36866, Notasulga, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 36866, Notasulga, Alabama is 19 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.88 percent of the residents in 36866 has some form of health insurance. 52.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 60.31 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 36866 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,056 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 10 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36866. An estimate of 2 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 780 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,015 health care providers accessible to residents in 36866, Notasulga, Alabama.

Overall Health Score Analysis: Notasulga, Alabama (ZIP Code 36866)

Assessing the overall health landscape of Notasulga, Alabama, requires a multifaceted approach, considering the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the broader healthcare infrastructure, and the community's access to vital health resources. This analysis aims to provide an 'Overall Health Score' by examining key indicators within ZIP code 36866. The score will be a composite of various factors, reflecting the health of the community.

Physician-to-Patient Ratio

A fundamental indicator of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. In Notasulga, this ratio is a critical factor. Rural communities often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians due to factors like geographic isolation, limited professional opportunities, and lower compensation compared to urban areas. An insufficient number of primary care physicians can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced preventative care, and delayed diagnoses, ultimately impacting the overall health score. Specific data on the exact physician-to-patient ratio within 36866 is crucial for an accurate assessment, and this data is not readily available. However, we can assume it is lower than the national average, which would negatively impact the overall health score.

Standout Practices and Healthcare Quality

The quality of healthcare is paramount. This involves evaluating the services provided by existing medical practices in Notasulga. Are the practices equipped with modern technology? Do they offer a comprehensive range of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and specialist referrals? The existence of standout practices, those demonstrating excellence in patient care, can positively influence the overall health score. Assessing patient satisfaction through surveys and online reviews is essential to gauge the community's perception of the healthcare services available. This information would help determine the overall health score.

Telemedicine Adoption

Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. The adoption rate of telemedicine within Notasulga's medical practices is a significant factor. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills, can improve access to care, reduce travel burdens, and enhance patient convenience. A higher telemedicine adoption rate would positively impact the overall health score, especially for patients with mobility limitations or those living in remote areas.

Mental Health Resources

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being. The availability of mental health resources, including psychiatrists, therapists, counselors, and support groups, is critical. A shortage of mental health professionals can lead to untreated mental illnesses, exacerbating existing health problems and contributing to a lower overall health score. The presence of mental health support services, including access to crisis intervention and substance abuse treatment programs, would significantly improve the overall health score.

Accessibility and Affordability

Healthcare accessibility extends beyond the physical presence of physicians. Affordability is a significant barrier to care for many individuals. The prevalence of health insurance coverage, the availability of financial assistance programs, and the cost of medical services all influence access to care. Low rates of insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket expenses can negatively impact the overall health score. The health score would be improved with more affordable healthcare options.

Community Health Initiatives

The presence of community health initiatives, such as health education programs, disease prevention campaigns, and outreach efforts, can positively influence the overall health score. These initiatives can empower individuals to take proactive steps to improve their health and well-being. Programs focusing on nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease management can contribute to a healthier community.

Transportation Infrastructure

Transportation is another factor that can impact the overall health score. Limited transportation options can make it difficult for individuals to access healthcare services, particularly for those who are elderly, disabled, or lack personal vehicles. The availability of public transportation, ride-sharing services, or community-based transportation programs can improve healthcare access and positively influence the overall health score.

Public Health Data

Analyzing public health data, such as mortality rates, disease prevalence, and chronic disease statistics, provides valuable insights into the health status of the community. High rates of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can negatively impact the overall health score. The presence of public health programs aimed at addressing these issues can positively influence the score.

Overall Health Score Calculation

The overall health score for Notasulga (36866) would be calculated by assigning weights to each of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio, healthcare quality, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, accessibility, affordability, community health initiatives, transportation infrastructure, and public health data would all be considered. The weights assigned to each factor would reflect their relative importance in determining the overall health of the community. The final score would then be presented on a scale, with a higher score indicating a healthier community.

Conclusion

Assessing the healthcare landscape of Notasulga, Alabama, requires a comprehensive evaluation of several factors. While this analysis provides a framework for understanding the key indicators, a more detailed assessment would require gathering specific data on physician-to-patient ratios, healthcare quality, telemedicine adoption rates, mental health resources, accessibility, and public health data. The availability of this information would allow for a more precise and accurate overall health score.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Notasulga and surrounding areas, including the location of medical facilities, physician availability, and demographic data, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome.