29321, Buffalo, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29321, Buffalo, South Carolina is 46 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.33 percent of the residents in 29321 has some form of health insurance. 51.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 49.87 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 29321 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,083 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29321. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 382 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 369 health care providers accessible to residents in 29321, Buffalo, South Carolina.

The analysis below assesses the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 29321, focusing on primary care availability in Buffalo, South Carolina. This evaluation considers factors crucial to effective hypertension control, including physician access, practice characteristics, technological integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to patients and identify areas for potential improvement.

The physician-to-patient ratio in ZIP Code 29321 serves as a fundamental indicator of access to care. Determining the exact ratio requires a precise count of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the zip code and the total population. Data from the US Census Bureau and the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners is essential. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying hypertension diagnosis and treatment. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility, allowing for more frequent check-ups and proactive management. Public health data, such as that from the CDC, can be used to correlate the ratio with hypertension control rates.

Identifying standout practices within the Buffalo area is critical. These practices often demonstrate superior patient outcomes, innovative approaches to care, and a commitment to patient education. Factors to consider include the percentage of patients with controlled blood pressure, patient satisfaction scores, and the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for automated reminders, medication management, and data analysis, are likely to achieve better outcomes. Furthermore, practices that offer comprehensive services, such as on-site pharmacies, laboratory testing, and specialized nursing support, can streamline the patient experience and improve adherence to treatment plans.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially for chronic conditions like hypertension. Telemedicine offers several benefits, including increased access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management. Assessing the level of telemedicine integration among primary care practices in 29321 involves examining whether practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring programs, and secure patient portals for communication and data sharing. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve patient engagement, reduce the burden on the healthcare system, and potentially improve hypertension control rates.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, but they are essential. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house providers or referrals to external specialists, are better equipped to address the holistic needs of their patients. This includes screening for mental health conditions, providing counseling services, and educating patients about the impact of mental health on their physical well-being. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals can lead to improved patient outcomes and a more comprehensive approach to hypertension management.

Specific practices within 29321, such as the Buffalo Medical Center, should be individually evaluated based on the criteria outlined above. This includes examining their physician-to-patient ratio, patient satisfaction scores, telemedicine adoption, and mental health integration. Publicly available data, such as patient reviews and practice websites, can provide valuable insights. Contacting the practices directly can also help to gather more detailed information about their services and approach to hypertension management. Analyzing the quality of care provided by these practices is critical to understanding the overall landscape of hypertension management in the area.

Furthermore, the availability of community resources plays a significant role in hypertension control. This includes access to affordable medications, healthy food options, and exercise facilities. Practices can partner with local organizations to provide patient education, support groups, and resources for lifestyle modifications. Assessing the availability and accessibility of these community resources is essential to developing a comprehensive approach to hypertension management. The presence of health fairs, educational programs, and community outreach initiatives can indicate a commitment to improving public health outcomes.

The role of insurance coverage also affects hypertension management. The type of insurance accepted by the practices, the availability of affordable medications, and the coverage for preventive services all impact access to care and treatment adherence. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer assistance with medication costs can improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, the availability of financial assistance programs and community resources can help patients overcome financial barriers to care.

The level of patient education provided by the practices is another key factor. Patients who are well-informed about their condition, treatment options, and lifestyle modifications are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans and achieve better outcomes. Practices that provide educational materials, offer individual counseling, and conduct group education sessions can empower patients to take control of their health. The use of patient portals and online resources can further enhance patient education and engagement.

The implementation of quality improvement initiatives is crucial for driving continuous improvement in hypertension management. Practices that regularly monitor patient outcomes, analyze data, and implement evidence-based interventions are more likely to achieve better results. This includes tracking blood pressure control rates, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing strategies to address any identified gaps in care. The use of data analytics and performance dashboards can help practices monitor their progress and make data-driven decisions.

In conclusion, the assessment of hypertension management in ZIP Code 29321 requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, community resources, insurance coverage, patient education, and quality improvement initiatives. By evaluating these factors, we can gain a comprehensive understanding of the resources available to patients and identify areas for potential improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Buffalo, including physician locations, patient demographics, and access to resources, explore the power of data visualization.

**Click here to explore the healthcare data for ZIP Code 29321 and beyond with CartoChrome maps!**