35555, Fayette, Alabama Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 35555, Fayette, Alabama is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.47 percent of the residents in 35555 has some form of health insurance. 47.01 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.04 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 35555 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,150 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35555. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,912 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 304 health care providers accessible to residents in 35555, Fayette, Alabama.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Fayette, Alabama (ZIP Code 35555)

This analysis provides an "Arthritis Score" assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 35555, encompassing Fayette, Alabama, with a focus on factors pertinent to arthritis management. The score, though not a formal, standardized metric, considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support – all critical for arthritis patients. This assessment is designed to provide a nuanced understanding of healthcare access and quality within the specified geographic area.

The foundation of this analysis is built upon understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, often translates to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to specialized care. In Fayette, the physician-to-patient ratio for PCPs is a critical factor. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state health departments, will be examined to determine this ratio. A low ratio would negatively impact the Arthritis Score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of individual practices are crucial. Several factors contribute to a practice's suitability for arthritis patients. Does the practice readily accept new patients, or is there a significant wait time to schedule an initial consultation? Are appointments easily accessible, or is it a struggle to secure timely follow-up care? The availability of extended hours, including evening or weekend appointments, can significantly benefit patients. Practices offering on-site diagnostic services, such as X-ray facilities, would also be considered favorably.

Standout practices within the area are identified based on their commitment to patient-centered care. These practices often exhibit specific characteristics. Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, allowing for seamless information sharing between specialists and facilitating medication management? Do they offer patient portals for easy communication and access to medical records? Are they known for their compassionate and patient-focused approach, creating a supportive environment for individuals managing chronic conditions? The presence of a dedicated arthritis specialist, such as a rheumatologist, either within the practice or through readily available referral networks, would be a significant positive factor.

Telemedicine adoption is a growing trend in healthcare, particularly relevant for patients with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. Practices that embrace telemedicine offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and medication management through online platforms. The Arthritis Score will assess the level of telemedicine integration within the practices in 35555. Practices offering telemedicine options, especially for follow-up appointments and medication refills, would receive a higher score. The accessibility of these telemedicine options, including ease of use and technical support, will also be considered.

Arthritis is often associated with chronic pain and disability, which can significantly impact mental health. The Arthritis Score will evaluate the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through readily accessible referral networks. Does the practice have a psychiatrist or psychologist on staff, or does it collaborate with local mental health professionals? Are screening tools for depression and anxiety routinely used? The availability of support groups or educational resources for arthritis patients would also be a positive factor.

Specific practices within the 35555 ZIP code will be assessed based on the criteria described. The analysis will attempt to identify practices that excel in providing comprehensive care for arthritis patients. This involves assessing their responsiveness to patient needs, their adoption of technology, and their commitment to addressing the holistic well-being of their patients. This analysis acknowledges that the specific names of practices, their detailed services, and physician-to-patient ratios are subject to change.

The overall Arthritis Score is a composite of these factors. A practice with a high score would demonstrate a strong physician-to-patient ratio, easy appointment access, comprehensive telemedicine options, and a robust network of mental health resources. A practice with a low score might face challenges in one or more of these areas, potentially limiting access to quality care for arthritis patients.

The primary care availability in Fayette, Alabama, is a critical factor in the overall Arthritis Score. The presence of a sufficient number of PCPs, coupled with their willingness to accept new patients, directly impacts the ability of arthritis patients to access timely and appropriate care. The analysis will consider the geographical distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code, assessing whether there are any underserved areas.

This analysis acknowledges the limitations of publicly available data. The assessment is based on the best available information and may not reflect the most current practice details. Patient reviews and feedback will be considered where possible, but the analysis primarily relies on publicly accessible information.

The final Arthritis Score for 35555 will provide a snapshot of the healthcare landscape for arthritis patients in Fayette. This score, combined with the detailed analysis of individual practices, can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

For a more detailed visual representation of physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data points within the 35555 ZIP code, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. Their platform offers a powerful tool for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.