29939, Scotia, South Carolina Hypertension Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Hypertension Score in 29939, Scotia, South Carolina is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.11 percent of the residents in 29939 has some form of health insurance. 37.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.33 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 29939 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 15 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 29939. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 35 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 207 health care providers accessible to residents in 29939, Scotia, South Carolina.

## Hypertension Score Analysis: ZIP Code 29939 & Scotia Primary Care

Analyzing healthcare access and quality, particularly concerning hypertension management, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 29939 and the broader concept of primary care availability in Scotia, aiming to provide a "Hypertension Score" assessment. This score, though not a single numerical value, represents an evaluation of factors crucial for effective hypertension care, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, and the integration of mental health support.

ZIP code 29939, encompassing a specific geographic area, likely presents unique challenges and opportunities. The demographics, socioeconomic factors, and existing healthcare infrastructure within this area significantly influence hypertension management. Understanding the physician-to-patient ratio is paramount. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced opportunities for preventative care, and potentially compromised patient outcomes. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services or state medical boards, can provide estimates of physician density within the ZIP code. However, this data often lacks specificity regarding primary care physicians (PCPs), who are crucial for hypertension management.

Furthermore, the distribution of PCPs within 29939 is critical. Are the physicians concentrated in specific areas, creating “healthcare deserts” for some residents? Are there disparities in access based on socioeconomic status or geographic location? Analyzing this spatial distribution is essential for a comprehensive assessment. The availability of specialists, such as cardiologists and nephrologists, is also a factor. While PCPs are the frontline providers for hypertension, access to specialists for complex cases or complications is vital.

Scotia, as a broader geographic area, presents a different perspective. Assessing primary care availability in Scotia requires considering the overall healthcare landscape, including the number of PCPs, their geographic distribution, and the accessibility of their services. This involves evaluating the existing infrastructure, such as hospitals, clinics, and community health centers. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve underserved populations, can significantly impact hypertension management.

Standout practices within 29939 and Scotia deserve specific attention. These practices demonstrate best practices in hypertension management. Examples include practices that utilize evidence-based guidelines, implement patient education programs, and actively monitor patient outcomes. They may also have dedicated staff, such as nurses or certified diabetes educators, who specialize in hypertension care. The use of electronic health records (EHRs) is another key factor. EHRs facilitate data tracking, medication management, and communication between healthcare providers. Practices that effectively leverage EHRs can improve patient outcomes and streamline workflows.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine allows patients to access healthcare services remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote patient monitoring, and virtual education programs are likely to have a higher Hypertension Score. This is particularly relevant for managing chronic conditions like hypertension, where regular monitoring and follow-up are crucial. Telemedicine can also facilitate communication between patients and providers, leading to improved adherence to treatment plans.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked component of hypertension management. The relationship between mental health and hypertension is well-established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to elevated blood pressure. Therefore, integrating mental health services into primary care is crucial. Practices that offer on-site mental health professionals, or have established referral pathways to mental health providers, are better positioned to provide comprehensive care. This integration can improve patient outcomes by addressing the psychological factors that may contribute to hypertension.

The availability of patient education materials and resources is another critical factor. Patients need to understand their condition, the importance of medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications that can help manage their blood pressure. Practices that provide educational materials, such as brochures, online resources, or group classes, can empower patients to take an active role in their care. This proactive approach can lead to improved outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.

The reimbursement models used by healthcare providers also play a role. Value-based care models, which incentivize providers to improve patient outcomes, can encourage practices to prioritize hypertension management. Practices participating in these models are often more likely to implement evidence-based guidelines and actively monitor patient outcomes. Understanding the payment structures within 29939 and Scotia can provide insights into the incentives driving hypertension management practices.

Finally, community outreach and engagement are important. Practices that actively engage with the community, such as through health fairs or educational programs, can raise awareness about hypertension and promote preventative care. This proactive approach can help identify individuals at risk and connect them with the resources they need. Building strong relationships with community organizations can also help address social determinants of health, such as food insecurity and lack of access to transportation, which can impact hypertension management.

In conclusion, assessing the "Hypertension Score" for 29939 and Scotia involves a complex evaluation of multiple factors. Physician availability, practice characteristics, technological integration, mental health support, and community engagement all contribute to the overall quality of care. While this analysis provides a framework for understanding these factors, a more detailed investigation, including data collection and analysis, is needed to provide a comprehensive assessment.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 29939 and Scotia, including physician locations, clinic locations, and demographic data, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps. Their interactive mapping platform allows you to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare access and availability in your area.