36613, Eight Mile, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 36613, Eight Mile, Alabama is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.09 percent of the residents in 36613 has some form of health insurance. 42.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.26 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 36613 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,604 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 69 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36613. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,033 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 10,816 health care providers accessible to residents in 36613, Eight Mile, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Doctors in 36613 & Primary Care in Eight Mile

This analysis provides an assessment of the overall health landscape within ZIP Code 36613, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians, and extends its scope to consider the specific context of Eight Mile, a community within the broader area. The goal is to understand the current state of healthcare access and identify areas for potential improvement.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio & Access Challenges:**

Determining a precise physician-to-patient ratio for 36613 requires up-to-the-minute data from sources such as the American Medical Association (AMA) and state licensing boards. However, based on publicly available information and demographic data, it's reasonable to assume that 36613, like many areas in Mobile County, faces challenges in physician access. Factors contributing to this include population density, socioeconomic factors, and the distribution of healthcare professionals. Eight Mile, as a specific locality within this ZIP code, likely experiences even more pronounced disparities. The potential for a lower physician-to-patient ratio in Eight Mile, compared to the broader 36613 area, could lead to longer wait times for appointments, limited choices in providers, and increased difficulty in accessing preventative care. This is a critical area to consider when evaluating the overall health score.

**Standout Practices & Quality of Care:**

Identifying "standout" practices requires a deep dive into patient reviews, quality metrics, and the range of services offered. Practices demonstrating a commitment to patient-centered care, utilizing electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, and achieving positive health outcomes would likely be considered superior. Some practices may specialize in specific areas, such as geriatric care or pediatric medicine, catering to the unique needs of the community. Assessing the quality of care involves evaluating factors like patient satisfaction scores, the availability of chronic disease management programs, and the adoption of evidence-based practices. The presence of board-certified physicians and participation in quality improvement initiatives are also key indicators.

**Telemedicine Adoption & Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in underserved areas. Its adoption rate within 36613 and specifically in Eight Mile is a significant factor in the overall health score. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote patient monitoring, and online prescription refills, are better positioned to serve a wider patient population and overcome geographical barriers. The availability of reliable internet access within the community is a crucial enabler for telemedicine adoption. Examining the types of telemedicine services offered (e.g., primary care, mental health, specialist consultations) provides insights into the depth of its integration. The extent to which telemedicine is integrated into the existing healthcare infrastructure, including insurance coverage and patient education, will determine its effectiveness.

**Mental Health Resources & Their Availability:**

Mental health services are an essential component of overall well-being. Assessing the availability of mental health resources within 36613 and Eight Mile is vital. This includes the presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors. The availability of mental health services within primary care practices, such as integrated behavioral health programs, is a positive indicator. Examining the presence of community mental health centers, support groups, and crisis intervention services is also crucial. The affordability and accessibility of mental health services, including insurance coverage and the availability of sliding-scale fees, are essential factors in determining their impact. The stigma surrounding mental health can be a barrier to accessing care, so the presence of community outreach programs and mental health awareness initiatives is also important.

**Data Integration & Score Determination:**

Creating an overall health score requires integrating data from multiple sources. This includes information on physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality metrics, telemedicine adoption rates, and the availability of mental health resources. Weighting these factors appropriately is crucial to reflect their relative importance. For example, access to primary care may be weighted more heavily than the availability of specialized services. The overall score should reflect the combined strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape within 36613 and Eight Mile. Regular updates to the data are essential to reflect changes in the healthcare environment, such as the opening of new practices, the expansion of telemedicine services, or the implementation of new community health programs.

**Specific Considerations for Eight Mile:**

Eight Mile, as a specific locality within 36613, may have unique characteristics that influence its overall health score. This might include a higher proportion of residents with chronic diseases, limited access to transportation, or specific cultural factors that impact healthcare utilization. Analyzing these factors is essential to understand the specific challenges faced by the community and to tailor interventions accordingly. Community health needs assessments, conducted by local healthcare providers and public health agencies, can provide valuable insights into the health needs of Eight Mile.

**Conclusion:**

Evaluating the overall health score for 36613 and Eight Mile is a complex undertaking. It requires a comprehensive assessment of physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to identify areas of strength and weakness to inform strategies for improving healthcare access and outcomes. The dynamic nature of healthcare requires ongoing monitoring and analysis to ensure that the health score accurately reflects the current state of the community.

**Action:**

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