Health Scores Near 35254, Birmingham, Alabama
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The Provider Score for the Alzheimers Score in 35254, Birmingham, Alabama is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 97.56 percent of the residents in 35254 has some form of health insurance. 0.93 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 96.63 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 35254 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 356 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 124 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35254. An estimate of 110 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,933 health care providers accessible to residents in 35254, Birmingham, Alabama.
Health Scores in 35254, Birmingham, Alabama
| Alzheimers Score | 87 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 80 |
| Provider Score | 63 |
| Hospital Score | 52 |
| Travel Score | 59 |
| 35254 | 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, particularly for communities with aging populations. This analysis focuses on the availability of resources and the quality of care for Alzheimer's patients within ZIP code 35254 (Vestavia Hills, Alabama) and the broader context of primary care availability in Birmingham, Alabama, to provide an Alzheimer's Score assessment. This score considers factors crucial for Alzheimer's care, including physician availability, access to specialized services, and the integration of technology.
**Physician‑to‑Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability**
The foundation of Alzheimer's care often rests with primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio in 35254 and the Birmingham metropolitan area is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to care. Data from the Alabama Department of Public Health and the U.S. Census Bureau needs to be analyzed to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the specific geographic boundaries. Generally, a ratio of 1:1000 or lower is considered desirable, allowing for more individualized attention and proactive care.
Birmingham, as a major metropolitan area, typically has a more favorable physician-to-patient ratio than rural areas. However, the distribution of PCPs across the city is uneven. Areas with a higher concentration of elderly residents, such as Vestavia Hills (35254), require a robust network of PCPs. The analysis should identify the number of PCPs practicing within 35254 and the surrounding areas, including their specialties and whether they accept new patients. This includes an assessment of the proximity of these practices to the population, considering factors like transportation options for patients with mobility challenges.
**Standout Practices and Specialized Care**
Beyond general PCPs, the availability of neurologists, geriatricians, and neuropsychologists is paramount for Alzheimer's care. These specialists are crucial for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of the disease. The Alzheimer's Score needs to evaluate the presence and accessibility of these specialists in and around 35254. This includes assessing the number of specialists, their experience in treating Alzheimer's, and their ability to provide comprehensive care, including cognitive assessments, medication management, and support for caregivers.
Specific practices within the area may stand out based on their commitment to Alzheimer's care. For example, practices that offer memory clinics, participate in clinical trials, or have dedicated staff trained in dementia care should be recognized. The analysis should identify these standout practices and evaluate their services, including the availability of support groups, educational programs, and resources for caregivers. These practices often serve as models for best practices in Alzheimer's care.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration**
Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly for patients with mobility limitations or those living in areas with limited access to specialists. The Alzheimer's Score should assess the adoption of telemedicine by practices in 35254 and the broader Birmingham area. This includes evaluating whether practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.
Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for Alzheimer's patients, allowing for regular check-ins with physicians, medication management, and access to support groups from the comfort of their homes. The analysis should consider the availability of telemedicine services specifically tailored to Alzheimer's care, such as virtual cognitive assessments and caregiver training programs. The integration of technology, such as wearable devices for monitoring vital signs or GPS trackers for patients who wander, should also be evaluated.
**Mental‑Health Resources and Caregiver Support**
Alzheimer's disease significantly impacts mental health, both for patients and their caregivers. The Alzheimer's Score must assess the availability of mental-health resources in 35254 and the surrounding areas. This includes evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors who specialize in geriatric mental health and dementia care.
Access to mental-health services is crucial for managing the behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer's, such as anxiety, depression, and agitation. The analysis should identify the availability of these services, including their accessibility, affordability, and acceptance of insurance. The availability of support groups and educational programs for caregivers is also critical. Caregivers often experience significant stress and burnout, and access to these resources can help them cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's.
**Alzheimer's Score Conclusion**
The Alzheimer's Score for 35254 and the Birmingham area would be a composite metric based on the factors discussed above. A high score would indicate a robust network of PCPs, specialists, and mental-health resources, coupled with the adoption of telemedicine and strong caregiver support. A lower score would reflect challenges in accessing care, limited specialist availability, and a lack of support services. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in healthcare infrastructure and the evolving needs of the Alzheimer's community.
The comprehensive analysis of the available data, including physician-to-patient ratios, specialist availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental-health resources, will provide a valuable assessment of the quality and accessibility of Alzheimer's care in 35254 and the broader Birmingham area. This assessment can be used to identify areas for improvement and to guide efforts to enhance the care and support available to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
Are you interested in visualizing the geographic distribution of these healthcare resources and understanding the accessibility of care for Alzheimer's patients in 35254 and Birmingham? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape.
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