29485, Summerville, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29485, Summerville, South Carolina is 93 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.80 percent of the residents in 29485 has some form of health insurance. 30.54 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.89 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 29485 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 17,110 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29485. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8,273 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 6,014 health care providers accessible to residents in 29485, Summerville, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Summerville, SC (ZIP Code 29485)

Analyzing the healthcare landscape of Summerville, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29485) requires a multifaceted approach, particularly when assessing the availability and quality of care for individuals managing hypertension. This analysis will evaluate key factors impacting patient access and outcomes, culminating in a hypothetical "Hypertension Score" ranking for physicians and an overview of primary care resources.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. Summerville, like many growing communities, faces the challenge of balancing population growth with healthcare infrastructure. Physician-to-patient ratios serve as a crucial metric. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can translate to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment initiation. Data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and publicly available physician directories, when combined, can provide a reasonable estimate of this ratio within the 29485 ZIP code. This data, however, needs constant updating to reflect physician retirements, relocations, and new arrivals.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians is critical. Are practices concentrated in certain areas, leaving others underserved? Are there sufficient numbers of internal medicine specialists, family medicine practitioners, and geriatricians to meet the diverse needs of the population? Furthermore, the availability of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, who often play a vital role in managing chronic conditions like hypertension, must be considered. Their integration into care models can significantly improve access and efficiency.

Several practices within Summerville likely stand out in their approach to hypertension management. These "standout practices" might be identified through patient reviews, peer recommendations, and publicly available performance data (if available). Factors contributing to a high "Hypertension Score" for a practice could include: a dedicated focus on hypertension management, employing evidence-based treatment protocols, offering comprehensive patient education, and actively monitoring patient outcomes. The utilization of electronic health records (EHRs) is another significant factor. EHRs facilitate data tracking, medication management, and communication between healthcare providers, leading to improved patient care.

Telemedicine adoption is a game-changer in modern healthcare, particularly in managing chronic conditions. Practices embracing telemedicine can offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring of blood pressure, and medication refills, making care more accessible and convenient. This is especially beneficial for patients with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in geographically isolated areas. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their hypertension management protocols deserve a higher "Hypertension Score" due to their commitment to patient convenience and proactive care.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the community is crucial. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that actively screen patients for mental health concerns and provide referrals to appropriate resources demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care and should receive a higher "Hypertension Score." Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is essential for optimal patient outcomes.

The "Hypertension Score" for each physician in the 29485 ZIP code would be a composite metric, incorporating all the factors discussed above. This score would not be a definitive judgment, but rather a tool to provide a relative ranking of physicians based on their commitment to hypertension management. The score would be dynamic, reflecting changes in physician availability, practice innovations, and community resources.

**Hypothetical "Hypertension Score" Components:**

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** Reflects the availability of primary care physicians in the area.
* **Practice Focus:** Does the practice specifically address hypertension management?
* **Evidence-Based Protocols:** Does the practice follow established guidelines for hypertension treatment?
* **Patient Education:** Are patients provided with adequate information about their condition and treatment?
* **Outcome Monitoring:** Does the practice track patient outcomes, such as blood pressure control rates?
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Does the practice offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, etc.?
* **Mental Health Integration:** Does the practice screen for mental health concerns and provide referrals?
* **EHR Utilization:** Is the practice using an EHR system to improve patient care?
* **Patient Reviews:** What is the general sentiment of the patients?

The final score would be calculated by assigning weights to each component based on their relative importance. The weights can be adjusted based on the specific goals of the analysis.

The primary care availability in Summerville is a critical determinant of this score. The more primary care physicians there are, the higher the chance of better scores.

The creation of such a score requires access to comprehensive data, including physician profiles, practice information, and patient outcomes. While publicly available data can provide a starting point, a robust analysis would necessitate access to more detailed information.

In conclusion, assessing the healthcare landscape in Summerville for hypertension management involves evaluating physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The "Hypertension Score" provides a framework for comparing physicians and highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

**Visualize this data with CartoChrome maps. Explore the geographic distribution of physicians, identify areas with limited access to care, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Summerville. Click here to explore the power of geographic data visualization!**