35545, Belk, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35545, Belk, Alabama is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.91 percent of the residents in 35545 has some form of health insurance. 65.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.61 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 35545 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 39 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35545. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 54 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 140 health care providers accessible to residents in 35545, Belk, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Belk, Alabama (ZIP Code 35545)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the Belk, Alabama area, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services within ZIP code 35545. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources. The goal is to paint a comprehensive picture of healthcare access and quality for residents.

Belk, Alabama, a small town, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. Its rural setting often translates to limited resources compared to more urban environments. Understanding these limitations is crucial to evaluating the overall health score and identifying areas for improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

A critical indicator of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reflects the number of physicians available to serve a given population. A lower ratio generally indicates better access, while a higher ratio suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and comprehensive care. Specific data for Belk (35545) may be difficult to obtain due to its small size. However, analyzing county-level data (likely Lamar County) provides a reasonable approximation. The county’s ratio will likely be higher than the national average, reflecting the common challenges of rural healthcare. This higher ratio contributes negatively to the overall health score.

Furthermore, the types of physicians available matter. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the cornerstone of accessible healthcare. The availability of PCPs, including family medicine doctors, internal medicine specialists, and pediatricians, is crucial for preventative care, chronic disease management, and overall well-being. The presence of specialists, such as cardiologists or endocrinologists, might be limited, necessitating travel to larger cities for specialized care. This lack of readily available specialists further impacts the overall health score.

**Standout Practices:**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating factors beyond just the number of physicians. Patient reviews, quality of care metrics (if available), and the range of services offered are all important considerations. Due to the small size of Belk, the number of practices is likely limited. The practices that exist should be assessed for their commitment to patient-centered care, their responsiveness to patient needs, and their ability to provide a full spectrum of primary care services. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer extended hours, or have a strong focus on preventative medicine contribute positively to the overall health score.

Assessing the infrastructure of the practices is also important. Do the practices have modern equipment? Are they equipped to handle common medical issues and provide appropriate follow-up care? A practice with outdated equipment or limited resources will negatively impact the overall health score. Conversely, a practice that invests in technology and provides a wide range of services will enhance the score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a valuable solution to the challenges of rural healthcare. It allows patients to access medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and even some diagnostic services remotely, eliminating the need for travel. The adoption of telemedicine by practices in Belk (35545) significantly impacts the overall health score. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring, enhance access to care and improve patient convenience.

The availability of reliable internet access in the area is a critical factor in the success of telemedicine initiatives. Without adequate internet connectivity, telemedicine becomes ineffective. The overall health score is negatively impacted if internet access is limited, hindering the adoption and effectiveness of telemedicine.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral part of overall health. The availability of mental health resources in Belk (35545) is a crucial component of the overall health score. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The presence of these professionals, whether in private practice or affiliated with a local clinic or hospital, is essential for addressing mental health concerns.

The availability of mental health services within the primary care setting is also important. Many primary care physicians are trained to address common mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health specialists can improve the coordination of care and ensure patients receive the appropriate support. The presence of such collaborative arrangements positively impacts the overall health score.

Furthermore, the availability of support groups, educational programs, and crisis intervention services in the community contributes to a stronger mental health infrastructure. These resources provide essential support to individuals struggling with mental health challenges and can improve the overall well-being of the community. The presence of these resources enhances the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Conclusion:**

Based on the factors discussed, the overall health score for Belk, Alabama (ZIP code 35545) likely faces challenges due to its rural setting. The physician-to-patient ratio is likely higher than the national average, and the availability of specialists might be limited. The presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources will significantly impact the score. Practices that embrace technology, prioritize patient-centered care, and offer comprehensive services will contribute positively to the score. The availability of mental health services and the presence of support systems are crucial for improving the overall health and well-being of the community. The overall health score can be improved through strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, the promotion of telemedicine, and the expansion of mental health resources.

For a more detailed and geographically-focused understanding of healthcare resources in Belk, Alabama, including the location of practices, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities, we recommend exploring CartoChrome maps.