29520, Cheraw, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29520, Cheraw, South Carolina is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.86 percent of the residents in 29520 has some form of health insurance. 45.18 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.02 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 29520 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,834 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29520. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,505 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,332 health care providers accessible to residents in 29520, Cheraw, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Cheraw, SC (ZIP Code 29520)

This analysis delves into the landscape of hypertension management within Cheraw, South Carolina (ZIP Code 29520), evaluating the availability and quality of primary care services, with a specific focus on factors impacting hypertension control. We assess the environment for patients seeking care, considering physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial elements for successful hypertension management.

The foundation of effective hypertension management rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. In Cheraw, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially, compromised care. Publicly available data sources, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC), would need to be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 29520 ZIP code. This ratio provides a baseline for understanding the accessibility of care.

Beyond mere numbers, the quality of primary care practices in Cheraw varies. Identifying standout practices requires a multifaceted approach. We would examine patient satisfaction surveys, which often reveal valuable insights into patient experiences, including wait times, communication with providers, and the overall feeling of care. Reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc can offer anecdotal evidence. Furthermore, the presence of board-certified physicians in internal medicine or family medicine, with specific expertise in cardiovascular health, is a strong indicator of quality. Practices actively participating in initiatives like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) recognition programs often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care and improved patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption presents another vital component of modern hypertension management. Telemedicine, including virtual appointments, remote patient monitoring, and digital health tools, has the potential to improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Cheraw. Practices that embrace telemedicine can offer more frequent check-ins, provide medication management support, and deliver educational resources remotely. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires investigating the availability of virtual appointment options, the use of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, and the integration of patient portals for communication and medication refills. A high level of telemedicine integration can significantly improve hypertension control by facilitating more consistent monitoring and timely interventions.

The intricate relationship between mental health and hypertension control cannot be overlooked. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial element in a comprehensive hypertension management strategy. This includes the presence of mental health professionals within primary care practices, the availability of referrals to mental health specialists in the community, and the integration of mental health screening tools. Practices that recognize and address the mental health needs of their patients are better equipped to achieve optimal hypertension control.

The absence of readily available, granular data on these factors presents a challenge. Comprehensive analysis requires a combination of data collection, including publicly available statistics, patient surveys, practice audits, and direct outreach to primary care providers within the 29520 ZIP code. This would involve contacting practices to inquire about their physician staffing, patient volumes, telemedicine capabilities, and mental health support systems.

The "Hypertension Score" would be a composite metric reflecting these factors. The score would be developed by assigning weights to each component based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the presence of board-certified physicians would likely carry a significant weight, as would the integration of telemedicine and the availability of mental health resources. The final score would then be used to rank primary care practices within the 29520 ZIP code, providing a valuable resource for patients seeking hypertension care.

The score would be presented in a clear and easily understandable format. Practices could be ranked on a scale, with higher scores indicating a greater capacity for effective hypertension management. The analysis would also include individual scores for each component, allowing patients to assess practices based on their specific needs and preferences.

The challenges in compiling this analysis are significant. Gathering comprehensive data requires significant resources and cooperation from healthcare providers. Patient privacy regulations must be carefully considered. However, the potential benefits of such an analysis are substantial. It can empower patients to make informed decisions about their care, identify areas for improvement within the healthcare system, and ultimately contribute to better hypertension control within the Cheraw community.

The creation of a dynamic, interactive map, powered by a platform like CartoChrome, would enhance the utility of this analysis. A map could visually represent the "Hypertension Score" for each practice, allowing users to easily identify practices with high scores and compare their locations. The map could also incorporate additional information, such as practice contact information, telemedicine availability, and mental health resources. This interactive map would be an invaluable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders, fostering improved access to care and promoting better health outcomes.

The creation of this 'Hypertension Score' analysis is a complex undertaking. However, the potential to improve the health of individuals in Cheraw, SC (ZIP Code 29520) is significant. The ability to identify and support practices that prioritize hypertension management is a critical step in improving community health.

**To visualize the ‘Hypertension Score’ analysis for Cheraw, SC (ZIP Code 29520) and explore the locations of primary care practices, telemedicine availability, and mental health resources, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. Contact us today to learn more about how CartoChrome can transform your data into actionable insights and improve healthcare access in your community.**