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Healthcare in Alabama

Alabama's healthcare landscape is anchored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), one of the largest academic medical centers in the Southeast. UAB Health System serves as a major referral center for the entire region, with nationally ranked programs in oncology, transplant surgery, and nephrology. The state has approximately 11,200 active physicians, translating to about 224 doctors per 100,000 residents, which falls below the national average of roughly 280. Rural communities in the Black Belt and Appalachian regions face significant physician shortages, with some counties having fewer than one primary care doctor per 3,000 residents. Alabama has three medical schools producing new graduates each year, and the state has expanded telehealth access since 2020 to bridge gaps in underserved areas. Major hospital systems including Huntsville Hospital, Baptist Health, and Ascension St. Vincent's provide comprehensive care across urban centers. The Alabama Medicaid program covers roughly one million residents, making provider participation in Medicaid networks a critical factor in healthcare access. Birmingham, Mobile, and Huntsville serve as the primary healthcare hubs, with patients in rural areas often traveling significant distances for specialty care.