35984, Mentone, Alabama Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 35984, Mentone, Alabama is 33 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.30 percent of the residents in 35984 has some form of health insurance. 42.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 67.09 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 35984 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 96 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35984. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 505 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 699 health care providers accessible to residents in 35984, Mentone, Alabama.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35984 and Primary Care in Mentone

This analysis examines the availability and quality of primary care physicians in Mentone, Alabama (ZIP code 35984), focusing on factors relevant to patients managing arthritis. The goal is to provide an "Arthritis Score" assessment, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and access to mental health support, crucial elements for comprehensive arthritis care.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Mentone is a critical starting point. While precise figures fluctuate, rural areas like Mentone often face a shortage of primary care physicians. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for arthritis. The Arthritis Score will reflect the impact of this ratio, factoring in the availability of specialists who may be consulted.

Examining the practices themselves reveals vital insights. Are there practices that stand out in their approach to arthritis care? Do they offer specialized services like physical therapy, occupational therapy, or rheumatology consultations? The Arthritis Score will give a higher ranking to practices that demonstrate a commitment to integrated care, recognizing that arthritis management often requires a multidisciplinary approach. This includes access to pain management specialists, which is a key consideration.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in the modern healthcare landscape, especially in rural areas. The Arthritis Score will prioritize practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals. Telemedicine can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and facilitate ongoing management for patients with arthritis. This is especially important for those with mobility limitations or those living far from the few practices available.

The often-overlooked aspect of arthritis care is mental health support. Chronic pain can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being, leading to depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The Arthritis Score will assess the availability of mental health resources within the practices or through referrals. This includes access to therapists, psychiatrists, or support groups. Practices that recognize the link between physical and mental health will receive a higher score, reflecting a more holistic approach to patient care.

The quality of care in Mentone is influenced by the resources available. Practices that offer patient education materials, support groups, and access to the latest research on arthritis treatments will be given a higher rating. The Arthritis Score will also consider the practice's commitment to patient communication and shared decision-making, empowering patients to actively participate in their care.

The analysis will also consider the availability of specialized equipment, such as imaging services (X-rays, MRIs) and diagnostic tools, to aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of arthritis. Practices with these resources will receive a higher score.

The Arthritis Score is a composite metric, a weighted average of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio will carry a significant weight, reflecting the fundamental challenge of access. Practice characteristics, including specialized services and multidisciplinary care, will also be heavily weighted. Telemedicine adoption and mental health resources will contribute to the overall score, reflecting the importance of these elements in comprehensive arthritis management.

The specific practices within ZIP code 35984 will be evaluated based on publicly available information, including online reviews, practice websites, and insurance provider directories. The analysis will attempt to identify practices that offer exceptional care and resources for arthritis patients.

The assessment also involves identifying any standout practices. These are practices that demonstrate a clear commitment to arthritis care, offering a range of services and resources. These practices may have a dedicated rheumatologist or a team of specialists who collaborate to provide comprehensive care. They may also have a strong patient education program or a robust telemedicine platform.

The final Arthritis Score will be a numerical ranking, providing a comparative assessment of the quality and availability of care in Mentone. This score is designed to be a helpful tool for patients seeking primary care physicians, particularly those managing arthritis.

The analysis also considers the accessibility of transportation to and from medical facilities. Rural areas often lack public transportation, making it difficult for patients to attend appointments. Practices that offer transportation assistance or are located near public transportation options will receive a higher score.

The availability of after-hours care is another important consideration. Arthritis symptoms can flare up at any time, and patients need access to medical advice and support outside of regular business hours. Practices that offer after-hours care or have a partnership with an urgent care clinic will receive a higher score.

The Arthritis Score will also consider the practice's acceptance of various insurance plans. Access to care is often dependent on insurance coverage, and practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans will be more accessible to patients.

The analysis will also consider the practice's use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs can improve the efficiency of care, facilitate communication between providers, and allow patients to access their medical records online. Practices that use EHRs will receive a higher score.

The final Arthritis Score will be a valuable resource for patients in Mentone, Alabama. It will provide a comprehensive assessment of the quality and availability of care, helping patients make informed decisions about their healthcare.

The analysis, however, is limited by the availability of public data. The accuracy of the Arthritis Score depends on the completeness and accuracy of the information available.

The final score is designed to be a starting point for patients seeking care. It is recommended that patients conduct their own research and consult with healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment.

The Arthritis Score for doctors in ZIP code 35984 and primary care availability in Mentone, Alabama, can be further enhanced by visualizing the data geographically. Explore the landscape of healthcare options in Mentone with CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps, enabling you to visualize physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data.