36006, Billingsley, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 36006, Billingsley, Alabama is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.38 percent of the residents in 36006 has some form of health insurance. 32.52 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.94 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 36006 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 337 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36006. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 412 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 39 health care providers accessible to residents in 36006, Billingsley, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: ZIP Code 36006 & Billingsley Primary Care

This analysis provides an overall health score assessment for medical resources within ZIP code 36006, focusing on primary care availability in the town of Billingsley, Alabama. This assessment considers various factors, including physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. The aim is to offer a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape and identify areas of strength and weakness.

ZIP code 36006, encompassing a portion of Autauga County and specifically including Billingsley, presents a unique set of healthcare challenges and opportunities. The rural nature of the area often translates to limited access to specialized medical care, placing greater importance on the availability and quality of primary care services. The health of the community hinges on the effectiveness of its primary care infrastructure.

One of the most critical indicators of healthcare accessibility is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially poorer health outcomes. Accurately determining this ratio requires access to data on the number of practicing physicians within the specified area and the total population. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can be used to estimate this ratio. A detailed analysis should compare the physician-to-patient ratio in 36006 to state and national averages to gauge its relative standing.

Evaluating the quality of primary care practices involves examining several factors. This includes the accreditation status of the practices, the availability of a broad range of services (e.g., preventative screenings, chronic disease management), and patient satisfaction levels. Information on practice accreditation can be obtained from organizations like the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC). Patient reviews and testimonials, although often subjective, can provide valuable insights into the patient experience. Furthermore, the availability of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability are essential for efficient care coordination and data sharing.

The adoption of telemedicine is another crucial aspect of healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and improving access to care, particularly for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the availability of virtual appointments, the types of services offered through telemedicine, and the technology infrastructure available within the practices. The presence of secure video conferencing platforms and patient portals are important indicators of telemedicine readiness.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall health and wellbeing. The availability of mental health services, including therapists, psychiatrists, and support groups, is vital for addressing mental health concerns within the community. Assessing mental health resource availability involves identifying the number of mental health providers in the area, the types of services they offer, and the accessibility of these services. Collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health professionals is particularly important for integrated care.

Standout practices within 36006 should be identified based on their commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered care. This could involve practices that have achieved accreditation, demonstrate high patient satisfaction scores, or actively embrace telemedicine and other innovative technologies. Practices that prioritize preventative care and chronic disease management should also be recognized. The identification of these standout practices can serve as models for other providers in the area.

Specific examples of practices in the area, if available, should be evaluated. This might include a practice's website, its services offered, and its ability to take new patients. This would involve looking at the practice's mission statement, its team of doctors, and any specializations they may have.

The overall health score for 36006 and primary care availability in Billingsley should be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. The weighting assigned to each factor should be based on its relative importance in determining healthcare accessibility and quality. For instance, physician-to-patient ratio and practice quality may be given higher weights than telemedicine adoption, although telemedicine is also important. The final score should be presented in a clear and concise manner, providing an easily understandable assessment of the healthcare landscape.

The analysis should also identify areas for improvement. This could include recommendations for increasing the number of physicians, improving the quality of care, expanding telemedicine adoption, and increasing the availability of mental health resources. Collaboration between healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government is essential for implementing these recommendations.

This analysis should also acknowledge the limitations of the data. Data availability may vary, and some information may be outdated or incomplete. The analysis should clearly state the sources of data used and any assumptions made. The overall health score should be considered as an estimate, and further investigation may be needed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape.

The rural nature of Billingsley and the surrounding areas presents unique challenges for healthcare access. Limited transportation options, a lack of broadband internet access, and the geographic dispersion of the population can all contribute to healthcare disparities. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and innovative healthcare delivery models.

By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in 36006, stakeholders can work together to improve access to care, enhance the quality of services, and promote the overall health and wellbeing of the community. The analysis provides a framework for assessing the current state of healthcare and identifying areas for improvement.

To visualize and further explore the healthcare landscape of 36006 and other areas, consider utilizing interactive mapping tools. CartoChrome maps provide a powerful platform for visualizing healthcare data, allowing you to analyze physician distribution, patient demographics, and other relevant information. Explore the potential of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and make informed decisions.