29909, Okatie, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29909, Okatie, South Carolina is 48 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.84 percent of the residents in 29909 has some form of health insurance. 67.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 76.83 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 29909 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,789 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 3 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29909. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 13,903 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 4,770 health care providers accessible to residents in 29909, Okatie, South Carolina.

The analysis below provides a hypothetical 'Hypertension Score' assessment for primary care physicians within the 29909 ZIP code, focusing on their ability to manage hypertension and related factors. This score is not a real, verified metric, but rather a conceptual framework built on available information and industry best practices. The analysis considers several key elements, including physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all of which contribute to the overall quality of hypertension care.

Okatie, South Carolina, within the 29909 ZIP code, presents a unique environment for healthcare delivery. Its population demographics, geographic spread, and access to specialists influence the effectiveness of primary care physicians in managing chronic conditions like hypertension. The 'Hypertension Score' attempts to capture these nuances.

The first critical element in this analysis is the physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio generally indicates better access to care, allowing physicians to dedicate more time to each patient. In Okatie, this ratio can vary significantly depending on the practice and its patient load. Practices with a higher patient volume might struggle to provide the same level of individualized attention as those with a smaller roster. Information regarding this ratio is often gathered from public health data, insurance provider networks, and physician directories. The analysis would need to identify the average patient load per physician within the 29909 ZIP code and compare it to regional and national averages. A favorable ratio is a foundational component of a strong 'Hypertension Score.'

Next, we consider the presence of standout practices. These are medical facilities that have implemented best practices in hypertension management. This could involve the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to track patient data, automated blood pressure monitoring, and structured patient education programs. Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the American Heart Association or the American Medical Association, would likely receive a higher score. The analysis would need to examine the practices' adoption of these standards, their patient outcomes data (if available), and their commitment to ongoing professional development in the field of hypertension. Such practices serve as benchmarks for the rest of the medical community.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve hypertension management by providing remote monitoring, virtual consultations, and medication management support. Practices that offer telemedicine services, especially for follow-up appointments and medication adjustments, would receive a higher score. The analysis would need to assess the availability of telehealth platforms, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual visits, remote monitoring), and the patient satisfaction with these services. Telemedicine can address the challenges of geographical barriers and limited access to care, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas.

The integration of mental health resources is also vital. Hypertension and mental health often have a complex interplay. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure, and conversely, the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension can impact a patient's mental well-being. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have strong referral networks with mental health professionals, would receive a higher score. The analysis would need to evaluate the availability of mental health support, the integration of mental health screening into routine checkups, and the practice's approach to addressing the emotional aspects of hypertension.

The 'Hypertension Score' would also consider the availability of patient education materials. Effective hypertension management requires patients to actively participate in their care. Practices that provide patients with educational resources on lifestyle modifications, medication adherence, and self-monitoring techniques would be viewed favorably. The analysis would need to evaluate the availability of these materials, the language they are available in, and their accessibility to patients with varying levels of health literacy.

In conclusion, the 'Hypertension Score' for primary care physicians in the 29909 ZIP code is a multifaceted assessment that considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The higher the score, the better the overall quality of hypertension care provided by the physician.

To visualize and explore the distribution of these factors, and to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Okatie, South Carolina, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to spatially analyze healthcare data, allowing you to identify areas with high and low 'Hypertension Scores', and to visualize the relationships between various factors, such as physician density, access to telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Explore the power of spatial analysis to uncover valuable insights into the health of the community.