29439, Folly Beach, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29439, Folly Beach, South Carolina is 99 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.40 percent of the residents in 29439 has some form of health insurance. 32.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.69 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 29439 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 35 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 251 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29439. An estimate of 22 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 272 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 16,808 health care providers accessible to residents in 29439, Folly Beach, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Folly Beach, SC (ZIP Code 29439)

Analyzing the landscape of hypertension management in Folly Beach, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29439) requires a multifaceted approach. We need to assess the availability of primary care physicians, evaluate their practices concerning hypertension treatment, and understand the resources available to support patient well-being, especially concerning mental health, a significant comorbidity in hypertensive patients. This analysis will culminate in a hypothetical “Hypertension Score” for the area, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of care.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on the availability of primary care physicians. Folly Beach, being a relatively small island community, likely faces challenges in this regard. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or inadequate follow-up care. Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the US Census Bureau would be essential to determine the actual physician-to-patient ratio in this specific ZIP code. This information would be a primary determinant in our Hypertension Score.

Beyond simple availability, we must examine the practices of the primary care physicians themselves. Are they adhering to the latest guidelines from organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC)? This includes consistent blood pressure monitoring, appropriate medication prescriptions, and regular follow-up appointments. Electronic health records (EHRs) are critical here. Do the practices utilize EHRs effectively to track patient data, manage medication refills, and provide automated reminders for appointments and blood pressure checks? This efficient use of technology significantly impacts patient care.

Another critical aspect of the Hypertension Score is the adoption of telemedicine. Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for patients, especially those with mobility issues or transportation challenges, which can be particularly relevant in an island community. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of blood pressure. Practices that embrace telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and improved access to care. The availability of telehealth services would positively influence the Hypertension Score.

Furthermore, the integration of mental health resources is paramount. Hypertension and mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, often co-exist. Stress and poor mental well-being can exacerbate hypertension, making effective mental health support crucial. This includes assessing the availability of mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) in the area, and whether primary care practices have established referral pathways to these specialists. The presence of integrated mental health services within or readily accessible to primary care practices would contribute significantly to a higher Hypertension Score.

Now, let's consider some hypothetical scenarios. Imagine a primary care practice in Folly Beach that boasts a high physician-to-patient ratio, ensuring readily available appointments. This practice utilizes a robust EHR system, enabling efficient patient data management and automated reminders. They have also fully embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and remote blood pressure monitoring. Crucially, this practice has strong partnerships with local mental health providers, ensuring seamless referrals and integrated care. This practice would receive a high Hypertension Score, demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive and accessible care.

Conversely, consider a practice with a limited number of physicians, long wait times, and a less sophisticated EHR system. Telemedicine is not offered, and there are limited mental health resources readily accessible to patients. This practice would receive a lower Hypertension Score, highlighting areas for improvement in patient care.

The “standout practices” in Folly Beach, if any, would be those demonstrating innovation in hypertension management. This could include practices that offer specialized programs, such as group education sessions on lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, stress management), or those that actively participate in research or quality improvement initiatives related to hypertension. Practices that actively engage with the community through health fairs or educational outreach would also earn higher marks.

The analysis also needs to consider the demographics of Folly Beach. The prevalence of hypertension varies among different populations, and the specific needs of the community must be addressed. Factors such as age, race, and socioeconomic status can influence hypertension risk and treatment outcomes. The Hypertension Score should reflect the ability of local healthcare providers to address these specific needs and provide culturally competent care.

Access to pharmacies and the affordability of medications are also essential considerations. The presence of local pharmacies offering a wide range of medications, including affordable generic options, is crucial. Patient assistance programs and other resources to help patients afford their medications would also positively impact the Hypertension Score.

In conclusion, assessing the quality of hypertension management in Folly Beach (ZIP Code 29439) requires a thorough evaluation of primary care availability, physician practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and community-specific needs. The hypothetical Hypertension Score would be a composite measure reflecting these various factors. This assessment would provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Folly Beach, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.

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