they screen patients for depression and anxiety? Do they offer support groups or educational programs addressing stress management? The "Hypertension Score" will emphasize the importance of integrated mental health services. Practices that proactively address the mental health needs of their patients will be viewed favorably.

Analyzing the availability of pharmacies within 02907 is also important. Easy access to medication refills is critical for adherence to treatment. Are there sufficient pharmacies in the area, and do they offer services like medication synchronization and home delivery? The "Hypertension Score" will consider the proximity of pharmacies and the availability of patient-friendly services.

Furthermore, the "Hypertension Score" will incorporate factors related to health equity. Does the practice serve a diverse patient population? Are they committed to addressing health disparities? Do they offer culturally competent care and translate materials into multiple languages? Practices that demonstrate a commitment to health equity will receive higher scores.

The data gathering process will involve several steps. Publicly available data from the Rhode Island Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) will be reviewed. Practice websites and online reviews will be examined. Direct outreach to primary care practices in 02907 will be necessary to gather information on their services, patient outcomes, and telemedicine capabilities.

The final "Hypertension Score" will be a composite measure, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in achieving optimal hypertension management. The scores will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing patients to easily compare practices and make informed decisions about their care.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of primary care availability and quality in 02907, with a specific focus on hypertension management. By evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, assessing telemedicine adoption, and considering the availability of mental health resources, the "Hypertension Score" will help patients find the best possible care.

For a dynamic and interactive visualization of these findings, including the geographic distribution of physicians, pharmacies, and other relevant data points, we recommend exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can transform this data into actionable insights, allowing you to visualize and understand the complexities of healthcare access in 02907.