Health Scores Near 35022, Bessemer, Alabama
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The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35022, Bessemer, Alabama is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 88.93 percent of the residents in 35022 has some form of health insurance. 33.15 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 71.06 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 35022 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 4,127 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35022. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 4,237 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,027 health care providers accessible to residents in 35022, Bessemer, Alabama.
Health Scores in 35022, Bessemer, Alabama
| Breast Cancer Score | 85 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 55 |
| Provider Score | 94 |
| Hospital Score | 30 |
| Travel Score | 70 |
| 35022 | Bessemer | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Bessemer, AL (ZIP Code 35022)
This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of breast cancer care resources and primary care accessibility within Bessemer, Alabama (ZIP Code 35022). It aims to assess the availability and quality of care, focusing on factors crucial for early detection, treatment, and overall patient well-being. The analysis considers physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment.
Bessemer, like many communities, faces unique challenges in healthcare access. Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving outcomes for individuals diagnosed with or at risk of breast cancer. The analysis will highlight strengths and weaknesses within the local healthcare landscape.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Availability:**
The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Regular screenings, early detection, and referrals to specialists are all initiated by primary care physicians. In Bessemer, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians is a critical metric. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of primary care providers, can lead to delayed appointments, limited access to preventative care, and ultimately, poorer health outcomes. Determining the exact ratio requires accessing publicly available data from sources like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) or the Alabama Department of Public Health. This data would reveal the number of primary care physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population they serve.
Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians within the community is important. Are they concentrated in specific areas, leaving other neighborhoods underserved? Are there enough physicians accepting new patients, particularly those with Medicaid or other forms of insurance? These factors significantly impact access to care.
**Standout Practices and Specialist Availability:**
Identifying standout practices requires evaluating several factors. These include the availability of board-certified specialists in breast cancer, such as medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, and radiation oncologists. The presence of multidisciplinary teams, where physicians from different specialties collaborate on patient care, is a significant advantage.
Furthermore, consider the practice's commitment to advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which can improve the detection of small tumors. The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as biopsies, streamlines the diagnostic process and reduces delays. Patient satisfaction surveys and reviews provide valuable insights into the quality of care and the patient experience. Practices that prioritize patient communication, offer comprehensive support services, and actively participate in clinical trials are generally considered to be of higher quality.
**Telemedicine Adoption and its Impact:**
Telemedicine offers a powerful tool to improve access to care, especially in areas with physician shortages. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in Bessemer is a key indicator of healthcare accessibility. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring of patients. This can reduce the need for travel, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations.
The extent to which practices utilize telemedicine for breast cancer-related care is crucial. Are virtual consultations available for discussing screening results, treatment options, or side effects? Are there opportunities for remote monitoring of patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy? The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve patient convenience and access to timely care.
**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care:**
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, and support groups specializing in oncology.
Do practices offer on-site mental health services or have established referral networks with mental health professionals? Are there support groups for patients and their families? The availability of these resources can help patients cope with the emotional challenges of their diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, the presence of social workers, dietitians, and other supportive care professionals can enhance the overall patient experience.
**Breast Cancer Score Assessment:**
Based on the above factors, a "Breast Cancer Score" for Bessemer (ZIP Code 35022) can be developed. This score would be a composite measure, reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape. The score could be presented on a scale (e.g., 1-10, with 10 being the best), with each component weighted based on its importance.
For example, primary care availability might be weighted at 30%, specialist availability at 30%, telemedicine adoption at 20%, and mental health resources at 20%. The score would be calculated by assessing each component based on the available data and assigning a score accordingly. The final score would provide a concise summary of the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in Bessemer.
**Conclusion:**
Improving breast cancer care in Bessemer requires a multifaceted approach. Addressing physician shortages, promoting telemedicine adoption, and ensuring access to mental health resources are crucial steps. Regular monitoring of healthcare metrics and ongoing efforts to improve access and quality of care are essential for improving outcomes for individuals affected by breast cancer.
**Call to Action:**
To visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and other relevant data within Bessemer and surrounding areas, explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer interactive visualizations that can help you understand the healthcare landscape and identify areas where improvements are needed. Discover the possibilities of data-driven insights.
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