29702, Blacksburg, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29702, Blacksburg, South Carolina is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.76 percent of the residents in 29702 has some form of health insurance. 39.33 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 61.55 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 29702 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,552 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29702. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,549 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 321 health care providers accessible to residents in 29702, Blacksburg, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Blacksburg, VA (ZIP Code 29702)

Analyzing hypertension management within Blacksburg, Virginia (ZIP code 29702) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll assess the quality of primary care, focusing on factors impacting hypertension control, including physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an informed "Hypertension Score" ranking, reflecting the overall capacity of the healthcare system to effectively address this prevalent condition.

The cornerstone of hypertension management is access to primary care. In Blacksburg, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can strain the system, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced time for individual patient care. While precise, real-time physician-to-patient ratio data fluctuates, publicly available resources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Virginia Department of Health provide estimates. These estimates, coupled with data from local hospital systems and insurance providers, allow for a reasonable assessment. A low physician-to-patient ratio, signifying ample primary care availability, would contribute positively to a higher Hypertension Score. Conversely, a scarcity of primary care physicians would negatively impact the score.

Beyond simple availability, the characteristics of primary care practices are critical. Practices employing evidence-based hypertension management protocols, such as those recommended by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology, would score favorably. This includes adherence to guidelines for blood pressure measurement, diagnosis, medication management, and lifestyle counseling. Practices utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for automated reminders, patient portals, and data analysis, would also receive a higher score. Furthermore, practices that actively engage in patient education, offering resources on diet, exercise, and stress management, would demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive hypertension care.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly vital role in hypertension management, particularly in rural areas like Blacksburg. Practices that offer telehealth consultations for follow-up appointments, medication refills, and blood pressure monitoring support would be viewed favorably. Telemedicine can reduce the burden of travel for patients, improve medication adherence, and facilitate more frequent monitoring, all contributing to better hypertension control. The availability of remote blood pressure monitoring devices, integrated with telemedicine platforms, further enhances the effectiveness of virtual care. Practices lacking telemedicine capabilities would be penalized in the Hypertension Score.

The intricate link between mental health and hypertension cannot be overlooked. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can significantly impact blood pressure control. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of a comprehensive Hypertension Score. Practices that have integrated mental health services, either within their own facilities or through referrals to readily accessible mental health providers, would score higher. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices lacking such resources, or with limited referral pathways, would be viewed less favorably.

Several primary care practices in Blacksburg are likely to stand out based on these criteria. Practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems, such as Carilion Clinic, often have access to more resources, including specialized staff, advanced technologies, and robust data analytics capabilities. These practices may be better positioned to implement evidence-based hypertension management protocols and integrate telemedicine services. Smaller, independent practices, however, can also excel by focusing on personalized care, building strong patient-physician relationships, and actively engaging in patient education. The Hypertension Score will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of each practice based on the criteria outlined.

The success of hypertension management in Blacksburg also depends on the broader community environment. Factors such as access to healthy food options, safe spaces for physical activity, and community-based health programs can influence patient outcomes. While this analysis primarily focuses on the healthcare system, these external factors are acknowledged as important contributors to overall health.

In conclusion, the Hypertension Score for Blacksburg (ZIP code 29702) is a complex metric reflecting the interplay of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health resources. Practices demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based care, patient education, and innovative technologies will receive higher scores. The score also considers the broader community context, recognizing the influence of social determinants of health. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement in the fight against hypertension. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare system's capacity to effectively manage hypertension within Blacksburg.

For a more detailed, visual representation of this data, including geographic mapping of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis.

**Discover the potential of CartoChrome maps to visualize and analyze this critical healthcare data. Contact us today to learn more about how CartoChrome can help you gain a deeper understanding of hypertension management in Blacksburg, Virginia.**