29053, Gaston, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29053, Gaston, South Carolina is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.91 percent of the residents in 29053 has some form of health insurance. 42.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.14 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 29053 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 5,767 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 11 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29053. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,135 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,904 health care providers accessible to residents in 29053, Gaston, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29053 & Primary Care in Gaston

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP code 29053 and the broader context of primary care availability in Gaston, South Carolina. We aim to provide a nuanced understanding of the resources available to patients, the quality of care offered, and the potential for improvement in managing this widespread health concern. The analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, highlight standout practices, assess telemedicine adoption, and examine the integration of mental health resources, all contributing to a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment.

ZIP code 29053, encompassing the town of Gaston and surrounding areas, presents a specific set of challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The demographics of the area, including age distribution and socioeconomic factors, likely influence the prevalence of hypertension and the accessibility of care. The availability of primary care physicians is the cornerstone of effective hypertension management. Regular check-ups, screenings, and medication management are crucial for controlling blood pressure and preventing complications.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, less comprehensive care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially, improved patient outcomes. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 29053 requires data analysis, including the number of practicing primary care physicians, cardiologists, and other specialists involved in hypertension management, and the total population served. Publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) can provide valuable insights.

Identifying standout practices within 29053 and the broader Gaston area is essential. These practices often demonstrate best practices in hypertension management, leading to better patient outcomes. Key indicators of excellence include: a high percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, adherence to national guidelines for hypertension treatment, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management and care coordination, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively engage patients in their care, through education, lifestyle counseling, and regular follow-up appointments, are likely to achieve superior results. Researching patient reviews, analyzing publicly available quality metrics (if available), and consulting with local healthcare organizations can help identify these leading practices.

Telemedicine adoption has the potential to significantly impact hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Gaston. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, especially for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management via telehealth platforms can enhance patient convenience and promote adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among practices in 29053 involves examining the availability of telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the technology infrastructure supporting these services.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as a crucial component of comprehensive hypertension care. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder treatment adherence. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. Evaluating the availability of mental health support involves assessing the presence of mental health providers within primary care practices, the availability of mental health counseling, and the integration of mental health screenings into routine care.

Primary care availability in Gaston, beyond the specific confines of 29053, is a crucial factor. The geographic distribution of primary care physicians, the availability of urgent care clinics, and the ease of access to specialist care all influence the overall healthcare landscape. Analyzing the density of primary care practices across Gaston, considering factors like travel time and transportation options, provides a broader perspective on access to care. This analysis should also include the availability of specialty care, particularly cardiology, as timely access to specialists is essential for managing complex cases of hypertension.

To synthesize these various factors into a "Hypertension Score," a weighted scoring system can be employed. Each factor – physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and primary care availability – would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance. The practices and the area would then be evaluated on each factor, and a score would be assigned based on performance. The overall "Hypertension Score" would be a composite score reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of hypertension management resources.

The challenges and opportunities in hypertension management within 29053 and Gaston are multifaceted. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach involving healthcare providers, public health officials, and community organizations. Improving physician-to-patient ratios, promoting the adoption of telemedicine, integrating mental health resources, and supporting the development of best practices in hypertension management are essential steps toward enhancing patient outcomes.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in 29053 and Gaston, including physician locations, healthcare facility locations, and demographic data, explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data and identifying areas where resources are most needed.