29166, Ward, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29166, Ward, South Carolina is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.56 percent of the residents in 29166 has some form of health insurance. 35.08 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.01 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 29166 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 114 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29166. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 137 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 41 health care providers accessible to residents in 29166, Ward, South Carolina.

The following analysis provides an assessment of hypertension management within ZIP Code 29166, focusing on physician resources and primary care accessibility, specifically considering the "Ward" designation, which is assumed to be a local administrative division. This analysis aims to provide insights into the quality of care for individuals managing hypertension in this specific area.

The physician-to-patient ratio in 29166, particularly concerning primary care physicians (PCPs), is a critical metric for understanding access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often correlates with longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially, less effective management of chronic conditions like hypertension. Ward's demographic makeup and the distribution of PCPs within its boundaries significantly impact the overall access to care. If Ward has a disproportionately high population density or a scarcity of PCPs, residents may face considerable challenges in obtaining timely and consistent care.

Assessing the availability of primary care is further complicated by factors beyond simple physician counts. The location of practices, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans all play a role. Practices located in easily accessible areas, with extended hours and broad insurance coverage, naturally offer better access. Conversely, practices with limited hours, inconvenient locations, or restricted insurance acceptance may create barriers to care, particularly for individuals with mobility issues, limited transportation options, or financial constraints.

Standout practices within 29166 and Ward, if any, would likely demonstrate several key characteristics. These practices would likely have a strong focus on preventative care, including regular blood pressure screenings, lifestyle counseling, and patient education. They would likely employ a multidisciplinary approach, potentially involving nurses, dietitians, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. Electronic health records (EHRs) are crucial for efficient care. Practices with well-integrated EHRs can better track patient data, monitor medication adherence, and coordinate care with specialists. These practices would also prioritize patient communication, ensuring patients understand their condition, treatment plans, and the importance of adherence to medication and lifestyle recommendations.

The adoption of telemedicine is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers the potential for remote monitoring of blood pressure, virtual consultations, and medication management, which can be particularly beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, those living in rural areas, or those with busy schedules. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes. The level of telemedicine adoption in 29166 and Ward should be evaluated to assess its impact on hypertension management.

Mental health resources are also vital in the context of hypertension management. Stress and anxiety can significantly impact blood pressure, and addressing these issues is crucial for overall health. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are better equipped to provide holistic care. The availability of mental health support within the community, including access to therapists, support groups, and educational resources, can significantly improve the effectiveness of hypertension management.

Evaluating the quality of hypertension management in 29166 and Ward requires an assessment of several factors. These include the prevalence of hypertension within the population, the percentage of patients who are diagnosed and treated, the effectiveness of treatment (measured by blood pressure control rates), and the rates of complications such as heart attack, stroke, and kidney disease. Data on these outcomes, ideally stratified by demographic factors, would provide a comprehensive picture of the quality of care.

Furthermore, the presence of community health programs and initiatives that focus on hypertension prevention and management is essential. These programs might include free blood pressure screenings, educational workshops, and support groups. Partnerships between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government can enhance the effectiveness of these programs and reach a wider audience.

The analysis of hypertension management in 29166 and Ward should also consider the impact of social determinants of health. Factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, safe housing, and transportation can significantly influence a person's ability to manage their hypertension. Addressing these social determinants is crucial for achieving equitable health outcomes.

In conclusion, evaluating hypertension management in 29166 and Ward requires a multifaceted approach, considering physician-to-patient ratios, primary care accessibility, the characteristics of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, the integration of mental health resources, outcome data, community programs, and social determinants of health. This comprehensive assessment can help identify areas for improvement and inform strategies to enhance the quality of care for individuals managing hypertension in this specific geographic area.

To gain a visual understanding of the distribution of physicians, the accessibility of primary care, and the availability of resources in the 29166 ZIP Code and the Ward, we encourage you to explore the CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a spatial representation of the data discussed, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape.