36483, Wing, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 36483, Wing, Alabama is 63 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 98.35 percent of the residents in 36483 has some form of health insurance. 50.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.25 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 36483 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 60 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36483. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 141 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 0 health care providers accessible to residents in 36483, Wing, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Wing, Alabama (ZIP Code 36483)

Analyzing the overall health landscape within Wing, Alabama, specifically focusing on ZIP code 36483, requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telehealth, and the accessibility of mental health resources. Based on available data and general trends, we can begin to construct an "Overall Health Score" for this rural community.

**Primary Care Availability & Physician-to-Patient Ratio:**

The foundation of any healthy community rests on the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). Determining the exact number of practicing PCPs within a specific ZIP code, like 36483, requires access to up-to-date, localized data. This often involves consulting state medical boards, insurance provider directories, and potentially local healthcare systems. However, we can make some informed estimations based on national averages and rural healthcare trends.

Rural areas often face significant challenges in PCP availability. The physician-to-patient ratio, a critical metric, likely reflects this. Nationally, the recommended ratio is around 1:1300. However, in rural communities, this ratio can be significantly higher, potentially exceeding 1:2000 or even 1:3000. This means that each PCP is responsible for a larger patient population, potentially leading to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and increased strain on the healthcare system. Without concrete data, it's reasonable to assume that Wing, Alabama, likely faces a PCP shortage, a common hurdle for rural communities.

**Standout Practices & Healthcare Infrastructure:**

Identifying "standout practices" requires a deeper dive into the quality of care provided by the existing PCPs and any associated clinics. Factors to consider include patient satisfaction scores, the range of services offered (e.g., chronic disease management, preventative care), and the integration of technology into their practice. Are there any clinics that are recognized for their commitment to patient-centered care or for innovative approaches to healthcare delivery?

Healthcare infrastructure also plays a critical role. Is there a local hospital or urgent care facility within a reasonable distance? The proximity of these facilities impacts access to emergency care and specialized medical services. The presence of pharmacies and access to essential medications are other factors that impact the overall health score.

**Telemedicine Adoption:**

Telemedicine offers a crucial lifeline in rural areas, bridging the gap created by geographic isolation and PCP shortages. The adoption rate of telemedicine within Wing, Alabama, is a significant factor in assessing the overall health score.

Has the local healthcare infrastructure embraced telehealth? Are PCPs offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring of chronic conditions, and online patient portals? Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health services. It can also reduce the burden of travel for patients, particularly the elderly or those with limited mobility. The extent of telemedicine adoption directly impacts the accessibility and convenience of healthcare services.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being, and access to mental health services is crucial. Assessing the availability of mental health resources in Wing, Alabama, is a critical part of the analysis.

Are there licensed therapists, psychiatrists, or counselors practicing within the community or nearby? Are there mental health support groups or community-based programs available? The presence of mental health resources is often limited in rural areas, and individuals may face significant challenges in accessing the care they need. The lack of mental health services can exacerbate existing health disparities and negatively impact the overall health score.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Without specific data on physician numbers, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, it's difficult to assign a precise numerical "Overall Health Score" to Wing, Alabama (36483). However, based on general trends in rural healthcare, we can make some informed conclusions.

The community likely faces challenges related to PCP availability, potentially resulting in a higher physician-to-patient ratio than the national average. Access to specialty care might be limited, requiring patients to travel longer distances for specialized medical attention. Telemedicine adoption may be present but potentially limited by technological infrastructure or physician adoption rates. Mental health resources are likely to be scarce, adding to the healthcare challenges.

The overall health score would likely be lower than that of more urban areas with better access to healthcare professionals and resources. The score could be improved through initiatives that address PCP shortages, promote telemedicine adoption, and increase the availability of mental health services.

**Recommendations & Future Considerations:**

To improve the overall health score, Wing, Alabama, could benefit from initiatives focused on:

* Recruiting and retaining PCPs through incentives and support programs.
* Expanding telemedicine capabilities and promoting its use among both providers and patients.
* Increasing access to mental health services through telehealth, community-based programs, and partnerships with larger healthcare systems.
* Improving healthcare infrastructure, including access to hospitals, urgent care facilities, and pharmacies.
* Promoting health education and preventative care initiatives to improve overall community health.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the health landscape of a community like Wing, Alabama, is a complex process. It requires a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare infrastructure, the availability of resources, and the specific needs of the population. By focusing on key metrics like physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health access, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the community.

To visualize and analyze this data effectively, consider utilizing interactive mapping tools that allow you to explore healthcare data in detail.

**Call to Action:**

Want to visualize healthcare data for Wing, Alabama (36483) and other areas? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain deeper insights into healthcare accessibility, resource distribution, and community health indicators. CartoChrome maps can help you visualize the data discussed in this analysis and make informed decisions to improve community health outcomes.