The Provider Score for the Arthritis Score in 36568, Saint Elmo, Alabama is 81 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 51.52 percent of the residents in 36568 has some form of health insurance. 17.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 51.52 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 36568 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 72 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36568. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 17 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 11,167 health care providers accessible to residents in 36568, Saint Elmo, Alabama.
Health Scores in 36568, Saint Elmo, Alabama
Arthritis Score | 95 |
---|---|
People Score | 82 |
Provider Score | 81 |
Hospital Score | 48 |
Travel Score | 66 |
36568 | Saint Elmo | Alabama | |
---|---|---|---|
Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
The analysis focuses on primary care physicians within the 36568 ZIP code, encompassing the Saint Elmo area, with a specific focus on arthritis care and related resources. The goal is to assess the availability and quality of care, considering factors such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health services, all relevant for individuals managing arthritis.
The 36568 ZIP code, a relatively small geographic area, presents a unique challenge for healthcare access. The availability of primary care physicians, the first point of contact for many patients with arthritis symptoms, is crucial. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides an initial understanding of the accessibility of care. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, could lead to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to timely diagnosis and treatment. The specific physician-to-patient ratio in 36568 requires careful investigation, ideally through data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards. This data should be cross-referenced with population estimates for the Saint Elmo area to provide a realistic assessment.
Beyond simple numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices significantly influence the quality of arthritis care. Larger practices, often with multiple physicians and support staff, may offer a broader range of services, including on-site physical therapy, laboratory testing, and specialized nurse practitioners. These resources can be invaluable for arthritis patients, facilitating comprehensive care within a single location. Conversely, smaller practices might offer a more personalized approach, fostering stronger doctor-patient relationships, which can be beneficial for managing a chronic condition like arthritis. The analysis should identify the dominant practice models in 36568 and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in the context of arthritis care.
Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telehealth consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and medication management, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas. The analysis should assess the extent to which primary care physicians in Saint Elmo offer telemedicine services. This includes evaluating the types of services offered (e.g., video consultations, remote monitoring), the technology used, and the patient experience. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine into their workflow can be considered as having a higher “Arthritis Score.”
The integration of mental health resources is also crucial. Arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly impact a patient's mental well-being. Pain, disability, and the emotional toll of managing a chronic illness can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Primary care practices that recognize this and offer integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or referrals to mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The analysis should investigate the availability of these resources within the primary care practices in 36568.
Identifying standout practices is essential. These are the practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in arthritis care. This might involve practices that:
* Have a high physician-to-patient ratio
* Offer comprehensive services, including physical therapy and laboratory testing
* Have successfully adopted telemedicine
* Integrate mental health resources
* Have physicians with specialized training or experience in rheumatology or arthritis care.
These practices can serve as models for other providers in the area. The analysis should identify these practices and highlight their best practices.
The analysis also needs to consider the availability of specialist care. While primary care physicians are the first point of contact, patients with arthritis often require referral to a rheumatologist. The proximity and accessibility of rheumatology specialists are therefore critical. The analysis should assess the availability of rheumatologists in the Saint Elmo area or nearby, including wait times for appointments and the ease of referral from primary care physicians.
The analysis should also consider patient reviews and satisfaction. Online reviews and patient feedback can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. This includes assessing factors such as communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care. The analysis should incorporate patient reviews from reputable sources, such as Healthgrades or Vitals, to gain a comprehensive understanding of the patient perspective.
Furthermore, the analysis should consider the availability of support groups and educational resources for arthritis patients. These resources can empower patients to manage their condition effectively and improve their quality of life. The analysis should identify any local support groups or educational programs available in the Saint Elmo area.
Finally, the analysis should address the role of health insurance. The acceptance of various insurance plans by primary care physicians is crucial for ensuring access to care. The analysis should identify the insurance plans accepted by the practices in 36568.
In conclusion, assessing the "Arthritis Score" for primary care in Saint Elmo (36568) requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves evaluating physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, specialist access, patient reviews, and the availability of support groups. The goal is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the availability and quality of arthritis care in the area, highlighting areas of strength and areas where improvements are needed.
To visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Saint Elmo, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help to map the location of doctors, specialist, and resources.
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