35034, Brent, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35034, Brent, Alabama is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 74.08 percent of the residents in 35034 has some form of health insurance. 44.96 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 45.28 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 35034 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,296 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35034. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 750 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 118 health care providers accessible to residents in 35034, Brent, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35034 & Primary Care Availability in Brent

Analyzing the overall health landscape in Brent, Alabama, specifically within ZIP code 35034, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into the availability of primary care physicians, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' assessment, offering insights for residents and potential healthcare providers.

The foundation of any health assessment lies in the availability of primary care physicians. ZIP code 35034, encompassing the town of Brent, is a predominantly rural area. This geographic characteristic often presents challenges in healthcare access. The number of primary care physicians directly impacts the ability of residents to receive preventative care, manage chronic conditions, and address acute illnesses. Assessing the number of active, practicing primary care physicians within this specific ZIP code is paramount. This number must then be compared to the population of 35034 to derive a physician-to-patient ratio.

A favorable physician-to-patient ratio indicates greater accessibility to care. Conversely, a high ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing appointments, longer wait times, and potentially, a strain on existing healthcare resources. Publicly available data from the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and potentially, local hospital systems, would be crucial in gathering this information. The analysis should consider not just the raw number of physicians but also their specialties, their acceptance of various insurance plans, and their availability to accept new patients.

Identifying standout practices within 35034 is another critical aspect of the assessment. This involves evaluating the quality of care provided, patient satisfaction levels, and the range of services offered. Researching patient reviews on platforms like Healthgrades, Vitals, and Google Reviews can provide valuable insights into the experiences of individuals seeking care in the area. Furthermore, examining the practices' accreditations, certifications, and participation in quality improvement programs can help gauge their commitment to providing high-quality care.

The presence of specialized services, such as chronic disease management programs, preventative screenings, and on-site laboratory services, should also be considered. Practices that offer a comprehensive suite of services are likely to contribute to a higher 'Overall Health Score'. The analysis should also identify any practices that have received awards or recognition for their patient care, community involvement, or innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Brent. Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to geographical barriers, allowing patients to access healthcare services remotely. The analysis should determine the extent to which primary care physicians in 35034 offer telemedicine consultations, virtual appointments, and remote monitoring capabilities. This includes assessing the technology infrastructure of the practices, the availability of online patient portals, and the types of services that are offered via telemedicine.

Practices that have embraced telemedicine can potentially improve access to care, reduce travel time and costs for patients, and enhance the overall patient experience. The analysis should also consider the availability of telehealth options for specialty care, such as mental health services, which are often in high demand in rural communities.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. The analysis must evaluate the availability of mental health services within 35034 and the surrounding area. This includes assessing the number of psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, and counselors who are practicing in the area. It is also important to determine the types of mental health services that are offered, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management.

The analysis should investigate the presence of community mental health centers, crisis intervention services, and support groups. The availability of mental health services should be compared to the population's needs, considering factors such as the prevalence of mental health disorders, the rates of substance abuse, and the demographics of the community. The analysis should also consider the integration of mental health services into primary care practices, as this can improve access to care and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

The 'Overall Health Score' for 35034 should be a composite score, reflecting the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Each of these factors should be weighted based on their relative importance in contributing to overall health and well-being. A higher score would indicate a healthier community with greater access to quality healthcare services.

The analysis should also identify any gaps in care, such as a shortage of specialists, a lack of mental health services, or limited access to preventative care. These gaps should be addressed with recommendations for improvement, such as recruiting more physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or increasing funding for mental health programs.

The 'Overall Health Score' analysis should be presented in a clear, concise, and easily understandable format. This could include charts, graphs, and maps to visually represent the data. The analysis should also include a summary of the key findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The goal is to provide a valuable resource for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers, enabling them to make informed decisions about healthcare in Brent, Alabama.

This comprehensive assessment requires meticulous data gathering, thorough analysis, and thoughtful interpretation. It must go beyond simple numbers to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape in 35034. The final 'Overall Health Score' will serve as a benchmark for future improvements and a guide for enhancing the health and well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of this healthcare landscape, including physician locations, service availability, and demographic data, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. They can transform raw data into actionable insights, providing a clear and compelling overview of healthcare access and resources in Brent, Alabama.