29148, Summerton, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29148, Summerton, South Carolina is 18 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.79 percent of the residents in 29148 has some form of health insurance. 62.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.13 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 29148 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 750 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29148. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,714 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 537 health care providers accessible to residents in 29148, Summerton, South Carolina.

The task is to analyze hypertension care in Summerton, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29148), focusing on primary care access and related factors. This involves assessing physician availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a call to action for CartoChrome maps.

Summerton, South Carolina, a rural community, faces unique challenges in healthcare delivery, particularly regarding hypertension management. The availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor. Analyzing the physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP Code 29148 provides a baseline understanding of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments, follow-up care, and ongoing management for chronic conditions like hypertension. Publicly available data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or the U.S. Census Bureau, combined with physician directories, can help establish this ratio. It's crucial to note that this ratio alone doesn't paint the full picture; the distribution of physicians within the ZIP code, their specialization, and their acceptance of new patients all play significant roles.

Beyond raw numbers, the operational characteristics of primary care practices in Summerton are important. Identifying standout practices that demonstrate excellence in hypertension care is a key objective. This requires evaluating factors beyond the physician-to-patient ratio. We need to look at the use of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension treatment, the implementation of patient education programs, and the frequency of regular blood pressure monitoring. Practices employing electronic health records (EHRs) with built-in hypertension management protocols, such as automated reminders for medication refills and follow-up appointments, are likely to provide superior care. Reviews and patient feedback, while subjective, offer insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience. These elements together can reveal which practices are truly excelling in hypertension care within the Summerton community.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of assessing hypertension management. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient education, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine integration in Summerton's primary care practices is essential. This involves determining whether physicians offer virtual appointments, if they utilize remote monitoring devices to track blood pressure readings, and if they provide patients with online educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide continuous care, improve medication adherence, and reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, all of which are particularly valuable for managing hypertension.

The integration of mental health resources into primary care is vital for comprehensive hypertension management. Hypertension is often associated with stress, anxiety, and depression, which can significantly impact blood pressure control. Assessing the availability of mental health services within or in partnership with primary care practices in Summerton is necessary. This includes evaluating whether practices have on-site mental health professionals, offer referrals to mental health specialists, or provide resources for stress management and coping strategies. Practices that recognize the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and offer integrated care are better equipped to support patients in managing their hypertension effectively.

Analyzing the specific practices in ZIP Code 29148 requires a deeper dive. We should identify the names of the practices, the physicians associated with them, and the services they offer. The use of public databases, physician directories, and healthcare provider websites can help gather this information. We need to assess the practices' acceptance of new patients, their insurance coverage options, and their hours of operation. This information helps to create a more comprehensive understanding of the availability and accessibility of primary care in Summerton.

The analysis should consider the demographics of the population in ZIP Code 29148. Understanding the age distribution, socioeconomic status, and racial and ethnic makeup of the community is crucial. Hypertension prevalence varies across different demographic groups. Tailoring care to the specific needs of the population requires understanding these differences. The presence of community health centers or other organizations that specifically target underserved populations should also be noted.

The evaluation of hypertension management also involves assessing the availability of ancillary services. This includes access to pharmacies for medication refills, laboratory services for blood tests, and cardiology specialists for consultations. The proximity of these services to primary care practices can significantly impact patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. The presence of a local hospital with a cardiology department is an important factor.

The analysis should also consider the role of community resources. This includes identifying local support groups for individuals with hypertension, educational programs offered by community organizations, and access to healthy food options. Community involvement can play a vital role in promoting healthy lifestyles and improving hypertension control. The availability of public transportation is another factor to consider, especially for patients who may have difficulty traveling to appointments.

Finally, the analysis should synthesize all the gathered information to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" for the primary care landscape in Summerton. This score would be based on a weighted assessment of the factors discussed above, including physician-to-patient ratio, telemedicine adoption, mental health integration, and access to ancillary services and community resources. This score provides a benchmark for the quality of hypertension care in the area.

While this analysis provides a valuable overview, the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. CartoChrome maps offers a dynamic platform to visualize and explore this information in an interactive and engaging way. Use CartoChrome maps to see the geographical distribution of physicians, visualize patient access, and identify areas where resources are most needed. Explore the data, understand the challenges, and help improve hypertension care in Summerton.