35672, Town Creek, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35672, Town Creek, Alabama is 55 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.16 percent of the residents in 35672 has some form of health insurance. 39.38 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 69.23 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 35672 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,547 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35672. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 927 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,124 health care providers accessible to residents in 35672, Town Creek, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Town Creek, Alabama (ZIP Code 35672)

Analyzing the overall health landscape of Town Creek, Alabama, specifically focusing on the availability and quality of primary care within the 35672 ZIP code, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will consider physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Ultimately, we aim to provide an "Overall Health Score" reflecting the community's access to and quality of healthcare services.

The foundation of any health assessment is understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. In Town Creek, this ratio is likely a critical factor. Rural communities often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians. Data from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Alabama Department of Public Health will be crucial in determining the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 35672 ZIP code and comparing this to the population size. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors, would significantly impact the overall health score. This shortage could lead to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances for care, and potential strain on existing healthcare providers.

Identifying standout practices is another important element. Are there any primary care clinics or medical groups that consistently receive positive patient reviews? Do they offer a comprehensive range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized programs? Examining patient satisfaction surveys, online reviews, and any accreditations or awards received by local practices will help identify those that excel in providing high-quality care. The presence of a well-regarded practice can positively influence the overall health score, even if the physician-to-patient ratio is less than ideal.

The adoption of telemedicine is becoming increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Does Town Creek have primary care providers who offer telehealth services? Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access care remotely, reducing travel time and improving access to specialists. The availability of telehealth options, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills, would significantly enhance the overall health score. Examining the telehealth infrastructure, including internet access availability, is also essential.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. Access to mental healthcare is often limited in rural areas. Does Town Creek have mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, available locally? Are there partnerships between primary care providers and mental health specialists to facilitate integrated care? The presence of mental health support services, including counseling, support groups, and crisis intervention resources, would significantly boost the overall health score. Examining the availability of these resources, as well as the insurance coverage for mental health services, is essential.

To arrive at an overall health score, we must consider all these factors. A weighted approach is necessary. The physician-to-patient ratio will likely be given a significant weight, as it directly impacts access to care. The presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources will also be weighted, reflecting their contribution to the quality and accessibility of care. The overall health score will be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Town Creek.

Let's break down the potential scoring system. We can use a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.

* **Physician-to-Patient Ratio:** This could be scored based on the number of patients per primary care physician. A very high ratio (e.g., over 2,000 patients per physician) would receive a low score (1-3), indicating a significant shortage. A low ratio (e.g., under 1,000 patients per physician) would receive a high score (8-10), indicating good access to care.
* **Standout Practices:** The presence of highly-rated practices, offering comprehensive services, could receive a score of 7-10. The absence of such practices, or practices with poor reviews, would result in a lower score (1-4).
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Widespread telemedicine adoption would score highly (7-10). Limited or no telemedicine options would result in a low score (1-4).
* **Mental Health Resources:** The availability of mental health professionals and support services would be scored similarly. A lack of resources would score low (1-3), while a robust system would score high (8-10).

The final overall health score would be a weighted average of these individual scores. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio might be weighted at 40%, standout practices at 20%, telemedicine at 20%, and mental health resources at 20%. The score would then be calculated based on the individual scores and their respective weights.

Based on the potential challenges of rural healthcare, the overall health score for Town Creek (35672) could fall somewhere in the middle range, perhaps a 4-6. This score would reflect the potential for a physician shortage, the need for greater telemedicine adoption, and the importance of strengthening mental health resources.

To obtain the data needed for a comprehensive analysis, one must consult several sources. The HRSA, the Alabama Department of Public Health, and local healthcare providers are all critical. Patient reviews and online directories can provide valuable insights into the quality of care. Local government agencies and community organizations can offer information on mental health resources and telehealth infrastructure.

This assessment is a starting point. A more detailed analysis would involve data collection, verification, and a deeper understanding of the specific challenges and opportunities facing the healthcare system in Town Creek.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Town Creek, including physician locations, clinic locations, and other relevant data, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps.