36874, Salem, Alabama Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 36874, Salem, Alabama is 31 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.22 percent of the residents in 36874 has some form of health insurance. 40.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.16 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 36874 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,373 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 15 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36874. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,769 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,637 health care providers accessible to residents in 36874, Salem, Alabama.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Salem, Alabama (ZIP Code 36874)

Assessing the overall health landscape within Salem, Alabama, requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care, aims to provide an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP Code 36874. We will examine physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. This comprehensive overview will paint a picture of the healthcare ecosystem within Salem, offering insights into its strengths and areas for improvement.

The cornerstone of any healthy community is access to primary care physicians (PCPs). Evaluating the physician-to-patient ratio is crucial. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of doctors relative to the population, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced preventative care, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. While precise, up-to-the-minute data on physician counts within a specific ZIP code can be challenging to obtain publicly, estimations can be made using data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Medical Association. These estimations, however, are just that. They do not reflect the specific practices, their capacities, or the actual patient load.

Salem, being a rural community, likely faces challenges in attracting and retaining physicians. This geographical reality often results in a higher patient-to-physician ratio compared to more urban areas. This scarcity necessitates creative solutions, such as the increased utilization of nurse practitioners and physician assistants to provide primary care services. It also underscores the importance of efficient appointment scheduling, streamlined workflows within practices, and the effective use of technology to maximize the impact of available medical professionals.

Identifying standout practices within Salem involves assessing factors beyond just the number of physicians. Reputation, patient reviews, the range of services offered, and the adoption of innovative technologies are all crucial. A practice with a strong reputation often indicates a commitment to patient satisfaction and high-quality care. Patient reviews, readily available online, provide valuable insights into the patient experience, including wait times, the clarity of communication, and the overall friendliness of the staff.

The range of services offered by a practice is also important. Practices that offer a comprehensive suite of services, including preventative care, chronic disease management, and basic diagnostic testing, can provide more holistic care to their patients. The adoption of innovative technologies, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, can streamline workflows, improve communication, and empower patients to actively participate in their own care.

Telemedicine adoption is a critical factor in assessing the accessibility of healthcare, especially in rural areas like Salem. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare services remotely, can bridge geographical barriers and provide patients with access to specialists and primary care physicians who may not be readily available locally. The extent to which Salem practices have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online prescription refills, is a significant indicator of the community's commitment to accessible and convenient healthcare.

The availability of mental health resources is another critical aspect of overall health. Mental health is intrinsically linked to physical health, and access to mental healthcare services is essential for the well-being of any community. Evaluating the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed counselors, within Salem is vital. This includes assessing the presence of mental health clinics, the availability of individual and group therapy, and the integration of mental healthcare services within primary care practices.

Furthermore, the integration of mental healthcare within primary care is particularly important. This can involve primary care physicians screening patients for mental health conditions, providing basic mental health counseling, and referring patients to specialized mental health services when necessary. This integrated approach can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and ensure that patients receive the timely and appropriate care they need.

The overall health score for Salem, Alabama, ZIP Code 36874, is complex and nuanced. It's not a single number but rather a composite assessment reflecting the interplay of various factors. While a definitive numerical score is difficult to assign without extensive, real-time data, we can make some educated inferences. The rural nature of the area likely presents challenges regarding physician-to-patient ratios, potentially leading to longer wait times and limited access to specialized care. The adoption of telemedicine and the integration of mental health services within primary care will significantly impact the overall score.

To further improve the overall health score, Salem could benefit from strategies that address the challenges of rural healthcare. These might include incentives to attract and retain physicians, the expansion of telemedicine services, and increased investment in mental health resources. Community outreach programs that promote health education and preventative care could also have a positive impact. Collaborations between healthcare providers, local government, and community organizations are crucial to developing and implementing these strategies.

The health landscape in Salem is dynamic, and continuous monitoring and evaluation are essential. The availability of accurate, up-to-date information is paramount for both healthcare providers and residents.

For a more granular and visually compelling understanding of the healthcare landscape in Salem, and to explore the distribution of healthcare resources, including the locations of physicians, clinics, and pharmacies, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the data discussed, enabling a more informed assessment of the healthcare ecosystem within Salem, Alabama, and similar communities.