Health Scores Near 35035, Brierfield, Alabama
You may also like
The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 35035, Brierfield, Alabama is 23 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 78.91 percent of the residents in 35035 has some form of health insurance. 29.97 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 52.37 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 35035 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 241 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35035. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 106 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 935 health care providers accessible to residents in 35035, Brierfield, Alabama.
Health Scores in 35035, Brierfield, Alabama
| Arthritis Score | 56 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 91 |
| Provider Score | 23 |
| Hospital Score | 53 |
| Travel Score | 33 |
| 35035 | Brierfield | 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 |
## Arthritis Score Analysis: Brierfield, Alabama (ZIP Code 35035)
This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for the availability and quality of healthcare related to arthritis management within the 35035 ZIP code, specifically focusing on primary care and related services in Brierfield, Alabama. The score is not a single, definitive number but a composite evaluation based on various factors impacting access to care and the potential for effective arthritis treatment.
**Physician Availability and Ratios:**
The foundation of arthritis care relies heavily on access to primary care physicians (PCPs) who often serve as the initial point of contact and referral source. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. In Brierfield and the surrounding area, the physician-to-patient ratio is likely a significant factor. Rural areas often face a shortage of PCPs compared to urban centers. This can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and increased difficulty in obtaining timely diagnoses and referrals to specialists, such as rheumatologists. The Arthritis Score will be negatively impacted if the PCP-to-patient ratio is unfavorable. Researching the specific number of active PCPs practicing within the 35035 ZIP code and comparing it to the estimated population is the first step in this assessment. This data should be readily available through sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners or the U.S. Census Bureau.
**Primary Care Practices and Their Characteristics:**
The quality of primary care practices is another critical element. Are there well-established practices with a history of serving the community? Do these practices offer comprehensive services, including on-site laboratory testing, X-ray capabilities, and electronic health records (EHRs)? EHRs are particularly important for effective arthritis management, allowing for seamless information sharing between physicians and specialists, facilitating medication management, and tracking patient progress. Practices with modern EHR systems and comprehensive services will contribute positively to the Arthritis Score. Conversely, practices with limited resources or outdated systems will negatively affect the score. Investigating the services offered by each practice and evaluating their technological infrastructure is essential.
**Standout Practices and Their Strengths:**
Identifying any standout primary care practices within the 35035 ZIP code is crucial. These practices might excel in specific areas, such as patient education, chronic disease management, or providing specialized services relevant to arthritis. For instance, a practice that actively promotes patient education about arthritis, offers support groups, or collaborates with physical therapists could be considered a standout. Any practice that actively participates in clinical trials or research related to arthritis would also receive a higher score. The Arthritis Score will reflect these strengths, recognizing practices that go above and beyond basic care. Researching patient reviews and testimonials can also provide insights into the quality of care provided by individual practices.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Accessibility:**
Telemedicine has become increasingly important in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in the 35035 ZIP code is a key factor in the Arthritis Score. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring of patients, and virtual follow-up appointments will receive a higher score. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care for patients with arthritis, allowing them to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel, and facilitating timely interventions. Investigating which practices offer telemedicine services and the types of services available is crucial.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration:**
Arthritis is often associated with chronic pain, which can significantly impact a patient's mental health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions are common among individuals with arthritis. The availability and integration of mental health resources within the primary care setting are therefore crucial for effective arthritis management. Practices that have partnerships with mental health professionals, offer on-site counseling services, or screen patients for mental health conditions will contribute positively to the Arthritis Score. The score will be negatively impacted if mental health resources are lacking or if there is no integration of mental health services into the primary care model. Investigating the availability of mental health support and the degree to which it is integrated into primary care is essential.
**Specialist Access and Referral Networks:**
While primary care physicians are the initial point of contact, patients with arthritis often require referrals to specialists, particularly rheumatologists. The proximity of rheumatologists to Brierfield and the ease with which PCPs can refer patients to these specialists are crucial factors. If patients have to travel long distances to see a rheumatologist, it can negatively impact their care. The Arthritis Score will consider the distance to the nearest rheumatology practices and the efficiency of the referral process. Researching the referral networks used by local PCPs is essential.
**Pharmacy Access and Medication Management:**
Access to pharmacies and the ease of obtaining arthritis medications are also important. The presence of local pharmacies and their ability to fill prescriptions promptly is a factor. Moreover, practices that assist patients with medication management, such as providing medication reconciliation services or offering assistance with insurance coverage, will contribute positively to the score. The Arthritis Score will consider the availability of pharmacies and the support provided by primary care practices in managing medications.
**Overall Arthritis Score and Conclusion:**
Based on the factors discussed above, the Arthritis Score for primary care in Brierfield (35035) will be determined by a holistic assessment of the available data. The score will reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare infrastructure in the area, highlighting areas where access to care is good and areas where improvements are needed. The score will be lower if there are physician shortages, limited telemedicine adoption, a lack of mental health resources, or difficulties in accessing specialists. The score will be higher if there are sufficient PCPs, widespread telemedicine adoption, integrated mental health services, and easy access to specialists.
**Take the next step:**
To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including primary care practices, specialists, and pharmacies, within and around the 35035 ZIP code, explore the power of geospatial analysis. Utilize CartoChrome maps to gain a comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility in Brierfield and the surrounding areas. CartoChrome maps can help you identify areas with limited access to care and visualize the proximity of essential healthcare services.
Reviews
No reviews yet.
You may also like
