Health Scores Near 35235, Birmingham, Alabama
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The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 35235, Birmingham, Alabama is 95 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 93.31 percent of the residents in 35235 has some form of health insurance. 41.00 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 65.44 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 35235 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 5,904 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 113 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35235. An estimate of 96 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,532 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 28,228 health care providers accessible to residents in 35235, Birmingham, Alabama.
Health Scores in 35235, Birmingham, Alabama
| Arthritis Score | 74 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 42 |
| Provider Score | 95 |
| Hospital Score | 38 |
| Travel Score | 53 |
| 35235 | 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 |
The analysis below provides an ‘Arthritis Score’ assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 35235 ZIP code, focusing on their ability to effectively manage arthritis patients. This score considers factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and integration of mental health resources, all within the context of primary care availability in Birmingham, Alabama.
The 35235 ZIP code, encompassing parts of Birmingham, presents a unique healthcare landscape. The city itself is a regional medical hub, boasting several major hospitals and a concentration of medical professionals. However, access to specialized care, particularly rheumatology, can be a challenge, making the role of the PCP crucial in initial diagnosis, management, and referral.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access**
A key element in the Arthritis Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. High ratios can lead to longer wait times for appointments and less time dedicated to each patient, potentially impacting the thoroughness of arthritis evaluations and ongoing care. Data suggests that while Birmingham has a relatively good supply of physicians overall, the distribution across specialties isn’t uniform. Primary care physicians, often the first point of contact for arthritis symptoms, can be in high demand. Analyzing the patient load of PCPs within 35235, and comparing it to national averages, is critical. This analysis would consider the number of patients per physician, the availability of same-day or next-day appointments, and the time allotted for routine check-ups.
**Standout Practices and Specializations**
Practices demonstrating a strong commitment to arthritis care earn higher scores. This involves identifying practices with physicians who have a demonstrated interest in musculoskeletal health and a willingness to stay current with the latest treatment guidelines. The Arthritis Score would assess the availability of on-site diagnostic tools, such as X-ray machines, which can expedite the diagnostic process. Practices that actively participate in continuing medical education (CME) related to arthritis management and those that employ registered nurses or physician assistants with specialized training in rheumatology would also receive favorable consideration. The existence of dedicated arthritis care pathways, such as standardized questionnaires and treatment protocols, would further enhance a practice's score.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Accessibility**
Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the Arthritis Score. Telemedicine offers several advantages for arthritis patients, including reduced travel time, improved access to care for those with mobility issues, and the ability to monitor symptoms remotely. The analysis would evaluate the extent to which practices within 35235 offer telemedicine consultations for initial evaluations, follow-up appointments, and medication management. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine with the practice’s electronic health record (EHR) system are all important considerations. Practices that offer telemedicine options for patients residing in rural areas surrounding Birmingham would receive additional credit.
**Mental Health Resources and Integrated Care**
Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact mental health. Pain, limitations in mobility, and the unpredictable nature of the disease can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Therefore, the Arthritis Score places a high value on the integration of mental health resources into primary care practices. The analysis would investigate whether practices have established relationships with mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or those that have a streamlined referral process to mental health providers, would receive higher scores. Furthermore, the analysis would assess the availability of patient education materials on the connection between arthritis and mental health, as well as the practice's approach to screening for mental health conditions.
**Primary Care Availability in Birmingham**
The broader context of primary care availability in Birmingham influences the Arthritis Score. The analysis would consider factors such as the overall supply of PCPs in the city, the geographic distribution of practices, and the accessibility of care for underserved populations. The existence of community health centers, free clinics, and other resources that provide care to low-income individuals and those without insurance would be taken into account. The analysis would also consider the availability of transportation options for patients to access medical appointments, particularly for those with mobility limitations.
**Scoring Methodology**
The Arthritis Score would be calculated using a weighted scoring system. Each of the aforementioned factors – physician-to-patient ratio, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration – would be assigned a specific weight based on its importance in providing effective arthritis care. The practices would be ranked based on their cumulative scores, with higher scores indicating a greater ability to meet the needs of arthritis patients.
**Conclusion**
This comprehensive ‘Arthritis Score’ analysis provides a valuable assessment of primary care physician capabilities within the 35235 ZIP code and the broader Birmingham area. By evaluating key factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice specializations, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource integration, this analysis offers insights into the quality of care available to arthritis patients. This data can empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare and help them find the best possible care.
For a visual representation of these findings, including geographic distribution of practices and access to care, explore the interactive maps available from CartoChrome.
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