29160, Swansea, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29160, Swansea, South Carolina is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.88 percent of the residents in 29160 has some form of health insurance. 47.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.92 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 29160 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,538 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 30 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29160. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,400 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 8,353 health care providers accessible to residents in 29160, Swansea, South Carolina.

The analysis focuses on hypertension management within ZIP Code 29160, encompassing Swansea, South Carolina. We will assess primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, and the resources available to manage hypertension effectively. This analysis aims to provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

The foundation of hypertension care rests on accessible primary care. Within Swansea, the availability of primary care physicians directly impacts a patient's ability to receive timely diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potential delays in hypertension treatment initiation or adjustments. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests better access to care. Data from reliable sources, such as the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the American Medical Association (AMA), are essential for determining these ratios accurately. This data provides a baseline for understanding the current state of primary care access.

Beyond simple physician numbers, the distribution of primary care practices within the ZIP Code matters. Are practices clustered in specific areas, potentially leaving underserved pockets? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers in the area? These facilities often play a critical role in providing care to vulnerable populations, including those at higher risk for hypertension. The presence of these resources can positively influence the overall hypertension score.

Standout practices within Swansea deserve recognition. These practices may demonstrate exceptional hypertension management protocols, patient education programs, or innovative approaches to care delivery. Identifying these practices requires a review of their patient outcomes, adherence to clinical guidelines, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices that actively utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, implement evidence-based treatment plans, and offer patient portals for communication and medication refills are likely to achieve better outcomes. We need to identify these practices and highlight their best practices.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for managing hypertension, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It can facilitate remote blood pressure monitoring, medication management, and virtual consultations. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient access to care, reduce the burden on in-person appointments, and enhance patient adherence to treatment plans. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care practices in Swansea is a key component of the hypertension score analysis.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate hypertension and hinder treatment adherence. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is critical. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Primary care practices that integrate mental health services or have strong referral networks to mental health providers are better equipped to provide comprehensive care for patients with hypertension.

The analysis must also consider the availability of patient education resources. Effective hypertension management requires patients to understand their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications. Practices that provide educational materials, offer group classes, or utilize patient education tools are more likely to achieve positive outcomes. These resources can empower patients to actively participate in their care and improve their adherence to treatment plans.

The specific metrics used to calculate the hypertension score would include the physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of primary care practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of patient education programs. Each metric would be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in influencing hypertension management. For example, a high physician-to-patient ratio might negatively impact the score, while the widespread adoption of telemedicine would positively impact the score.

The final hypertension score would provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Swansea. It would identify areas of strength and weakness and provide insights for improving hypertension management. The score can be used to inform healthcare providers, policymakers, and patients about the quality of care available in the community.

The analysis will need to consider the specific clinical guidelines used for hypertension management. The American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC) provide evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of hypertension. Practices that adhere to these guidelines are more likely to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Another factor is the availability of resources for medication adherence. Medication adherence is a significant challenge in hypertension management. Practices that offer medication reminders, refill programs, or pharmacy services can help patients stay on track with their medications.

The economic factors affecting the community must also be considered. Socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and access to healthy food, can significantly impact hypertension prevalence and management. Practices that address these social determinants of health are better positioned to serve their patients effectively.

The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population within ZIP Code 29160. Different populations may have varying prevalence rates of hypertension and require tailored approaches to care. Understanding the demographics of the community allows healthcare providers to provide culturally competent care and address the specific needs of their patients.

In conclusion, a comprehensive 'Hypertension Score' analysis for doctors in ZIP Code 29160, encompassing Swansea, demands a multi-faceted approach. It requires assessing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the adoption of telemedicine, and identifying the availability of mental health resources. This analysis will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, providing valuable insights for improving hypertension management.

To visualize the healthcare landscape and identify specific practices and resources within ZIP Code 29160, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and interactive way to explore the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in Swansea.