29125, Pinewood, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29125, Pinewood, South Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.57 percent of the residents in 29125 has some form of health insurance. 47.90 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.54 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 29125 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 576 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29125. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 557 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,951 health care providers accessible to residents in 29125, Pinewood, South Carolina.

**Hypertension Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 29125 and Primary Care Availability in Pinewood**

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within a specific geographic area requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 29125, encompassing the town of Pinewood, South Carolina, and aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Hypertension Score’ assessment. This score will evaluate the availability of primary care physicians, their practices concerning hypertension management, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources, all crucial factors in effective hypertension control.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental metric. In Pinewood (ZIP code 29125), the precise physician-to-patient ratio needs to be determined. Publicly available data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with information from the American Medical Association (AMA) Physician Masterfile, can provide this crucial statistic. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, signals potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and ongoing care, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. This scarcity can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code matters. Are primary care physicians clustered in one area, leaving other parts of Pinewood underserved? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or community health clinics that might help to bridge the gap in access? Understanding the geographic distribution is essential for identifying areas where healthcare resources are most needed.

Identifying standout practices within ZIP code 29125 requires a deeper dive. This involves examining practice characteristics beyond simple physician counts. Are practices accepting new patients? What are their appointment scheduling processes like? Do they offer extended hours or weekend availability? Practices that prioritize patient convenience and accessibility are more likely to facilitate regular check-ups and medication adherence, both critical for hypertension management.

Furthermore, the quality of care provided by these practices is paramount. Do they adhere to evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, such as those established by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)? This includes routinely measuring blood pressure, providing lifestyle counseling (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), and prescribing appropriate medications when necessary. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and implement patient portals can streamline communication, improve medication management, and facilitate remote monitoring.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component of the Hypertension Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages in hypertension management. It allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, medication adjustments, and virtual consultations, particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations or those living in rural areas. The degree to which practices in ZIP code 29125 have embraced telemedicine – the types of services offered, the platforms used, and the patient experience – will significantly influence the score. Practices that actively promote and utilize telemedicine are likely to provide more accessible and convenient care, leading to better patient outcomes.

The integration of mental health resources is increasingly recognized as crucial in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure, and addressing these issues is essential for comprehensive care. The Hypertension Score will consider the availability of mental health services within the practices themselves or through referrals. Do practices screen for depression and anxiety? Do they have mental health professionals on staff or partnerships with local mental health providers? Practices that recognize the link between mental and physical health and provide integrated care will receive a higher score.

To calculate the Hypertension Score, a weighted approach is necessary. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant factor, along with the availability of services, the quality of care, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in hypertension management. The final score will then be calculated by summing the weighted scores for each factor.

The score will be presented on a scale, perhaps from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better access to and quality of hypertension care. This score can then be used to compare the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 29125 to other areas, identify areas for improvement, and inform public health initiatives.

The primary care availability in Pinewood, as assessed by the Hypertension Score, will also consider the broader healthcare ecosystem. Are there specialty clinics nearby that can provide additional support for patients with complex cases? Are there local pharmacies that offer medication adherence programs or blood pressure monitoring services? The availability of these ancillary services can enhance the overall quality of care and contribute to better patient outcomes.

The analysis will also consider demographic factors, such as the age and socioeconomic status of the population in ZIP code 29125. These factors can influence the prevalence of hypertension and the challenges patients face in accessing care. The Hypertension Score will be adjusted to account for these factors, providing a more accurate assessment of the healthcare landscape.

Finally, the Hypertension Score is not static; it should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. The healthcare system is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment guidelines, and policy changes emerging. Regular updates to the score will ensure that it remains a relevant and useful tool for assessing healthcare access and quality in ZIP code 29125.

For a visual representation of the data and a deeper dive into the geographic distribution of healthcare resources in Pinewood, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide valuable insights into physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care.