35143, Shelby, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35143, Shelby, Alabama is 29 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.91 percent of the residents in 35143 has some form of health insurance. 28.51 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.33 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 35143 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 680 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35143. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 721 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 282 health care providers accessible to residents in 35143, Shelby, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35143 & Primary Care Availability in Shelby, Alabama

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the availability and quality of healthcare services within ZIP code 35143, encompassing the city of Chelsea, Alabama, and considering the broader context of primary care availability in Shelby County. The goal is to evaluate the healthcare landscape, focusing on key indicators such as physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This evaluation will provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and identify areas of strength and potential improvement.

Assessing the healthcare environment begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric offers a fundamental gauge of access to care. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can signify potential challenges in securing timely appointments and receiving consistent care. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and the Alabama Department of Public Health will be crucial in determining the specific ratio for 35143 and comparing it to state and national averages. If the ratio is below the average, it could suggest a shortage of primary care physicians, potentially leading to longer wait times and increased pressure on existing providers.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of available practices is paramount. Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered, and the adoption of innovative technologies. Practices with a strong reputation for patient care, as reflected in online reviews and testimonials, are a key indicator of quality. Furthermore, the availability of a wide range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized treatments, enhances the comprehensiveness of care. The presence of board-certified physicians in various specialties also contributes to a higher overall score.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in assessing healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural or underserved areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care for those with mobility issues or transportation challenges. Evaluating the extent to which practices in 35143 and Shelby County have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered remotely and the ease of use for patients, provides insight into the healthcare system’s responsiveness to evolving needs. Practices utilizing secure video conferencing platforms and offering remote monitoring capabilities demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and proactive care.

The availability of mental health resources is an increasingly important component of overall health. Mental health services should be readily accessible and integrated with primary care. Evaluating the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the ZIP code and surrounding areas is vital. Furthermore, assessing the integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as the availability of on-site counseling or referral networks, is essential. The presence of support groups, community mental health centers, and crisis intervention services also contributes positively to the overall health score.

Another crucial aspect of this analysis involves examining the specific characteristics of primary care availability in Shelby County. This includes assessing the distribution of primary care physicians across the county, identifying areas with limited access to care, and evaluating the availability of after-hours and weekend appointments. Analyzing the presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers, which often serve vulnerable populations, is also important. The availability of transportation assistance programs for patients needing to access healthcare services further enhances the overall score.

To enhance the analysis, we can explore the utilization rates of healthcare services within 35143. This involves analyzing data on the frequency of doctor visits, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. High utilization rates, particularly for preventable conditions, may indicate underlying issues with access to primary care or the effectiveness of preventative health initiatives. This information can be obtained from the Alabama Department of Public Health or other relevant sources.

The evaluation of healthcare quality also includes assessing the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and the interoperability of these systems. EHRs facilitate efficient record-keeping, improve care coordination, and enhance communication between healthcare providers. Practices that have fully adopted EHRs and are able to seamlessly share patient information with other providers contribute to a higher overall score.

Furthermore, we should examine the prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, within the population of 35143. High prevalence rates may indicate a need for increased focus on preventative care, health education, and chronic disease management programs. The availability of these programs, as well as the participation rates among residents, will be taken into account.

The overall health score for doctors in 35143 and primary care availability in Shelby County will be derived from a weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its importance in determining the overall health of the population. The final score will be a composite measure reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in the area, highlighting areas where the system excels and where improvements are needed.

This analysis aims to provide a data-driven assessment of the healthcare environment in 35143 and Shelby County. By examining physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of practices, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and other relevant factors, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape can be developed. This information can be used to inform policy decisions, improve healthcare access, and enhance the overall health and well-being of the community.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in 35143 and Shelby County, including the locations of healthcare providers, demographics, and other relevant data, we recommend exploring the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome maps. They offer a powerful tool for visualizing and understanding the complex interplay of factors that influence healthcare access and quality.