29164, Wagener, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29164, Wagener, South Carolina is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.90 percent of the residents in 29164 has some form of health insurance. 43.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.38 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 29164 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,403 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29164. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,059 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 212 health care providers accessible to residents in 29164, Wagener, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Wagener, SC (ZIP Code 29164)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape in Wagener, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29164) requires a multi-faceted approach, particularly when assessing the availability and quality of care for patients managing hypertension. This analysis will explore the key factors influencing hypertension management, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the presence of supportive mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Hypertension Score" assessment, highlighting strengths and weaknesses within the community.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in access to primary care physicians. In Wagener, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors, directly impacts the ability of patients to secure timely appointments for regular check-ups, medication management, and lifestyle counseling – all crucial components of hypertension control. Researching the exact physician-to-patient ratio for 29164 is paramount. Publicly available data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) would be essential for an accurate assessment. A high ratio would negatively impact the "Hypertension Score".

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of the primary care practices in Wagener significantly influence the quality of hypertension care. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments to accommodate patient schedules? Do they have dedicated staff, such as nurses or medical assistants, trained in hypertension management? Practices that actively engage in patient education, provide readily available educational materials, and utilize evidence-based treatment guidelines would receive higher marks. Practices that embrace a patient-centered approach, focusing on individual needs and preferences, are also likely to achieve better outcomes. This patient-centric approach is critical to a positive "Hypertension Score".

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor blood pressure remotely, and provide medication refills electronically can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Practices that have integrated telemedicine platforms, offering both synchronous (real-time) and asynchronous (store-and-forward) communication options, would be viewed favorably. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, coupled with physician oversight, can further enhance patient adherence and control. A high adoption rate of telemedicine would contribute positively to the "Hypertension Score".

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate high blood pressure and hinder adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources within the community is, therefore, a vital component of the "Hypertension Score" assessment. Are there local mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, or licensed counselors, who accept referrals from primary care physicians? Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services, such as on-site counseling or access to mental health support groups? The presence of these resources would significantly improve the overall score.

Specific practices in Wagener would be evaluated based on their performance in these areas. For example, a practice known for its proactive outreach to patients with uncontrolled hypertension, providing individualized care plans, and offering readily available educational resources would receive a higher ranking. Practices that actively participate in community health initiatives, such as blood pressure screenings or health fairs, would also be recognized for their commitment to patient well-being. Conversely, practices with limited availability, a lack of telemedicine options, and no apparent connection to mental health resources would receive lower scores.

The presence of specialized care, such as cardiology services, is also a consideration. While primary care physicians are the first line of defense in hypertension management, access to cardiologists for complex cases or when complications arise is essential. The proximity of cardiology specialists and the ease with which patients can obtain referrals are factors to be considered. The availability of these specialized services would positively impact the "Hypertension Score".

The "Hypertension Score" itself would be a composite metric, incorporating all these factors. Each element – physician-to-patient ratio, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and specialized care – would be weighted based on its relative importance. The final score would provide a comprehensive overview of the community's ability to effectively manage hypertension.

This analysis would also consider the demographics of the population in 29164. The prevalence of hypertension can vary based on age, race, and socioeconomic status. Understanding these demographic factors is crucial for tailoring healthcare interventions and addressing health disparities. A practice that is sensitive to the needs of diverse patient populations and actively works to eliminate health disparities would receive a higher score.

The "Hypertension Score" would be a dynamic measure, reflecting the ongoing efforts of healthcare providers and the community to improve hypertension management. Regular updates and re-evaluations are essential to ensure that the score accurately reflects the current state of care. This would allow for continuous improvement and ensure that patients in Wagener have access to the best possible care.

For a visual representation of this data, and to explore the spatial distribution of resources and healthcare providers in Wagener and the surrounding areas, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's mapping capabilities can provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness, and enabling data-driven decision-making.