35007, Alabaster, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35007, Alabaster, Alabama is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.23 percent of the residents in 35007 has some form of health insurance. 25.63 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 73.10 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 35007 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 7,196 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35007. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,343 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,666 health care providers accessible to residents in 35007, Alabaster, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Alabaster, Alabama (ZIP Code 35007)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Alabaster, Alabama (ZIP code 35007) requires a multifaceted approach, examining the availability and quality of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide an "Overall Health Score" assessment, considering these key factors to paint a comprehensive picture of the healthcare environment in this community.

The cornerstone of any healthy community lies in accessible primary care. Examining the physician-to-patient ratio provides a crucial starting point. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, publicly available sources and healthcare databases suggest that Alabaster, and by extension, ZIP code 35007, likely experiences a physician-to-patient ratio that mirrors or slightly exceeds the state average for Alabama. Alabama, in general, faces challenges in physician distribution, particularly in rural areas. Alabaster, though experiencing growth, is not immune to these statewide trends. This means residents might experience longer wait times for appointments or need to travel outside the immediate area to access primary care services.

Several primary care practices serve the Alabaster community. Identifying "standout practices" involves evaluating factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered, and the integration of technology. Practices that consistently receive high ratings from patients, offer comprehensive services (including preventative care, chronic disease management, and basic diagnostic testing), and embrace technological advancements are likely to be considered standout performers. Examples of these advancements include the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient patient data management and online patient portals for appointment scheduling and communication. However, specific practice names and detailed performance data are often proprietary and require careful investigation.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical aspect of healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine, the practice of providing healthcare remotely via technology, offers significant benefits, especially in areas with physician shortages. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions, and access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The level of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians in Alabaster can vary. Some practices may have fully integrated telemedicine into their operations, offering a range of virtual services, while others may be in the early stages of adoption or not offer it at all. The availability of reliable internet access within the community also influences the effectiveness of telemedicine initiatives.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. Access to mental health services, including therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care, is crucial for addressing a wide range of conditions. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within Alabaster is a key indicator of community well-being. Additionally, the presence of mental health support groups, community outreach programs, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers can significantly enhance access to care. The integration of mental health services within primary care settings, allowing for early screening and treatment, is a best practice that can improve outcomes.

The "Overall Health Score" for Alabaster (ZIP code 35007) reflects a mixed picture. While the community benefits from the presence of primary care practices, the physician-to-patient ratio likely presents a challenge. The adoption of telemedicine, while present, may vary among practices. Mental health resources, while likely available to some extent, require further investigation to determine their comprehensiveness and accessibility. Therefore, the "Overall Health Score" for this area would be best characterized as "moderate," with areas for improvement in physician access, telemedicine integration, and mental health service availability.

To gain a more granular understanding of the healthcare landscape in Alabaster and surrounding areas, consider exploring the power of visual data. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive platform for visualizing healthcare data, including physician locations, facility types, and demographic information. CartoChrome maps can assist in identifying areas with limited access to care, understanding the distribution of healthcare resources, and making informed decisions about healthcare planning and resource allocation.