29929, Islandton, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29929, Islandton, South Carolina is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.95 percent of the residents in 29929 has some form of health insurance. 31.70 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.20 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 29929 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 232 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29929. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 160 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 208 health care providers accessible to residents in 29929, Islandton, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: Islandton, SC (ZIP Code 29929)

This analysis provides an assessment of hypertension management capabilities within Islandton, South Carolina (ZIP code 29929), focusing on primary care availability, physician resources, and related healthcare infrastructure. The goal is to understand the local capacity to address hypertension, a significant public health concern, and identify areas for improvement. The "Hypertension Score" is a conceptual framework, not a standardized metric, evaluating factors crucial for effective hypertension control.

The foundation of successful hypertension management rests on accessible primary care. In Islandton, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical starting point. Determining the physician-to-patient ratio is essential. This involves estimating the population of 29929 and identifying the number of practicing PCPs within the same geographical boundary. Publicly available data from sources like the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) or the US Census Bureau can be utilized to estimate the population. Professional directories, insurance provider listings, and local hospital affiliations can help identify the number of PCPs. A lower physician-to-patient ratio suggests greater accessibility, potentially leading to more frequent check-ups, medication management, and patient education – all vital for hypertension control. The analysis should also consider the types of primary care practices available, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and geriatric medicine, as these specialties often manage hypertension.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and characteristics of primary care practices are paramount. Identifying standout practices within 29929 is crucial. This requires examining factors such as patient reviews, the availability of on-site diagnostic equipment (e.g., blood pressure monitors, electrocardiograms), and the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for hypertension management. Practices that consistently adhere to national guidelines, offer comprehensive patient education, and actively monitor patient outcomes (e.g., blood pressure control rates) would score higher. Furthermore, the presence of certified diabetes educators or registered dietitians within a practice can significantly enhance the support available to patients with hypertension, given the frequent comorbidity with diabetes.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas like Islandton. Assessing the extent to which local primary care practices offer telemedicine services is essential. This includes evaluating the availability of virtual consultations, remote blood pressure monitoring programs, and secure patient portals for communication and medication refills. Practices that embrace telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Telemedicine can also facilitate more frequent monitoring and follow-up appointments, crucial for managing hypertension effectively. The analysis should also consider the technical infrastructure supporting telemedicine, including the availability of reliable internet access for both patients and providers.

Hypertension often coexists with mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within Islandton is a significant factor in the "Hypertension Score." This includes assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and other mental health professionals practicing in the area. The analysis should also consider the accessibility of mental health services, including wait times for appointments, insurance acceptance, and the availability of telehealth options for mental health consultations. Integrated care models, where mental health professionals collaborate with primary care physicians, can be particularly beneficial for patients with hypertension and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Another important aspect of the "Hypertension Score" is the availability of patient education and support resources. This includes assessing the availability of educational materials on hypertension, such as brochures, online resources, and support groups. Practices that actively engage patients in their care through education and self-management strategies are likely to achieve better outcomes. The analysis should also consider the availability of resources for medication adherence, such as medication reminders and assistance with medication costs. Community health programs and partnerships with local pharmacies can further enhance patient support.

Finally, the analysis should consider the socioeconomic factors that can impact hypertension management. This includes assessing the prevalence of poverty, food insecurity, and access to healthy food options within 29929. These factors can significantly influence patients' ability to adhere to treatment plans and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for achieving optimal hypertension control. Collaboration with local community organizations and social service agencies can help address these challenges.

In conclusion, evaluating the "Hypertension Score" for Islandton, SC (ZIP code 29929) requires a comprehensive assessment of primary care availability, physician resources, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, patient education, and socioeconomic factors. This analysis provides a framework for understanding the local capacity to manage hypertension and identify areas for improvement. Accessing and visualizing this data geographically can be incredibly valuable.

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