29684, Starr, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29684, Starr, South Carolina is 72 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.49 percent of the residents in 29684 has some form of health insurance. 31.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.55 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 29684 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,319 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29684. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 691 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 349 health care providers accessible to residents in 29684, Starr, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29684 & Starr, SC

This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of hypertension management capabilities within ZIP Code 29684, focusing on the town of Starr, South Carolina, and its surrounding areas. The goal is to evaluate the availability and quality of primary care services relevant to hypertension control, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. This assessment aims to offer insights for residents seeking care and healthcare providers aiming to improve their services.

The foundation of effective hypertension management lies in accessible primary care. In Starr, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio requires analyzing the number of PCPs actively practicing within the 29684 ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population. This ratio directly impacts appointment wait times, patient access to care, and the overall ability of the healthcare system to manage chronic conditions like hypertension. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, may suggest potential challenges in accessing timely care, leading to delayed diagnoses and treatment.

The quality of primary care extends beyond mere availability. Examining the characteristics of medical practices in the area provides further insight. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Are they equipped with modern diagnostic tools, such as ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) devices, which are crucial for accurate hypertension diagnosis and management? The presence of certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians within a practice can significantly improve patient outcomes by providing comprehensive lifestyle management support, a cornerstone of hypertension control.

Identifying standout practices within 29684 is crucial. This involves evaluating practices based on patient reviews, quality metrics, and adherence to established clinical guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that consistently demonstrate excellent patient outcomes, offer comprehensive services, and actively engage in patient education deserve recognition. These practices often serve as models for others, promoting best practices and raising the overall standard of care in the community. Investigating patient satisfaction scores, specifically regarding communication, access, and the feeling of being heard, provides valuable insights into the patient experience.

Telemedicine is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, and its adoption in Starr is a significant factor in hypertension management. Telemedicine allows patients to remotely monitor their blood pressure, consult with their physicians, and receive medication management advice, increasing convenience and accessibility. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote patient monitoring, are better positioned to serve patients, especially those with mobility limitations or those living in geographically remote areas. Examining the types of telemedicine services offered, such as video consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and secure messaging platforms, provides a detailed picture of the technological integration within the local healthcare landscape.

Hypertension is often intertwined with mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure levels and adherence to treatment plans. The availability of mental health resources within the 29684 area is therefore crucial. This includes access to psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors who can provide support and address the psychological aspects of hypertension. Practices that integrate mental health services, either directly or through referrals, demonstrate a holistic approach to patient care, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. Examining the availability of support groups and educational programs focused on stress management and coping mechanisms further enhances the community’s capacity to address the mental health challenges associated with hypertension.

Evaluating the insurance landscape is also important. Understanding the types of insurance accepted by local practices, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance plans, ensures patients can access affordable care. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans improve access to care for all residents, regardless of their financial situation. Investigating the availability of financial assistance programs for patients struggling to afford medications or other healthcare services is also essential.

The analysis requires a data-driven approach. Gathering information from various sources, including healthcare directories, insurance providers, patient reviews, and public health data, is essential. This involves collecting data on physician demographics, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption rates, mental health resources, and patient outcomes. Analyzing this data allows for a comprehensive and objective assessment of hypertension management capabilities within the 29684 ZIP code.

Furthermore, understanding the demographics of the population in Starr is crucial. The prevalence of hypertension can vary across different age groups, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Tailoring healthcare services to meet the specific needs of the local population is essential for improving outcomes. This involves considering cultural sensitivities, language barriers, and health literacy levels when designing and delivering healthcare programs.

Finally, ongoing monitoring and evaluation are necessary to ensure the effectiveness of hypertension management efforts. Tracking key metrics, such as blood pressure control rates, medication adherence, and patient satisfaction, provides valuable feedback on the performance of healthcare providers and the overall healthcare system. This data can be used to identify areas for improvement and to implement evidence-based interventions to enhance patient outcomes.

CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data collected, allowing for a clear understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and resource availability. This visual approach facilitates decision-making for both patients and healthcare providers. To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 29684 and visually explore the data, consider exploring CartoChrome maps.