36258, Delta, Alabama Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 36258, Delta, Alabama is 49 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.88 percent of the residents in 36258 has some form of health insurance. 46.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.55 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 36258 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 208 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36258. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 383 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 181 health care providers accessible to residents in 36258, Delta, Alabama.

## Arthritis Score Analysis: Delta, Alabama (ZIP Code 36258)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality for individuals suffering from arthritis in Delta, Alabama (ZIP Code 36258) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized rheumatology services, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health resources. The goal is to provide an “Arthritis Score” assessment reflecting the overall support system available to patients managing this chronic condition. This score, while subjective, attempts to synthesize available data into a practical understanding of the local healthcare landscape.

Delta, Alabama, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas. Primary care physician (PCP) availability is a crucial starting point. The physician-to-patient ratio in this ZIP code is a key indicator. National averages are often used as a benchmark, but rural areas frequently have fewer PCPs per capita. Researching the exact ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state-level medical boards. A lower ratio, meaning fewer physicians per resident, suggests potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments for initial diagnosis and ongoing management of arthritis.

The absence of readily available rheumatologists within the immediate vicinity presents a significant hurdle. Arthritis, encompassing over 100 different conditions, often necessitates specialized care. Patients may need to travel to larger towns or cities for specialist consultations, diagnostic testing, and advanced treatments. This travel burden adds to the challenges faced by individuals with mobility limitations or chronic pain, potentially impacting their ability to adhere to treatment plans.

The availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services is another critical factor. These therapies play a vital role in managing pain, improving mobility, and maintaining functional independence for arthritis patients. Investigating the number of physical therapists and occupational therapists practicing within the ZIP code or in nearby areas is crucial. The presence of rehabilitation facilities and their accessibility for patients with varying levels of mobility is also important.

Telemedicine adoption is a potentially positive factor, especially in rural areas with limited access to specialists. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with rheumatologists or other healthcare professionals can significantly improve access to care. Researching the extent to which local primary care practices and specialists offer telemedicine services is necessary. This includes assessing the types of telemedicine platforms used, the availability of virtual appointment scheduling, and the ability to remotely monitor patient progress.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are essential for individuals with chronic pain conditions like arthritis. Living with arthritis can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, within the community is a critical component of a comprehensive arthritis care plan. Investigating the presence of mental health clinics, support groups, and the integration of mental health services within primary care practices is essential.

Identifying standout practices within the 36258 ZIP code or nearby areas is a key aspect of this analysis. This involves researching individual practices and assessing their commitment to arthritis care. Factors to consider include:

* **Patient Reviews:** Online reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews provide insights into patient experiences, including the quality of care, communication with physicians, and the overall patient experience.
* **Specialized Services:** Practices that offer specialized services, such as on-site physical therapy, infusion therapy for biologic medications, or access to clinical trials, are highly valued.
* **Patient Education:** Practices that provide patient education materials, support groups, or educational programs about arthritis management are beneficial.
* **Collaboration:** Practices that demonstrate strong collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as rheumatologists, physical therapists, and mental health professionals, are likely to offer more comprehensive care.

The “Arthritis Score” for this area will be influenced by the presence of the factors mentioned above. A higher score would be assigned to areas with a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, readily available rheumatology services, robust physical and occupational therapy options, widespread telemedicine adoption, and integrated mental health resources. Conversely, a lower score would reflect the opposite conditions.

Specifically, the score would be impacted by the availability of rheumatologists. Since the 36258 ZIP code is in a rural area, the availability of rheumatologists is likely to be limited. Patients may need to travel long distances to see a specialist. This lack of access would negatively impact the score. The availability of physical therapy and occupational therapy services will also impact the score. These services are important for managing pain and improving mobility. If these services are limited, the score will be lower.

Telemedicine adoption can potentially mitigate some of the challenges of rural healthcare access. If local practices have adopted telemedicine, this will positively impact the score. The integration of mental health services is also important. Arthritis patients often experience depression and anxiety. If mental health services are available and integrated into the care plan, this will positively impact the score.

The overall “Arthritis Score” for Delta, Alabama (ZIP Code 36258) is likely to be moderate, reflecting the challenges of rural healthcare access. While the specific score requires a deeper investigation into the data mentioned above, the analysis suggests that patients may face difficulties in accessing specialized rheumatology services and may need to travel for care. The availability of telemedicine and integrated mental health services could improve the score.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Delta, Alabama, and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of physicians, specialists, and support services, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a spatial representation of healthcare access, allowing you to identify areas with limited resources and understand the geographic distribution of healthcare providers. Click here to learn more and explore the CartoChrome maps.