29038, Cope, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29038, Cope, South Carolina is 53 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.88 percent of the residents in 29038 has some form of health insurance. 47.13 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.76 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 29038 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 540 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 5 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29038. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 523 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 686 health care providers accessible to residents in 29038, Cope, South Carolina.

Here's an analysis focusing on hypertension care within ZIP code 29038 and the primary care landscape of Cope, South Carolina, aiming for a specific and data-driven assessment.

The task is to create a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" for doctors within the 29038 ZIP code, focusing on factors relevant to effective hypertension management. This score, while not a real metric, will serve as a framework for understanding the healthcare environment. The analysis will also include primary care availability in the nearby town of Cope.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: 29038 (and surrounding areas)**

The foundation of any good hypertension management program rests on accessible primary care. ZIP code 29038, encompassing the town of Bamberg, South Carolina, and its surrounding rural areas, presents a unique set of challenges. The area is predominantly rural, potentially leading to decreased access to specialized medical services. A key factor in our hypothetical Hypertension Score would be the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 29038 ZIP code, as well as in neighboring communities.

The physician-to-patient ratio is critical. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, making it more difficult for patients to receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Data on this ratio would be a primary component of the score. Information on the number of PCPs actively practicing in the area, combined with the estimated population, would be analyzed. We would need to consider the age demographics of the population, as older populations are more likely to have hypertension.

The quality of primary care is equally important. This aspect of the score would assess factors like the practice's accreditation, patient reviews, and the presence of chronic disease management programs. Are practices actively participating in programs like the CDC's Million Hearts initiative, which focuses on preventing heart attacks and strokes? Do they offer patient education materials on lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, which are crucial for managing hypertension?

The availability of specialized care, such as cardiology, would also influence the score. While PCPs are the first line of defense, patients with complex cases or uncontrolled hypertension may need referral to a cardiologist. The distance to the nearest cardiology specialists, and the wait times for appointments, would be factored in.

Telemedicine adoption is a crucial element in the modern healthcare landscape, especially in rural areas. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, would receive a higher score. This technology can improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling. The ability to remotely monitor blood pressure readings, and provide virtual follow-up appointments, can significantly improve hypertension control.

Mental health is inextricably linked to physical health, and this connection is especially relevant in the context of hypertension. Stress and anxiety can elevate blood pressure. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists and psychiatrists, either within the primary care practice or in the community, would be a factor. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, or have strong referral networks for mental health care, would be viewed more favorably.

**Primary Care Availability in Cope, South Carolina**

The town of Cope, South Carolina, located near 29038, is a vital consideration for healthcare access. The availability of primary care in Cope, and the ease of access for residents of 29038, is a crucial component of the overall healthcare picture.

The same factors used to evaluate primary care in 29038 would be applied to Cope. This includes physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of the practices, and the availability of telemedicine. The number of primary care practices in Cope, and the services offered, would be assessed. The distance from Bamberg to Cope, and the ease of travel, would be considered.

**Standout Practices and Specific Examples**

While a specific list cannot be provided, the analysis would identify "standout" practices based on the criteria mentioned above. A practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a strong emphasis on patient education, and a robust telemedicine program would likely receive a higher score. Practices that have integrated behavioral health services would also be highlighted.

For example, a hypothetical practice in the area might be praised for its commitment to patient education, offering regular workshops on healthy eating and exercise. Another practice might be lauded for its efficient use of telemedicine, providing virtual follow-up appointments and remote blood pressure monitoring.

**Mental Health Resources**

The analysis would also focus on the availability of mental health resources in the community. The presence of therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, and the ease of access to these services, would be evaluated. Practices that have strong referral networks for mental health care would be recognized.

**Conclusion**

This "Hypertension Score" analysis, focusing on the doctors in 29038 and primary care availability in Cope, provides a framework for understanding the healthcare environment. It highlights the importance of accessible primary care, the physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in this area, including the location of healthcare providers, their services, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome can provide a visual representation of the healthcare resources in the area, allowing you to make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.