36274, Roanoke, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 36274, Roanoke, Alabama is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.21 percent of the residents in 36274 has some form of health insurance. 44.95 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.02 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 36274 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,046 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36274. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,290 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 97 health care providers accessible to residents in 36274, Roanoke, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Roanoke, Alabama (ZIP Code 36274)

Evaluating the overall health landscape within Roanoke, Alabama (ZIP code 36274) necessitates a multifaceted approach, considering factors beyond simple physician counts. This analysis delves into the availability of primary care, physician-to-patient ratios, notable practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive health score assessment.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is readily accessible primary care. In Roanoke, assessing this availability requires examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding area. This includes family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatric specialists. Crucially, the analysis must account for physician specialization, insurance acceptance, and patient load. A high concentration of specialists is less valuable without a strong foundation of accessible PCPs.

Physician-to-patient ratios offer a crucial metric. Comparing the number of PCPs in 36274 to the population of Roanoke provides a preliminary understanding of access. However, this metric alone is insufficient. The analysis needs to factor in the age distribution of the population, as older demographics often require more frequent medical attention. Furthermore, the socioeconomic status of the residents influences healthcare utilization; lower-income populations may face barriers to access, impacting the effective physician-to-patient ratio.

Identifying standout practices is essential. This involves evaluating practices based on patient reviews, quality metrics (if available), and the range of services offered. Are there practices offering extended hours, weekend appointments, or same-day appointments? Do they utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively? Are they actively involved in community outreach and preventative care initiatives? Practices that prioritize patient experience and preventative care contribute significantly to a higher overall health score.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas like Roanoke. The ability to access healthcare remotely can mitigate geographic barriers, improve access to specialists, and enhance convenience for patients. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the ease of use for patients. Practices embracing telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, boosting the overall health score.

Mental health resources are a vital component of overall health. The analysis must evaluate the availability of psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and mental health support groups within Roanoke and the surrounding area. This includes assessing the accessibility of these resources, including insurance acceptance, wait times for appointments, and the availability of crisis intervention services. A robust mental health infrastructure is critical for addressing a wide range of health concerns and promoting overall well-being.

The health score for Roanoke, Alabama, is not a static number but a dynamic assessment reflecting the interplay of these factors. A higher score indicates greater accessibility to quality healthcare, a stronger focus on preventative care, and a more comprehensive support system for patient needs. A lower score signals areas needing improvement, such as physician shortages, limited access to specialists, or inadequate mental health resources.

The assessment should consider the impact of external factors. For instance, the presence of a nearby hospital with a broad range of services can significantly improve the health score, even if the local physician-to-patient ratio is less than ideal. Similarly, the availability of public transportation can affect access to care, particularly for individuals without personal vehicles.

The assessment should also consider the demographics of Roanoke. The health needs of an aging population differ significantly from those of a younger population. The presence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, will influence the demand for specific healthcare services. The analysis needs to be sensitive to the unique health challenges faced by the residents of Roanoke.

Furthermore, the health score is not solely dependent on the presence of healthcare providers. Community initiatives promoting healthy lifestyles, such as exercise programs and access to nutritious food, also contribute to the overall health of the community. These factors should be considered in the comprehensive evaluation.

The analysis must go beyond simple counts and ratios. It requires a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in Roanoke, Alabama. This includes evaluating the quality of care, the patient experience, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems.

The overall health score for Roanoke, Alabama, will be a valuable tool for policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members. It can be used to identify areas of strength and weakness, guide resource allocation, and inform strategies to improve the health and well-being of the community. The score should be regularly updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

The final health score should be presented with clear explanations of the methodology used, the data sources, and the limitations of the analysis. This transparency is essential for building trust and ensuring the credibility of the assessment. The analysis should include specific recommendations for improvement, such as recruiting more PCPs, expanding telemedicine services, or increasing access to mental health resources.

The health score should be presented in a way that is easily understandable to a broad audience. This may include the use of visual aids, such as charts and graphs, to illustrate key findings. The analysis should be written in clear, concise language, avoiding technical jargon whenever possible.

The overall health score is a dynamic measure, not a static one. It will fluctuate based on a variety of factors, including changes in the healthcare landscape, shifts in the population, and the implementation of new initiatives. Regular updates are essential to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the assessment.

The health score should be used as a catalyst for positive change. It can be used to advocate for policy changes, attract healthcare providers, and improve the quality of life for all residents of Roanoke, Alabama.

To further explore the healthcare landscape of Roanoke, Alabama, and visualize the data in a dynamic and interactive way, consider utilizing the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of physician locations, healthcare access points, and demographic data, allowing for a deeper understanding of the health disparities and opportunities within the community.