36502, Atmore, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 36502, Atmore, Alabama is 10 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 80.67 percent of the residents in 36502 has some form of health insurance. 40.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.76 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 36502 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,025 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36502. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,988 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 222 health care providers accessible to residents in 36502, Atmore, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Atmore, AL (ZIP Code 36502)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Atmore, Alabama (ZIP code 36502) requires a multifaceted approach, examining not just the presence of physicians but also the accessibility, quality, and breadth of healthcare services available to residents. This analysis will delve into the physician-to-patient ratio, highlight standout practices, explore telemedicine adoption, and assess the availability of mental health resources, ultimately painting a picture of the overall health score for this community.

The physician-to-patient ratio serves as a fundamental indicator of healthcare access. A lower ratio, reflecting more physicians per capita, generally signifies better access to care. Determining the precise ratio for Atmore requires up-to-date data, typically sourced from state medical boards and population estimates. However, based on publicly available information and broader regional trends, Atmore likely faces challenges in this area. Rural communities often struggle to attract and retain physicians, leading to a potentially higher patient-to-physician ratio compared to more urbanized areas. This can translate to longer wait times for appointments, increased travel distances to see specialists, and a greater burden on existing healthcare providers.

Within Atmore, the presence of primary care physicians is crucial. These doctors serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, managing chronic conditions, and coordinating specialist referrals. The availability of primary care physicians directly impacts the health of the community. An insufficient number can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate management of chronic diseases, and increased reliance on emergency room services for non-emergency conditions. Assessing the number of primary care providers actively practicing in Atmore, their patient load, and their acceptance of new patients is essential to understanding the true accessibility of primary care services.

Identifying standout practices is vital to understanding the quality of care available. These practices often demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, incorporating innovative approaches and achieving positive health outcomes. This might involve evaluating practices based on patient reviews, the use of electronic health records, the implementation of chronic disease management programs, and the availability of extended hours or weekend appointments. Practices that prioritize preventative care, offer comprehensive services, and actively engage with their patients are likely to contribute significantly to the overall health of the community.

The adoption of telemedicine has the potential to significantly improve healthcare access in rural areas like Atmore. Telemedicine allows patients to connect with physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and expanding access to specialized care. Examining the extent to which practices in Atmore have embraced telemedicine, including the types of services offered remotely (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the technologies utilized, provides valuable insights into the accessibility of healthcare services. Successful telemedicine implementation can help mitigate the challenges posed by a potentially limited number of local physicians.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall health. The availability of mental health services, including psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors, is crucial for addressing mental health concerns and promoting overall well-being. Assessing the availability of these resources in Atmore involves determining the number of mental health providers, the types of services offered (e.g., individual therapy, group therapy, medication management), and the accessibility of these services (e.g., wait times, insurance acceptance). The presence of support groups, community mental health centers, and partnerships with local organizations also contributes to the overall mental health landscape.

Furthermore, the integration of mental health services with primary care is a critical factor. Co-locating mental health professionals within primary care practices can improve access to care, reduce stigma, and facilitate early intervention. Examining the extent to which primary care practices in Atmore collaborate with mental health providers provides insight into the holistic approach to healthcare delivery.

Beyond the direct provision of medical services, the broader social determinants of health also play a crucial role. These include factors such as socioeconomic status, access to healthy food, housing stability, and environmental conditions. While this analysis focuses on healthcare access and availability, it's important to acknowledge that these broader factors significantly influence the health outcomes of the community. Addressing these social determinants requires a collaborative effort involving healthcare providers, community organizations, and local government agencies.

In conclusion, assessing the overall health score for Atmore (ZIP code 36502) involves a complex evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios, primary care availability, the quality of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. While a definitive score requires specific data, the analysis suggests that Atmore, like many rural communities, likely faces challenges in healthcare access. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-pronged approach, including efforts to attract and retain physicians, expand the use of telemedicine, increase the availability of mental health services, and address the social determinants of health.

To visualize the healthcare landscape of Atmore and explore the distribution of healthcare resources, consider utilizing the interactive mapping capabilities of CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geospatial data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of healthcare access and identify areas for improvement.