29449, Hollywood, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29449, Hollywood, South Carolina is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.46 percent of the residents in 29449 has some form of health insurance. 39.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.42 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 29449 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,769 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 299 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29449. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,765 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 14,843 health care providers accessible to residents in 29449, Hollywood, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Hollywood, SC (ZIP Code 29449)

This analysis examines the landscape of hypertension care within Hollywood, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29449), focusing on primary care availability and related resources. The goal is to provide a “Hypertension Score” assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, all crucial elements in effective hypertension management. This evaluation aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem and identify areas for potential improvement.

Hollywood, SC, a community nestled within Charleston County, faces the same challenges as many rural and suburban areas regarding healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians, the cornerstone of hypertension management, is a critical factor. A high physician-to-patient ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care providers, can significantly impact the quality and timeliness of care. This can lead to delayed diagnoses, less frequent monitoring, and difficulty in achieving optimal blood pressure control. The ideal ratio varies, but a lower ratio generally suggests better access.

The analysis begins by examining the number of practicing primary care physicians within the 29449 ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. Data from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), the American Medical Association (AMA), and online physician directories will be cross-referenced to determine the physician count. Population data from the US Census Bureau will then be used to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio. This initial metric provides a baseline understanding of the overall accessibility of primary care.

Beyond simple numbers, the quality of care provided by individual practices is paramount. Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive. This involves evaluating patient reviews, assessing the availability of specialized equipment (e.g., ambulatory blood pressure monitors), and examining the practice's commitment to evidence-based hypertension management guidelines. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American College of Cardiology (ACC), will be favorably considered.

Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the adoption of telemedicine within these practices. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring, and online patient portals, has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management, particularly in areas with limited access to in-person care. Practices that offer these services will receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and proactive management. The availability of remote monitoring, which allows physicians to track blood pressure readings outside of the clinic setting, is particularly valuable in identifying and addressing fluctuations in blood pressure.

Mental health is inextricably linked to hypertension. Stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to elevated blood pressure and hinder effective treatment. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referrals is a crucial component of a comprehensive hypertension management program. Practices that integrate mental health screening and offer access to counseling or psychiatric services will be recognized for their holistic approach to patient care. This includes the presence of on-site mental health professionals or established referral pathways to mental health specialists in the community.

The analysis will also consider the availability of patient education materials and support programs. Practices that provide patients with educational resources on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques will be viewed favorably. This may include access to educational brochures, online resources, or group classes focused on healthy eating, exercise, and stress management. The goal is to empower patients to actively participate in their own care.

The "Hypertension Score" will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted contributions of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will be a significant factor, followed by the quality of care, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. Each practice will be assigned a score based on its performance across these categories. The final score will provide a comparative assessment of the quality of hypertension care available in the 29449 ZIP code.

The final score will be presented as a qualitative assessment, such as "Excellent," "Good," "Fair," or "Poor," along with a brief narrative summarizing the findings for each practice. This will allow for a more nuanced understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. The analysis will also identify areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing access to mental health resources.

This analysis is not a definitive ranking, but rather an informed assessment based on available data and publicly accessible information. The accuracy of the score is dependent on the availability and reliability of the data sources. It is intended to be a starting point for further investigation and a resource for patients seeking hypertension care in Hollywood, SC.

The "Hypertension Score" analysis will be a dynamic process, subject to updates as new information becomes available. Healthcare practices are encouraged to provide additional information about their services to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the assessment. This continuous improvement process will help to ensure that the analysis remains a valuable tool for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Ultimately, the aim of this analysis is to improve the quality of hypertension care in Hollywood, SC, by providing a clear and concise overview of the local healthcare landscape. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by policymakers to develop strategies to address healthcare access challenges.

For a visual representation of the data, including physician locations, practice details, and access to resources, explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the findings of this analysis and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hollywood, SC.