35674, Tuscumbia, Alabama Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 35674, Tuscumbia, Alabama is 43 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.51 percent of the residents in 35674 has some form of health insurance. 36.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.34 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 35674 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,936 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35674. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,255 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,136 health care providers accessible to residents in 35674, Tuscumbia, Alabama.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Tuscumbia, AL (ZIP Code 35674)

This analysis delves into the landscape of primary care and arthritis-related resources within Tuscumbia, Alabama (ZIP code 35674), aiming to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment. This score considers factors crucial for individuals managing arthritis, including physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine options, and the integration of mental health support. The goal is to paint a clear picture for residents seeking accessible and comprehensive care.

Assessing physician-to-patient ratios is the initial step. Data from the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Alabama Department of Public Health, along with publicly available physician directories, will be utilized to estimate the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the 35674 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. Comparing this number to the population of Tuscumbia and its immediate vicinity yields a physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally translates to easier access to appointments and potentially shorter wait times. The analysis will also consider the presence of specialists, such as rheumatologists, within a reasonable driving distance, crucial for comprehensive arthritis care. The proximity to larger cities like Huntsville, with potentially more specialized resources, will be factored into the overall score.

The quality of primary care practices is another critical element. This evaluation considers several factors. Firstly, the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) is paramount. EHRs facilitate efficient information sharing between providers, enhancing care coordination and minimizing the risk of medication errors. Secondly, the analysis examines the practices' accreditation status. Accreditation by organizations like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) or the Joint Commission signifies adherence to specific quality standards. Thirdly, patient reviews and testimonials, available through online platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, offer valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall patient experience. Practices with consistently positive reviews will receive higher scores. Finally, the analysis will assess the presence of ancillary services, such as on-site physical therapy, which can significantly improve the convenience and effectiveness of arthritis management.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for individuals with mobility limitations or those residing in rural areas. The analysis will investigate the availability of telehealth services offered by primary care practices in the 35674 ZIP code. This includes the ability to conduct virtual consultations, monitor patient health remotely, and prescribe medications electronically. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine will receive higher scores, reflecting their commitment to accessible and convenient care. The availability of telehealth options with specialists, such as rheumatologists, will also be evaluated, as this can significantly reduce the need for travel and improve access to specialized expertise.

The integration of mental health resources is a crucial, often overlooked, aspect of arthritis care. Chronic pain, like that associated with arthritis, can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health services within primary care practices or through referral networks. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and offer or facilitate access to mental health services will receive higher scores, recognizing the importance of holistic patient care. The presence of pain management specialists who integrate psychological approaches will also be considered.

Identifying standout practices is a key component of this analysis. Based on the factors mentioned above, the analysis will highlight practices that demonstrate excellence in several areas. These practices may have a particularly low physician-to-patient ratio, a strong focus on patient satisfaction, advanced telemedicine capabilities, or robust mental health support services. The goal is to identify those practices that provide the most comprehensive and patient-centered care for individuals with arthritis. This involves careful review of available data, including practice websites, patient reviews, and publicly available information.

The "Arthritis Score" for Tuscumbia, AL (35674) will be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance. For instance, physician availability and practice quality might be weighted more heavily than telemedicine adoption, although all factors will contribute to the final score. The score will be presented in a clear and concise format, allowing residents to easily understand the overall quality of arthritis-related care in their community. The score will also provide a basis for comparison with other areas, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape.

The analysis will also consider the broader healthcare ecosystem in Tuscumbia. This includes the presence of hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and other healthcare facilities that can provide support to individuals with arthritis. The proximity to these facilities and the ease of access to specialized services will be factored into the overall score. The analysis will also consider the availability of community resources, such as support groups, educational programs, and exercise classes specifically designed for individuals with arthritis.

Finally, the analysis will acknowledge the limitations of the data available. While every effort will be made to gather accurate and comprehensive information, the analysis will rely on publicly available data and may be subject to limitations. The analysis will also acknowledge the dynamic nature of healthcare, with practices constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and patient needs. The "Arthritis Score" will be a snapshot in time, reflecting the current state of the healthcare landscape in Tuscumbia.

For a visual representation of physician locations, practice locations, and access to healthcare resources in Tuscumbia, AL (35674), we encourage you to explore the power of location intelligence. **Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in your community.**