35234, Birmingham, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35234, Birmingham, Alabama is 86 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.18 percent of the residents in 35234 has some form of health insurance. 52.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.88 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 35234 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 732 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 115 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35234. An estimate of 98 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,014 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,715 health care providers accessible to residents in 35234, Birmingham, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35234 and Primary Care Availability in Birmingham

Analyzing the overall health landscape within ZIP code 35234 and the broader context of primary care availability in Birmingham requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis will delve into key indicators, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. We will then synthesize these elements into an overall health score assessment.

The foundation of any health analysis lies in understanding the availability of medical professionals. In 35234, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. This ratio, which represents the number of residents per primary care physician, directly impacts access to care. A high ratio can indicate a shortage of physicians, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative care. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater availability and improved patient outcomes. The specific ratio for 35234, and its comparison to the Birmingham average, is essential to understanding the area’s healthcare accessibility.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and reputation of medical practices within the ZIP code significantly influence the overall health score. Identifying standout practices involves examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, accreditations, and the range of services offered. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, demonstrate a commitment to quality, and provide comprehensive care contribute positively to the overall health score. Conversely, practices with negative reviews or limited service offerings may detract from the score. The presence of specialized clinics, such as those focused on women's health, cardiology, or pediatrics, further enriches the healthcare ecosystem.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in recent years. The ability to access healthcare remotely can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility issues, those living in rural areas, or those with busy schedules. The extent of telemedicine adoption within 35234 and Birmingham is a key factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, contribute positively to the health score. Conversely, practices that lag in telemedicine adoption may limit access to care and negatively impact the score. The ease of access to virtual appointments, the availability of online prescription refills, and the integration of telehealth into existing care models are all crucial aspects to assess.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counseling centers, directly impacts the well-being of residents. Assessing the density of mental health providers within 35234 and Birmingham is crucial. The presence of specialized mental health clinics, support groups, and crisis intervention services further enhances the health score. The integration of mental health services into primary care practices is also a positive indicator, as it can facilitate early detection and treatment of mental health conditions. The availability of these resources, and the ease with which residents can access them, significantly affects the overall health score.

Synthesizing these elements – physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – allows for a comprehensive overall health score assessment. A high score would indicate a favorable environment, with a low physician-to-patient ratio, reputable practices, widespread telemedicine adoption, and ample mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would suggest challenges, such as a high physician-to-patient ratio, practices with mixed reviews, limited telemedicine options, and a scarcity of mental health services. The specific weighting of each factor depends on its relative importance. For instance, access to primary care might be given a higher weight than the availability of specialized services, depending on the overall health needs of the population.

The Birmingham context is also important. Evaluating primary care availability across the entire city provides a benchmark against which to compare 35234. The city-wide physician-to-patient ratio, the distribution of medical practices, and the overall availability of resources will help determine if 35234 is above, below, or in line with the city average. This broader perspective provides a more comprehensive understanding of the health landscape.

The overall health score is not a static number; it is a dynamic assessment that should be regularly updated. Changes in physician availability, the adoption of new technologies, and the evolving needs of the population will all impact the score over time. Continuous monitoring and analysis are essential to ensure that the healthcare ecosystem is responsive to the needs of the community.

Finally, a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape requires robust data visualization. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful tool for visualizing the distribution of physicians, the location of medical practices, and the availability of mental health resources. These maps can provide a clear and concise representation of the health landscape, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within 35234 and Birmingham.

Ready to gain a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in 35234 and Birmingham? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to visualize the data and uncover valuable insights.