35986, Rainsville, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 35986, Rainsville, Alabama is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.12 percent of the residents in 35986 has some form of health insurance. 40.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.22 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 35986 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,875 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35986. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,383 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 874 health care providers accessible to residents in 35986, Rainsville, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Rainsville, Alabama (ZIP Code 35986)

Analyzing the overall health landscape of Rainsville, Alabama (ZIP Code 35986) requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers physician availability, the quality and accessibility of primary care, the integration of telemedicine, and the presence of mental health resources. We will assign an 'Overall Health Score' based on these factors, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system within this specific geographic area.

The foundation of a healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians. In Rainsville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. While precise figures fluctuate, publicly available data suggests a potential shortage of primary care physicians compared to the national average. This scarcity can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes for residents. The impact of this shortage is further amplified by the demographics of the region, which may include a higher proportion of elderly residents or individuals with chronic health conditions, both groups requiring more frequent medical attention.

Assessing the quality of primary care requires looking beyond the sheer number of physicians. The presence of board-certified physicians, the accreditation of local hospitals and clinics, and patient satisfaction scores are all vital metrics. Determining these specifics for Rainsville is complex. Information regarding the board certifications of every doctor in the area is not readily available. However, we can infer quality by looking at the affiliations of local practices with larger healthcare systems and the presence of specialized services, such as diabetes management programs or geriatric care.

Standout practices in Rainsville, if any, would be those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care. This includes factors such as extended office hours, same-day appointments for urgent needs, and a focus on preventative medicine. Practices that embrace technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, also often rank higher in patient satisfaction and overall quality of care. These practices may also participate in quality improvement initiatives, such as those promoted by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Identifying these standout practices requires a deeper dive into patient reviews, practice websites, and potentially direct communication with local healthcare providers.

Telemedicine, or the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices in Rainsville can significantly impact access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments or who live in remote areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and even mental health therapy. The extent of telemedicine adoption in Rainsville is a key factor in the overall health score. Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to be more accessible and responsive to the needs of their patients.

Mental health resources are a crucial component of overall health. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, is a critical factor. Additionally, the presence of mental health support groups, counseling services, and crisis intervention resources is vital. Rainsville's overall health score is significantly impacted by the availability of these resources. The presence of mental health services, integrated into primary care practices, would be a major positive. A lack of these resources will negatively impact the health score.

Furthermore, the affordability of healthcare plays a significant role. The cost of insurance, prescription medications, and medical procedures can be a barrier to care, especially for low-income residents. The availability of financial assistance programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, and the acceptance of various insurance plans by local providers are important considerations. The accessibility of affordable healthcare directly influences the health outcomes of the community.

Based on the available information, and recognizing the limitations of a broad analysis, we can tentatively assign an 'Overall Health Score' to Rainsville (ZIP Code 35986). Considering the potential physician shortage, the need to further assess the quality of primary care, the importance of telemedicine adoption, and the need to evaluate the availability of mental health resources, the initial score would be moderate. The score could be improved with increased physician availability, greater integration of telemedicine, and a more robust mental health infrastructure. The score could be negatively impacted by a lack of access to affordable healthcare.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rainsville, a more in-depth investigation is necessary. This would include gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, assessing the quality of primary care practices, evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption, and determining the availability of mental health resources. It would also require an analysis of health outcomes, such as rates of chronic diseases and preventable hospitalizations.

To visualize and explore the complex data associated with healthcare access and quality in Rainsville and surrounding areas, we recommend using CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps allow you to overlay various data points, such as physician locations, hospital locations, and demographic information, to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful tool for analyzing healthcare disparities and identifying areas where improvements are needed.