35959, Cedar Bluff, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35959, Cedar Bluff, Alabama is 21 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.02 percent of the residents in 35959 has some form of health insurance. 50.55 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.13 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 35959 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 806 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35959. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,102 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 830 health care providers accessible to residents in 35959, Cedar Bluff, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Cedar Bluff, Alabama (ZIP Code 35959)

Cedar Bluff, Alabama, a small town nestled in Cherokee County, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Assessing the overall health score for residents necessitates a deep dive into the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, and the integration of modern healthcare practices like telemedicine. This analysis will explore these factors, focusing on the specific context of ZIP code 35959.

The foundation of any community's health rests on the accessibility of primary care. In Cedar Bluff, the presence of primary care physicians is a critical factor. While a precise count is difficult without real-time data, the availability of primary care is likely a significant determinant of the overall health score. The presence of a clinic or a small number of practices serving the area is the likely scenario. The population density of Cedar Bluff influences this; a sparsely populated area might naturally have fewer physicians than a more densely populated urban center.

The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. This ratio provides insight into the potential workload of each physician and, consequently, the accessibility of care. A high ratio, indicating a large number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced time spent with each patient. Conversely, a lower ratio suggests greater accessibility and potentially more personalized care. Determining the exact ratio for 35959 requires access to up-to-date data from sources such as the US Census Bureau and the American Medical Association. However, it is likely that Cedar Bluff's ratio faces challenges.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These practices often exemplify best practices in patient care, operational efficiency, and community engagement. A practice that prioritizes preventative care, offers extended hours, or actively participates in community health initiatives would likely be considered a standout. These practices can serve as models for others and contribute significantly to the overall health score of the community. Determining this requires an analysis of local reviews, patient feedback, and potentially, direct communication with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial component of the overall health score. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, can improve access to care, especially for residents in rural areas like Cedar Bluff. It can reduce travel time and costs, and provide access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The extent of telemedicine adoption in 35959, whether through virtual consultations, remote monitoring, or other digital health tools, directly impacts the health score. Evaluating this requires examining the telehealth capabilities of local practices and the availability of telemedicine services from larger healthcare systems that might serve the area.

Mental health resources are a critical, often overlooked, aspect of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, significantly impacts the well-being of the community. Access to mental health services can be a challenge in rural areas, and Cedar Bluff is likely no exception. Assessing the availability of these resources, including the presence of mental health clinics, therapists accepting local insurance, and access to crisis intervention services, is crucial for a complete health score assessment. This might involve researching local directories, contacting community organizations, and investigating the availability of telehealth options for mental health services.

The overall health score for Cedar Bluff (ZIP code 35959) is therefore a complex calculation. It depends on a combination of factors, including the number of primary care physicians, the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of care provided by local practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. Given the likely rural setting, the health score could be negatively impacted by a limited number of physicians and mental health specialists.

Improving the health score requires a multi-faceted approach. This could involve attracting more physicians to the area, promoting telemedicine adoption, increasing access to mental health services, and supporting community health initiatives. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations is essential.

The success of these efforts will be reflected in improved health outcomes for the residents of Cedar Bluff. A higher health score would indicate a healthier community, with better access to care, improved health outcomes, and a greater sense of well-being. It’s essential to consider the specific challenges and opportunities unique to Cedar Bluff when developing strategies to improve the overall health of the community. This includes acknowledging the potential for a more limited availability of specialists and other resources compared to larger urban areas.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Cedar Bluff and visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide detailed, interactive visualizations of healthcare data, including the locations of healthcare providers, the distribution of population, and other relevant demographic information. This can be a valuable tool for assessing the health needs of the community and identifying areas where resources are most needed.