35752, Hollywood, Alabama Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 35752, Hollywood, Alabama is 24 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.72 percent of the residents in 35752 has some form of health insurance. 40.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.24 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 35752 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 420 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35752. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 398 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 588 health care providers accessible to residents in 35752, Hollywood, Alabama.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Hollywood, Alabama (ZIP Code 35752)

Hollywood, Alabama, nestled in Jackson County, presents a unique landscape for healthcare access, particularly concerning arthritis management. This analysis, designed to provide an "Arthritis Score" ranking for primary care physicians (PCPs) within ZIP code 35752, considers several crucial factors influencing patient care. These include physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources, all crucial for comprehensive arthritis care. The goal is to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem to inform patients seeking effective arthritis treatment.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a foundational element. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians for a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses or treatment adjustments. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater access to care. Publicly available data, such as that from the U.S. Census Bureau and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), can be used to estimate the population within 35752. This, combined with a directory of licensed PCPs practicing within the zip code, allows for a rough calculation of the physician-to-patient ratio. The lower the ratio, the better the score. Further refinement would involve factoring in the number of specialists available, as arthritis often requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Identifying "standout practices" necessitates a deeper dive into the quality of care offered. This involves analyzing patient reviews from reputable sources like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Zocdoc, looking for patterns related to arthritis care. Key indicators include the physician's experience in treating arthritis, the availability of on-site diagnostic tools (e.g., X-ray machines), and the practice's commitment to patient education. Practices with a dedicated rheumatologist or a strong referral network to rheumatology specialists would score higher. Practices that actively participate in clinical trials or research related to arthritis also receive a positive boost. The presence of certified medical assistants with experience in assisting arthritis patients is also considered.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially for managing chronic conditions like arthritis. Telemedicine offers convenience, reduces travel burdens (particularly for patients with mobility limitations), and can facilitate more frequent check-ins with physicians. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms for virtual consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms receive a higher score. The ease of use of the platform, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan are crucial considerations. Practices that offer remote physical therapy or occupational therapy consultations through telemedicine also receive a boost.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are critical for arthritis patients. Chronic pain and the limitations imposed by arthritis can significantly impact mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. Practices that integrate mental health screening into their routine care, offer on-site counseling services, or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will receive a higher score. Collaboration between PCPs and mental health specialists is essential for holistic patient care. The availability of support groups, educational materials about managing the psychological aspects of arthritis, and access to pain management specialists are also considered.

Analyzing these factors requires a combination of publicly available data, online research, and potentially direct inquiries to medical practices. A weighted scoring system is then applied, with each factor assigned a specific weight based on its relative importance. For example, physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialist referrals might carry a higher weight than the availability of on-site diagnostic tools. The final score, expressed on a scale (e.g., 1-10 or a letter grade), provides a comparative ranking of PCPs within 35752.

The analysis of primary care availability in Hollywood, Alabama, specifically concerning arthritis care, reveals a complex picture. The overall "Arthritis Score" is influenced by the interplay of these factors. A high score indicates a healthcare environment that is relatively well-equipped to manage arthritis, while a low score suggests areas for improvement.

The primary care landscape in 35752 likely faces challenges common to rural areas, such as physician shortages and limited access to specialized care. However, the presence of dedicated practices and the increasing adoption of telemedicine offer opportunities to improve the quality of care. The availability of mental health resources is a crucial area for consideration.

This analysis highlights the importance of access to care, the availability of resources, and the need for a comprehensive approach to managing arthritis. Further research and data collection are necessary to refine this analysis and provide a more accurate assessment of the healthcare landscape in Hollywood, Alabama. The “Arthritis Score” is a starting point for patients seeking effective arthritis treatment.

To visualize this information, including the locations of practices, physician availability, and other relevant data points, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing complex healthcare data, allowing you to explore the healthcare landscape of Hollywood, Alabama, and surrounding areas in a clear and informative way.