35953, Ashville, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35953, Ashville, Alabama is 13 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.01 percent of the residents in 35953 has some form of health insurance. 35.42 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.04 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 35953 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,139 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35953. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,456 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 595 health care providers accessible to residents in 35953, Ashville, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Ashville, Alabama (ZIP Code 35953)

Assessing the overall health landscape of Ashville, Alabama, necessitates a multi-faceted approach, moving beyond simple metrics to understand the nuances of healthcare access, quality, and the overall well-being of its residents. This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" assessment, focusing on the availability of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources within ZIP code 35953.

The foundation of any healthy community rests upon the availability of primary care physicians. In Ashville, determining the precise number of practicing primary care physicians is the first step. This number, however, needs to be contextualized. Simply counting doctors isn't enough; we need to consider the population of Ashville. This leads to the critical metric of physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a limited number of physicians relative to the population, can signal potential challenges in accessing timely and consistent care. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility.

To get a clearer picture, we need to delve into the specifics. Are there any standout practices within the ZIP code? Are these practices accepting new patients? What is the average wait time for appointments? Are the practices equipped with the latest technology and offering a comprehensive range of services? These factors contribute significantly to the overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is another vital component of the assessment. The ability to access healthcare remotely, through video consultations, phone calls, or online portals, can dramatically improve access, especially for those in rural areas or with mobility challenges. Are local primary care practices offering telemedicine services? If so, what types of services are available? Are these services covered by local insurance providers? The extent of telemedicine integration directly impacts the overall health score.

The mental health landscape is equally important. Access to mental health resources, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counseling services, is crucial for overall well-being. Are there mental health professionals practicing within ZIP code 35953? What is the availability of support groups or community-based mental health programs? Are there collaborations between primary care physicians and mental health professionals to provide integrated care? The presence and accessibility of these resources significantly influence the overall health score.

Analyzing the data requires a comprehensive approach. We need to gather information from various sources, including local healthcare providers, insurance companies, public health agencies, and community organizations. This data must be carefully analyzed to identify trends, patterns, and areas of strength and weakness.

The quality of care is also a factor. This involves examining patient satisfaction surveys, reviewing physician credentials and certifications, and assessing the practices' adherence to evidence-based guidelines. Are the local physicians board-certified? Do they participate in continuing medical education? Do they have a good reputation within the community?

The demographics of Ashville also play a role. The age distribution, socioeconomic status, and prevalence of chronic diseases within the community can influence healthcare needs and access. Understanding these factors helps to tailor the assessment to the specific needs of the population.

The assessment should also consider the affordability of healthcare. Are local practices accepting various insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid? Are there programs available to assist low-income individuals with healthcare costs? The affordability of care is a critical determinant of access and overall health.

The overall health score should be a dynamic measure, subject to change over time. Regular reassessments are necessary to track progress, identify emerging challenges, and adapt strategies to improve the health of the community. This continuous monitoring ensures that the assessment remains relevant and reflects the evolving healthcare landscape.

A high overall health score indicates a community with robust healthcare access, high-quality care, and a strong emphasis on preventive health and mental well-being. A low score, on the other hand, signals areas for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding telemedicine services, and enhancing mental health resources.

The assessment should also identify any disparities in healthcare access or quality among different segments of the population. Are there any groups that are underserved or face barriers to care? Addressing these disparities is essential for achieving health equity.

The final overall health score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, along with supporting data and analysis. This information should be readily accessible to the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers to facilitate informed decision-making and promote community health.

This analysis is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape in Ashville, Alabama, offering a starting point for further investigation and action. The goal is to empower residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to work collaboratively to create a healthier community.

To gain a visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Ashville and surrounding areas, including physician locations, practice details, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps.