35980, Horton, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35980, Horton, Alabama is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.79 percent of the residents in 35980 has some form of health insurance. 40.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.93 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 35980 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,960 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35980. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 765 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,192 health care providers accessible to residents in 35980, Horton, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Horton, Alabama (ZIP Code 35980)

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for the Horton, Alabama area (ZIP Code 35980), focusing on the availability and quality of primary care services. The evaluation considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources. This comprehensive approach aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape within this specific geographic region.

The foundation of any health score analysis begins with understanding the population demographics. Horton, Alabama, is a relatively small community, and its rural nature significantly impacts healthcare access. This impacts the physician-to-patient ratio, which is a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Determining the precise ratio requires data from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, which is then compared against national and state averages.

The availability of primary care physicians is further influenced by the types of practices present in and around Horton. Are there solo practitioners, or are there larger group practices? Group practices often offer a wider range of services and potentially better coverage, including after-hours care. The presence of specialists within a reasonable distance is also a factor, as primary care physicians often act as gatekeepers to specialized care. The geographical proximity of hospitals and urgent care facilities is another key consideration, as these resources are essential for managing acute illnesses and injuries.

Standout practices are identified through a combination of factors. Patient reviews, online ratings, and the presence of patient-centered medical home (PCMH) certifications are all important indicators. PCMH certification signifies a commitment to providing coordinated, comprehensive, and patient-focused care. Practices that actively utilize electronic health records (EHRs) and offer online patient portals are also often considered to be more efficient and patient-friendly. Further, the presence of bilingual staff or services that cater to specific cultural needs can enhance the overall quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing the healthcare landscape, particularly in rural areas like Horton. The ability to consult with a physician remotely can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves assessing which practices offer virtual consultations, the types of services offered through telemedicine (e.g., follow-up appointments, medication management), and the availability of telehealth platforms that are easy for patients to use. The integration of telemedicine into existing workflows is a key factor in determining its effectiveness.

Mental health resources are an integral part of overall health. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, and social workers. The presence of these professionals, along with mental health support groups, is crucial for addressing the mental health needs of the community. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices, such as the availability of on-site therapists or collaborative care models, is a positive indicator. Furthermore, the accessibility of mental health services, including the acceptance of various insurance plans, is an important factor.

The overall health score for Horton, Alabama, is a composite of these various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the types of practices available, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all weighted based on their relative importance. The score is then benchmarked against state and national averages to provide a comparative perspective. This analysis is not a static assessment; the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving.

The limitations of this analysis should be acknowledged. Data availability can be a challenge, particularly in rural areas. The analysis relies on publicly available information and may not capture the full complexity of the healthcare system. Patient experiences and individual preferences are also important factors that are not always easily quantified. Nevertheless, this analysis provides a valuable starting point for understanding the healthcare landscape in Horton, Alabama.

The rural nature of Horton presents both challenges and opportunities for healthcare delivery. The challenges include the potential for a lower physician-to-patient ratio and the need for greater reliance on telemedicine. The opportunities include the potential for community-based initiatives and innovative approaches to healthcare delivery.

The availability of primary care physicians is a critical factor in the overall health of a community. The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources is essential for understanding the healthcare landscape in Horton, Alabama. The goal is to provide a framework for assessing the quality and accessibility of healthcare services.

The evaluation of primary care availability in Horton is an ongoing process. This analysis serves as a snapshot in time, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The continuous monitoring of these factors is essential for ensuring that residents have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. The analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The assessment of mental health resources is a critical component of the overall health score. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, is essential for addressing the mental health needs of the community. The integration of mental health services within primary care practices can improve access to care and reduce stigma.

The adoption of telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients who have difficulty traveling. The analysis assesses the types of services offered through telemedicine and the availability of telehealth platforms. The integration of telemedicine into existing workflows is a key factor in determining its effectiveness.

The overall health score is a composite of these various factors. The physician-to-patient ratio, the types of practices available, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources are all weighted based on their relative importance. The score is then benchmarked against state and national averages to provide a comparative perspective.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving. The continuous monitoring of these factors is essential for ensuring that residents have access to high-quality, affordable healthcare. This analysis should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

**Would you like to see the spatial distribution of healthcare resources in Horton, Alabama? Explore the data with CartoChrome maps to visualize physician locations, practice types, and access to care. Gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape with interactive maps.**