29152, Shaw A F B, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29152, Shaw A F B, South Carolina is 47 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 58.76 percent of the residents in 29152 has some form of health insurance. 11.02 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.76 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 29152 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 605 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29152. An estimate of 9 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,509 health care providers accessible to residents in 29152, Shaw A F B, South Carolina.

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP Code 29152, encompassing Shaw Air Force Base and the surrounding areas, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources, ultimately providing a "Hypertension Score" perspective. The goal is to assess the overall capacity to address hypertension, a significant public health concern, within this specific geographic area.

Primary care access is the cornerstone of effective hypertension management. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) directly impacts a patient's ability to receive regular check-ups, screenings, and medication management, all crucial for controlling high blood pressure. The presence of Shaw Air Force Base, with its own medical facilities, complicates this assessment. While military personnel and their dependents have access to base healthcare, the civilian population relies on the surrounding community's healthcare infrastructure. The number of PCPs in the area, including family physicians, internal medicine specialists, and geriatricians, is a critical factor. We must consider the geographical distribution of these providers and their acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating a large number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced appointment durations, and potentially less individualized care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially better patient outcomes. Data on physician density within ZIP Code 29152, compared to state and national averages, is essential for understanding the pressure on existing healthcare resources. This analysis should also factor in the presence of advanced practice providers (APPs), such as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who can play a significant role in managing hypertension under the supervision of a physician.

Identifying standout practices is vital. These are clinics or healthcare systems that demonstrate excellence in hypertension management. Factors to consider include: the use of evidence-based guidelines for diagnosis and treatment; patient education programs; the implementation of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate data tracking and medication adherence; and patient satisfaction scores. Practices with dedicated hypertension clinics or specialized programs would be particularly noteworthy. We should also evaluate the use of remote patient monitoring (RPM) technologies, such as blood pressure cuffs that transmit readings to the physician's office, allowing for proactive intervention.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery. Telemedicine offers a convenient way for patients to receive consultations, medication management, and follow-up appointments, particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues or limited access to transportation. The extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in ZIP Code 29152 is a crucial factor. This includes the availability of virtual visits, secure messaging platforms for communication with physicians, and the ability to monitor patient data remotely. The integration of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to hypertension management. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and negatively impact a patient's ability to manage their condition. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, within the community is therefore essential. This analysis should assess the accessibility of mental health providers, the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, and the availability of resources specifically addressing stress management and coping mechanisms. The presence of these resources can contribute to a more holistic approach to hypertension management.

Synthesizing these factors allows for a "Hypertension Score" assessment. The score will not be a single number, but rather a qualitative evaluation reflecting the overall capacity of the healthcare system in ZIP Code 29152 to effectively manage hypertension. This evaluation would consider the following:

* **Primary Care Access:** Availability of PCPs, geographical distribution, insurance acceptance.
* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Density of physicians and APPs relative to the population.
* **Practice Excellence:** Adoption of evidence-based guidelines, patient education, EHR utilization, RPM.
* **Telemedicine Integration:** Availability of virtual visits, secure messaging, remote monitoring.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Accessibility of mental health providers, integration with primary care, stress management programs.

The analysis should highlight areas of strength and weakness, providing insights for improvement. For example, if physician-to-patient ratios are high, the analysis should identify potential solutions, such as recruiting more physicians or expanding the role of APPs. If telemedicine adoption is low, the analysis should explore the barriers to implementation and suggest strategies for increasing its use.

The unique characteristics of Shaw Air Force Base and its surrounding civilian population must be considered. The base's medical facilities provide care for a significant portion of the population, but the civilian community relies on the local healthcare infrastructure. This requires a dual assessment: the capacity of the base's healthcare system and the capacity of the community's healthcare system. The analysis should consider the coordination between the two systems to ensure seamless care for all residents.

In conclusion, understanding the "Hypertension Score" within ZIP Code 29152 requires a comprehensive examination of primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. This analysis, when completed, can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in managing hypertension.

Want to visualize the healthcare landscape of ZIP Code 29152 and surrounding areas? Explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of hypertension management resources using CartoChrome maps.