29591, Scranton, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29591, Scranton, South Carolina is 50 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.30 percent of the residents in 29591 has some form of health insurance. 41.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.57 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 29591 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,194 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29591. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 725 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,774 health care providers accessible to residents in 29591, Scranton, South Carolina.

The analysis below evaluates the landscape of hypertension management within ZIP Code 29591, a geographic area that may or may not encompass a portion of Scranton, and assesses primary care availability within Scranton. The analysis considers factors relevant to effective hypertension care, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive patient support.

Within the context of 29591, understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is the first step in evaluating healthcare accessibility. While precise figures are difficult to obtain without specific datasets, publicly available information from the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) can offer estimates. A high patient-to-physician ratio suggests potential strain on existing resources, possibly leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced individual patient attention. Conversely, a lower ratio generally indicates greater access to care. Further investigation would be required to ascertain the precise ratio within the ZIP Code, but it's a critical factor in assessing the capacity of the local healthcare system to effectively manage hypertension.

Scranton, as a larger city, would likely present a more complex picture. The availability of primary care physicians in Scranton is a key determinant of hypertension management success. A robust primary care infrastructure facilitates early detection, ongoing monitoring, and medication management, all essential for controlling blood pressure. The concentration of primary care physicians, their distribution across the city, and their willingness to accept new patients are all crucial considerations. Areas with limited primary care access might necessitate longer travel times for patients, potentially impacting adherence to treatment plans and increasing the risk of uncontrolled hypertension.

Standout practices in 29591 and Scranton would likely demonstrate several common characteristics. These practices would have a clear focus on preventative care, including routine blood pressure screenings and patient education. They would also have implemented evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management, ensuring that patients receive the most up-to-date and effective treatments. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is another hallmark of a well-managed practice, allowing for efficient tracking of patient data, medication management, and communication between healthcare providers. Furthermore, successful practices often cultivate strong relationships with specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with complex cases.

Telemedicine adoption is becoming increasingly important in hypertension management. Telemedicine allows for remote blood pressure monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication refills, which can significantly improve patient convenience and adherence to treatment plans. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to reach patients in remote areas, those with mobility limitations, or those who simply prefer the convenience of virtual appointments. The availability of remote monitoring devices, such as home blood pressure cuffs that transmit data directly to the physician, further enhances the effectiveness of telemedicine.

Mental health resources play a critical role in managing hypertension. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to elevated blood pressure and can negatively impact treatment adherence. Practices that recognize the link between mental and physical health and provide access to mental health services, either through in-house therapists or referrals to external providers, are better equipped to support their patients. This integrated approach to care helps address the underlying factors that can contribute to uncontrolled hypertension.

In Scranton, the availability of mental health services is an important factor. The presence of mental health clinics, therapists, and psychiatrists within the city, and their ability to accept referrals from primary care physicians, are crucial. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices, whether through co-location or collaborative care models, can significantly improve patient outcomes.

The analysis of hypertension management in 29591 and primary care availability in Scranton requires a multifaceted approach. Assessing physician-to-patient ratios, evaluating the characteristics of standout practices, examining telemedicine adoption, and evaluating the availability of mental health resources provides a comprehensive view. The information above provides a framework to begin the process.

The data required for a full analysis of the above would include:

* Physician directories and databases to identify the number of primary care physicians practicing in the specified areas.
* Population data from the US Census Bureau to calculate physician-to-patient ratios.
* Practice websites and other online resources to gather information about practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health services.
* Local and regional healthcare directories to identify mental health providers and assess their availability.
* Public health data from local and state health departments to assess the prevalence of hypertension and related health outcomes.

This type of information would allow a much more in-depth look at the situation.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in these areas, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping tools that can help you visualize and analyze healthcare data, enabling you to identify areas with limited access to care and understand the factors that contribute to hypertension management challenges.