29404, Charleston Afb, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29404, Charleston Afb, South Carolina is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 56.57 percent of the residents in 29404 has some form of health insurance. 5.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.84 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 29404 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 693 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 299 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29404. An estimate of 11 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 16,158 health care providers accessible to residents in 29404, Charleston Afb, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: 29404 & Charleston AFB Primary Care

Analyzing hypertension management within ZIP code 29404 and assessing primary care availability for Charleston Air Force Base (AFB) personnel requires a multifaceted approach. We must consider various factors influencing patient access to care, the quality of that care, and the overall health outcomes related to hypertension. This analysis will provide a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" ranking, considering these elements and offering actionable insights.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible and proactive primary care. Within 29404, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical determinant of care quality. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can strain resources, leading to longer wait times for appointments and potentially less time dedicated to each patient. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access, allowing for more comprehensive care, including regular blood pressure monitoring, lifestyle counseling, and medication management. The specific ratio within 29404, compared to national or state averages, is a key data point for this ranking.

For Charleston AFB personnel, primary care access is intrinsically linked to the base's medical facilities and any contracted civilian providers. Assessing the availability of appointments, the scope of services offered (including cardiology referrals), and the efficiency of the referral process are crucial. Furthermore, the integration of military and civilian healthcare systems impacts the continuity of care for beneficiaries. Any gaps in this integration can negatively affect hypertension management.

Standout practices within 29404 would demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based hypertension guidelines. This includes using standardized protocols for blood pressure measurement, offering patient education materials, and proactively identifying and managing patients at risk. Practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, monitor blood pressure trends, and send automated reminders for appointments and medication refills would score higher. The implementation of team-based care models, involving nurses, medical assistants, and pharmacists, can also significantly improve hypertension control.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Practices embracing telehealth can expand access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in underserved areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and medication management, allowing for more frequent and convenient follow-up appointments. The availability of telehealth services, including the types of services offered and the ease of use for patients, would be a significant positive factor in our scoring.

Mental health resources are often overlooked in hypertension management, yet they are essential. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder patients' ability to adhere to treatment plans. Practices that integrate mental health services, either through in-house providers or referrals to external resources, are more likely to achieve better patient outcomes. This includes offering mental health screenings, providing counseling, and coordinating care with mental health professionals.

The "Hypertension Score" ranking would incorporate these factors, assigning points based on the following criteria:

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** A favorable ratio (lower) would receive higher points.
* **Primary Care Availability (Charleston AFB):** Ease of access, appointment wait times, and referral efficiency would influence the score.
* **Adherence to Hypertension Guidelines:** Implementation of standardized protocols and evidence-based practices would be rewarded.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Availability and accessibility of telehealth services would be highly valued.
* **Mental Health Integration:** The presence of mental health services and coordination with mental health professionals would significantly boost the score.

Each practice or provider would be assessed based on these criteria, resulting in a composite score. Practices with higher scores would be considered superior in hypertension management. This ranking would be dynamic, reflecting changes in healthcare practices and patient outcomes.

To illustrate, a hypothetical practice within 29404 might score highly if it boasts a low physician-to-patient ratio, actively utilizes telehealth for follow-up appointments, and has a dedicated nurse specializing in hypertension education. Conversely, a practice with long wait times, limited telemedicine options, and no mental health integration might receive a lower score.

For Charleston AFB personnel, the score would reflect the efficiency of the base's medical facilities, the integration with civilian providers, and the availability of specialized care, such as cardiology. The presence of patient support groups, educational programs, and readily available information about hypertension management would also positively influence the score.

The ultimate goal of this "Hypertension Score" analysis is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and to encourage providers to improve their hypertension management practices. By providing a transparent and data-driven assessment, we can contribute to better health outcomes for individuals within 29404 and the Charleston AFB community.

Understanding the geographic distribution of these factors is critical. To visualize the data and gain deeper insights into the landscape of hypertension management in 29404 and the surrounding areas, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome offers powerful mapping and data visualization tools, enabling you to explore physician locations, patient demographics, and access to care in a visually compelling format.