35772, Stevenson, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35772, Stevenson, Alabama is 35 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.99 percent of the residents in 35772 has some form of health insurance. 43.47 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.82 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 35772 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,138 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35772. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 834 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 516 health care providers accessible to residents in 35772, Stevenson, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Stevenson, Alabama (ZIP Code 35772)

Analyzing the overall health landscape of Stevenson, Alabama, and its surrounding ZIP code 35772 requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized medical services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive "Overall Health Score" assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Stevenson, understanding the number of practicing primary care doctors relative to the population is crucial. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate limited access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater access, allowing for more preventative care and proactive health management. Researching the current ratio in 35772 is paramount, comparing it to state and national averages to gauge its relative standing. This requires careful data collection from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the U.S. Census Bureau.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care practices are equally important. Identifying standout practices in Stevenson involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the acceptance of various insurance plans. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer extended hours, and provide comprehensive preventative care are likely to contribute positively to the overall health score. Furthermore, assessing the presence of specialists within the community, such as cardiologists, endocrinologists, and dermatologists, can indicate the level of specialized medical support available locally.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant factor in modern healthcare. The ability to access medical consultations, follow-up appointments, and even mental health services remotely can significantly improve access to care, especially for individuals with mobility limitations, transportation challenges, or those living in rural areas. Investigating the extent to which primary care practices and specialists in 35772 offer telemedicine services is crucial. This includes assessing the types of services offered via telehealth, the technology platforms used, and the ease of access for patients. A high level of telemedicine adoption would positively influence the overall health score.

Mental health resources are an increasingly critical component of overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health services in Stevenson is essential. This includes identifying the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. Furthermore, understanding the availability of support groups, mental health programs within schools, and partnerships with local organizations can provide a more complete picture. A community with robust mental health resources will undoubtedly receive a higher overall health score.

The geographical distribution of healthcare resources within 35772 also plays a crucial role. Are primary care practices and specialists concentrated in one area, or are they distributed more evenly throughout the ZIP code? Uneven distribution can create disparities in access to care, particularly for residents in more remote areas. Analyzing the geographic accessibility of healthcare services, considering factors like distance to the nearest practice and transportation options, is therefore necessary.

Further contributing factors include the demographics of the population. The age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases within the community can all influence the overall health score. For instance, a community with a higher proportion of elderly residents may require more geriatric care services. Similarly, areas with higher rates of poverty may face greater challenges in accessing healthcare.

The overall health score should be a holistic assessment, weighing the various factors discussed above. It is not a simple numerical ranking, but rather a nuanced evaluation that considers the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Stevenson. A high score would indicate readily available primary care, a favorable physician-to-patient ratio, widespread telemedicine adoption, robust mental health resources, and equitable access to care. A lower score would suggest the opposite, highlighting areas where improvements are needed.

To improve the overall health score of Stevenson, several strategies could be implemented. Recruiting more primary care physicians and specialists, expanding telemedicine services, increasing mental health resources, and improving transportation options for those needing medical care are all potential avenues. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations is essential to achieve these goals.

Ultimately, assessing the overall health score of Stevenson is an ongoing process. Regular monitoring and evaluation are necessary to track progress, identify emerging needs, and adapt strategies to ensure the community has access to high-quality healthcare. This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the current state of healthcare in 35772 and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize and better understand the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides powerful mapping tools that allow you to overlay data on a map, revealing patterns and insights that might otherwise be hidden. Explore the healthcare landscape of Stevenson and surrounding areas with CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of access to care and identify potential areas for improvement.