35974, Geraldine, Alabama Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 35974, Geraldine, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.82 percent of the residents in 35974 has some form of health insurance. 31.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.61 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 35974 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 465 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35974. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 259 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,880 health care providers accessible to residents in 35974, Geraldine, Alabama.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Geraldine, Alabama (ZIP Code 35974)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality within Geraldine, Alabama (ZIP Code 35974) requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis focuses on factors relevant to individuals managing arthritis, including physician availability, specialized care, telemedicine options, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, reflecting the ease with which residents can access comprehensive arthritis care.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Geraldine, a rural community, likely faces challenges in this area. A low physician-to-patient ratio suggests a potential bottleneck for initial consultations and referrals. Data from sources like the US Department of Health & Human Services or the Alabama Department of Public Health would be crucial to determine the precise ratio within ZIP Code 35974. A ratio significantly below the national average would negatively impact the Arthritis Score, as timely access to a PCP is essential for arthritis diagnosis, management, and referral to specialists.

Beyond PCPs, the availability of rheumatologists is paramount. Rheumatologists are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. The distance to the nearest rheumatologist is a critical factor. Residents of Geraldine may need to travel to larger cities like Gadsden or Huntsville to access these specialists. This travel burden, including time, cost, and logistical challenges, significantly impacts the Arthritis Score. Longer travel distances would lower the score, reflecting reduced accessibility.

Within the existing primary care landscape, the adoption of best practices is vital. This includes proactive screening for arthritis risk factors, patient education on disease management, and a commitment to coordinated care. Some practices might stand out for their dedication to arthritis care. Identifying these "standout practices" requires reviewing patient testimonials, examining practice websites for specific arthritis-related services, and potentially consulting with local patient advocacy groups. Practices that offer comprehensive arthritis education programs, physical therapy services, and readily available information would receive higher marks in the Arthritis Score.

Telemedicine offers a promising avenue to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by local healthcare providers is a key indicator. Telemedicine allows for virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists, medication management, and remote monitoring of symptoms. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for arthritis management, including virtual follow-up appointments and remote patient monitoring, would contribute positively to the Arthritis Score. Conversely, a lack of telemedicine options would negatively impact the score, reflecting limited access to convenient and timely care.

The interconnectedness of physical and mental health is particularly relevant for individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis. The Arthritis Score must account for the availability of mental health resources. Arthritis can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and limitations in daily activities, significantly impacting mental well-being. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is crucial for managing the emotional and psychological effects of arthritis. The presence of mental health services within the community or readily accessible through referral networks would positively influence the Arthritis Score. A lack of such resources would lower the score, highlighting a critical gap in comprehensive care.

Furthermore, the availability of ancillary services, such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management clinics, contributes to the Arthritis Score. These services are essential for managing the physical symptoms of arthritis, improving mobility, and enhancing quality of life. The proximity and accessibility of these services are important considerations. A community with readily available physical therapy, occupational therapy, and pain management options would receive a higher score.

Medication management is another critical aspect of arthritis care. The ease of access to pharmacies and the availability of medication counseling services are essential. A community with multiple pharmacies and pharmacists readily available to provide medication education and support would contribute positively to the Arthritis Score. Conversely, limited pharmacy access or a lack of medication counseling services would negatively impact the score.

The overall "Arthritis Score" for Geraldine, Alabama (ZIP Code 35974) will be a composite score based on all the factors discussed. It is a relative assessment reflecting the ease with which residents can access the care they need to manage their arthritis effectively. A high score would indicate a community with readily available PCPs, rheumatologists, telemedicine options, mental health resources, and ancillary services. A low score would indicate significant challenges in accessing these resources, potentially requiring residents to travel long distances or face delays in receiving care.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare accessibility in Geraldine and surrounding areas, and to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide detailed, interactive visualizations of physician locations, specialist availability, and other relevant healthcare data, offering a powerful tool for understanding and improving healthcare access in rural communities.