36524, Coffeeville, Alabama Arthritis Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 36524, Coffeeville, Alabama is 25 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.32 percent of the residents in 36524 has some form of health insurance. 65.49 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 46.35 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 36524 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 262 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36524. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 342 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 135 health care providers accessible to residents in 36524, Coffeeville, Alabama.

The analysis below provides an assessment of the arthritis care landscape in ZIP Code 36524, focusing on physician availability, practice characteristics, and related resources, with specific attention to Coffeeville’s primary care access. The goal is to offer a practical understanding of the healthcare environment for individuals managing arthritis.

Assessing the availability of physicians specializing in rheumatology or with a strong focus on arthritis management within ZIP Code 36524 requires a multi-faceted approach. Publicly available physician directories, insurance provider networks, and local hospital affiliations are key starting points. Due to the rural nature of the area, the presence of a dedicated rheumatologist within the immediate vicinity is likely to be limited. This necessitates evaluating the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) who are well-versed in arthritis diagnosis, treatment, and referral pathways.

Physician-to-patient ratios are crucial. Nationally, the ratio of rheumatologists to the population is already strained. In a rural area, this strain is likely amplified. Determining the precise ratio requires data on the total population of 36524 and the number of practicing rheumatologists and PCPs with arthritis expertise. A low physician-to-patient ratio indicates potential difficulties in accessing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Patients may face longer wait times, increased travel distances, and potentially fragmented care.

Standout practices within the area are those that demonstrate a commitment to arthritis care. This includes practices with physicians who have a demonstrable interest in arthritis management, a focus on patient education, and a willingness to collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Practices with dedicated nurses or medical assistants trained in arthritis care, such as those specializing in medication administration or patient education, are highly valuable. The presence of on-site physical therapy or occupational therapy services further enhances the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialist consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments for follow-up visits, medication adjustments, or patient education, are better positioned to serve patients with arthritis. The availability of remote monitoring tools, such as wearable sensors to track activity levels or symptom diaries, can further enhance the effectiveness of telemedicine.

Mental health resources are critical for individuals with arthritis. Chronic pain, limitations in mobility, and the impact of the disease on daily life can significantly affect mental well-being. Practices that recognize the importance of mental health and provide access to counseling, therapy, or psychiatric services are highly desirable. Collaboration with mental health professionals, either within the practice or through referral networks, is essential. The availability of support groups or educational programs focused on managing the emotional aspects of arthritis is also a significant benefit.

Primary care availability in Coffeeville, a key component of the 36524 ZIP Code, warrants specific attention. The presence of accessible and qualified PCPs is essential for initial diagnosis, ongoing management, and referral to specialists when necessary. Evaluating the number of PCPs practicing in Coffeeville, their patient load, and their expertise in arthritis care is crucial. The accessibility of these PCPs, including appointment availability, office hours, and acceptance of various insurance plans, directly impacts the quality of care for residents.

Assessing the quality of care provided by PCPs involves evaluating their knowledge of arthritis, their willingness to provide comprehensive care, and their ability to coordinate care with specialists. This includes their understanding of current treatment guidelines, their familiarity with various medications, and their ability to educate patients about their condition. The availability of resources such as patient education materials, support groups, and access to physical therapy or other supportive services further enhances the quality of care.

The physical accessibility of healthcare facilities in Coffeeville is another key consideration. The availability of transportation, the proximity of healthcare facilities to residential areas, and the ease of access for individuals with mobility limitations all play a role. The availability of public transportation options or the presence of patient assistance programs can further improve accessibility.

The overall assessment of arthritis care in ZIP Code 36524, and specifically in Coffeeville, is a complex process. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and primary care access. The findings will likely reveal both strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare system.

The absence of a dedicated rheumatologist within the immediate vicinity underscores the importance of strong primary care and efficient referral pathways. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health resources are essential for improving access to care and addressing the holistic needs of patients.

To gain a more detailed and visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP Code 36524, including the locations of physicians, healthcare facilities, and related resources, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, enabling you to identify areas of high need, assess accessibility, and make informed decisions about your healthcare options.