35135, Riverside, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35135, Riverside, Alabama is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.27 percent of the residents in 35135 has some form of health insurance. 41.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.52 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 35135 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 513 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35135. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 415 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 749 health care providers accessible to residents in 35135, Riverside, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Riverside, Alabama (ZIP Code 35135)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the medical landscape within ZIP code 35135, focusing on primary care availability and related health resources in Riverside, Alabama. The evaluation considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive approach aims to offer a nuanced understanding of the community's healthcare accessibility and quality.

The cornerstone of a healthy community is readily accessible primary care. In Riverside, assessing this accessibility begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reveals the number of primary care physicians available to serve the population. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delayed diagnoses, and a less proactive approach to preventative care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests a more accessible system, allowing for more frequent check-ups and easier access to medical advice. The specific physician-to-patient ratio within 35135 requires detailed data collection, including the number of practicing primary care physicians and the total population of the ZIP code. This data should be regularly updated to reflect population shifts and physician retirements or additions to the area.

Identifying standout medical practices is crucial. These practices often demonstrate excellence in patient care, innovative approaches to treatment, and a commitment to community health. Evaluating these practices involves considering factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative care, specialized services), and the integration of technology. Practices that embrace electronic health records, patient portals, and online appointment scheduling often provide a more convenient and efficient experience for patients. The presence of board-certified physicians and the accreditation status of the practice also contribute to the overall assessment of quality.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in evaluating healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine, the use of technology to provide healthcare services remotely, has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. It can significantly improve access to care, reduce travel time for patients, and allow for more frequent and convenient consultations. The extent of telemedicine adoption within 35135 involves assessing the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered remotely (e.g., follow-up appointments, medication management, mental health counseling), and the technological infrastructure supporting these services. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to expanding access and improving patient convenience.

The availability of mental health resources is essential for overall community well-being. Mental health is often intertwined with physical health, and access to mental health services can significantly impact a person's quality of life. Assessing mental health resources in 35135 involves evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors in the area. This includes the number of providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., insurance acceptance, wait times). The presence of support groups, community mental health centers, and partnerships between primary care practices and mental health providers also contribute to the overall assessment.

The health of a community is also influenced by social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, and safe housing. While this analysis primarily focuses on the healthcare system, these factors should be considered when interpreting the overall health score. For example, a community with a high poverty rate may face challenges in accessing healthcare, even if the physician-to-patient ratio is favorable. Similarly, a lack of access to healthy food options can contribute to chronic diseases, placing additional strain on the healthcare system.

A comprehensive health score for 35135 would involve gathering data from various sources, including local hospitals, clinics, physician practices, public health agencies, and insurance providers. This data would then be analyzed to generate a score that reflects the overall accessibility, quality, and availability of healthcare resources in the area. The score could be presented as a numerical value or a descriptive rating, such as "excellent," "good," "fair," or "poor." The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The health score is not just a number; it's a reflection of the community's well-being. It can be used to identify areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, or enhancing mental health resources. The score can also be used to track progress over time, allowing the community to measure the impact of healthcare initiatives.

In conclusion, evaluating the overall health score of Riverside (35135) requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves assessing physician-to-patient ratios, identifying standout practices, evaluating telemedicine adoption, and examining the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive analysis provides a valuable snapshot of the community's healthcare landscape and helps identify areas for improvement.

To gain a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Riverside and surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital locations, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for visualizing and analyzing healthcare data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare accessibility and resource distribution.