35904, Gadsden, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35904, Gadsden, Alabama is 34 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 81.96 percent of the residents in 35904 has some form of health insurance. 42.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.93 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 35904 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,086 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35904. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,707 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,632 health care providers accessible to residents in 35904, Gadsden, Alabama.

Analyzing the overall health landscape of doctors in ZIP Code 35904, specifically within the context of primary care availability in Gadsden, Alabama, requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of medical practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive ‘Overall Health Score’ assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of any health assessment begins with understanding the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of physicians relative to the population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Conversely, a high ratio suggests a more readily available medical workforce. Determining the precise physician-to-patient ratio for ZIP Code 35904 requires accessing specific data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) or state medical boards. This data, when available, would reveal the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the zip code and the total population served. This ratio is a critical component of the overall health score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and reputation of medical practices within the area are crucial. Identifying standout practices involves examining factors like patient satisfaction ratings, the range of services offered, the accreditation status of the facilities, and the experience of the medical staff. Websites like Healthgrades, Vitals, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offer valuable insights into patient reviews and practice performance. A practice with consistently high ratings, a comprehensive range of services (including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialized services), and accreditation from reputable organizations like the Joint Commission would contribute positively to the overall health score.

The adoption of telemedicine is another significant factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can improve access to care, particularly for individuals in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that offer telehealth consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals are demonstrating a commitment to innovation and patient convenience. The extent of telemedicine adoption within ZIP Code 35904 would be assessed by surveying local practices and examining their technology infrastructure and service offerings. The availability of telehealth services can significantly impact the overall health score, especially in areas with limited access to physical healthcare facilities.

Mental health resources are an increasingly vital component of overall health. The availability of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and mental health support groups within the community is a crucial indicator of the health landscape. Assessing the mental health resources in Gadsden requires identifying the number of mental health professionals practicing in the area, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services. The presence of community mental health centers, crisis intervention services, and support groups for specific populations (e.g., veterans, adolescents) would positively impact the overall health score.

The assessment of primary care availability in Gadsden also requires an understanding of the insurance landscape. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurance, is essential for ensuring that residents have access to affordable healthcare. Practices that accept a wide range of insurance plans are more likely to serve a diverse population and contribute to improved health outcomes. The acceptance of insurance is a critical factor to be considered in the overall health score.

Furthermore, the presence of any underserved populations within ZIP Code 35904 must be considered. Identifying any disparities in healthcare access or quality based on factors like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or disability is essential for a comprehensive assessment. Addressing health disparities requires identifying and mitigating barriers to care, such as language barriers, transportation challenges, and lack of insurance coverage. The presence of community health initiatives and outreach programs designed to address the needs of underserved populations would positively impact the overall health score.

In conclusion, the ‘Overall Health Score’ for doctors in ZIP Code 35904 and primary care availability in Gadsden is a complex metric. It is determined by the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of medical practices, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, the insurance landscape, and the presence of community health initiatives. The specifics of each of these factors will determine the final score.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Gadsden, including the locations of medical facilities, the distribution of healthcare providers, and the availability of resources, explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer an interactive and data-rich way to visualize and analyze the healthcare ecosystem, providing valuable insights for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers.