Health Scores Near 35228, Birmingham, Alabama
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 35228, Birmingham, Alabama is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 85.06 percent of the residents in 35228 has some form of health insurance. 40.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.79 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 35228 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 2,330 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 115 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35228. An estimate of 103 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,342 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,514 health care providers accessible to residents in 35228, Birmingham, Alabama.
Health Scores in 35228, Birmingham, Alabama
| Alzheimers Score | 32 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 10 |
| Provider Score | 64 |
| Hospital Score | 30 |
| Travel Score | 62 |
| 35228 | Birmingham | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Alzheimer's disease presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems, particularly in areas with aging populations. Analyzing healthcare resources within a specific geographic area is crucial for understanding the preparedness of the medical community to address this growing need. This analysis focuses on ZIP code 35228, encompassing a portion of Birmingham, Alabama, and assesses the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of specialized Alzheimer's care, and the integration of telemedicine and mental health resources, ultimately providing an "Alzheimer's Score" assessment.
The physician-to-patient ratio is a fundamental indicator of access to care. In ZIP code 35228, the ratio of primary care physicians to the overall population needs careful examination. National averages can serve as a benchmark, but local demographics, including the age distribution and prevalence of chronic conditions, must be considered. A higher proportion of elderly residents necessitates a greater concentration of primary care providers. Data from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and local hospital systems can be cross-referenced to determine the number of practicing primary care physicians within the ZIP code. This data, combined with census information, allows for calculating the physician-to-patient ratio, revealing potential shortages or surpluses.
Beyond the raw numbers, the types of primary care practices available are important. Are there practices accepting new patients? Are they accepting Medicare and Medicaid? Do they have experience with geriatric care? Group practices often offer a broader range of services and potentially better coordination of care. Single-physician practices might offer more personalized care but potentially limited resources. Assessing the size and structure of practices within 35228 provides a clearer picture of the capacity to handle the demands of an aging population, especially those at risk for Alzheimer's.
Standout practices, if any, would be those demonstrating a commitment to geriatric care. This includes physicians board-certified in geriatrics or with a significant portion of their practice dedicated to elderly patients. These practices are more likely to have experience in diagnosing and managing Alzheimer's disease. They might also have established relationships with specialists, such as neurologists and psychiatrists, essential for comprehensive Alzheimer's care. Identifying these practices involves reviewing physician profiles, checking patient reviews, and potentially contacting local hospitals or Alzheimer's support organizations for recommendations.
Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially for patients with mobility issues or those living in rural areas. The presence of telemedicine capabilities within primary care practices in 35228 is a key factor. Does the practice offer virtual consultations for routine check-ups or medication management? Are there telemedicine options for specialized consultations with neurologists or geriatricians? Investigating the use of telehealth platforms, the availability of remote monitoring devices, and the practice's experience with virtual care provides insight into its ability to provide accessible care to patients.
Mental health resources are inextricably linked to Alzheimer's care. Patients with Alzheimer's often experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health services within 35228 is therefore a critical component of the Alzheimer's Score. This involves assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists practicing in the area. Are there mental health clinics or counseling centers? Are these resources accessible to patients with Medicare or Medicaid? The proximity and availability of mental health support services directly impact the quality of life for Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers.
The Alzheimer's Score, therefore, is not a single number but a composite assessment. It incorporates the physician-to-patient ratio, the types of primary care practices, the presence of geriatric specialists, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor is weighted based on its relative importance to Alzheimer's care. A higher score indicates better preparedness for managing the disease. The score is a dynamic measure, reflecting the evolving healthcare landscape and the ongoing efforts to improve care for individuals with Alzheimer's.
For ZIP code 35228, the analysis would begin by compiling the data. This involves contacting local hospitals, reviewing physician directories, and consulting public health data. The data is then analyzed to calculate the physician-to-patient ratio, assess the types of practices, and identify any standout practices. The availability of telemedicine and mental health resources is also investigated. The final Alzheimer's Score is determined by weighting each factor and calculating a composite score. The score is then used to identify areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of geriatric specialists, expanding telemedicine capabilities, or improving access to mental health services.
Primary care availability in Birmingham, as a whole, influences the overall score for 35228. The city's resources, including specialized memory care clinics, research centers, and support groups, contribute to the overall care landscape. Assessing the availability of these resources in Birmingham, and their accessibility to residents of 35228, is essential. This includes evaluating the proximity of specialized clinics, the availability of transportation for patients, and the presence of caregiver support programs.
The overall Alzheimer's Score for 35228 and its relation to Birmingham's resources will provide a valuable assessment of the area's capacity to meet the needs of its residents with Alzheimer's. The analysis will highlight strengths, weaknesses, and areas where improvement is needed. This information can be used by healthcare providers, policymakers, and community organizations to develop strategies for improving Alzheimer's care.
Want to visualize this data and explore healthcare resources in Birmingham and beyond? CartoChrome maps can help you see the bigger picture.
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