The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35117, Mount Olive, Alabama is 94 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 97.48 percent of the residents in 35117 has some form of health insurance. 28.72 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.79 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 35117 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 1,499 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35117. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,070 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,944 health care providers accessible to residents in 35117, Mount Olive, Alabama.
Health Scores in 35117, Mount Olive, Alabama
Breast Cancer Score | 96 |
---|---|
People Score | 79 |
Provider Score | 94 |
Hospital Score | 41 |
Travel Score | 68 |
35117 | Mount Olive | 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: Mount Olive, Alabama (ZIP Code 35117)
This analysis provides a nuanced assessment of breast cancer care accessibility and quality within the Mount Olive, Alabama (ZIP Code 35117) area. It considers various factors, including physician availability, practice characteristics, technology adoption, and mental health support, to generate a comprehensive 'Breast Cancer Score' for this specific geographic region. This score is not a single number but a holistic evaluation based on the interplay of numerous elements.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**
The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on a robust primary care infrastructure. The physician-to-patient ratio in Mount Olive is a critical starting point. A low ratio can lead to appointment delays, reduced preventative screenings, and delayed diagnoses. Examining the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) actively practicing within the 35117 ZIP code, and the number of patients they serve, is paramount. Data from sources like the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and publicly available healthcare directories can provide this initial benchmark. This data needs to be cross-referenced with demographic information for Mount Olive to accurately reflect the needs of the population.
Primary care availability extends beyond the raw number of physicians. It includes factors like insurance acceptance (Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance), office hours (including evening and weekend availability), and the average wait time for appointments. Practices that readily accept a wide range of insurance plans and offer flexible scheduling options enhance accessibility, which directly impacts the timeliness of breast cancer screening and diagnosis. A lack of accessible primary care can disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, contributing to health disparities.
**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics:**
Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive into their specific offerings. This involves looking at the presence of board-certified physicians in relevant specialties, such as family medicine, internal medicine, and gynecology. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including regular mammogram screenings and patient education, are crucial.
The availability of on-site diagnostic services, such as mammography, ultrasound, and potentially even biopsies, significantly streamlines the patient journey. Practices that can offer these services internally minimize the need for patients to travel to multiple locations, reducing both logistical burdens and anxiety. Furthermore, practices that participate in quality improvement programs, such as those run by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), often demonstrate a commitment to evidence-based care and improved patient outcomes.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact:**
Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas like Mount Olive. Examining the adoption of telemedicine by local practices is essential. This includes assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations for routine follow-ups, medication management, and even initial consultations. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who have mobility issues, transportation challenges, or live in remote areas.
Beyond virtual consultations, telemedicine can also facilitate remote monitoring of patients, enabling healthcare providers to track vital signs and symptoms remotely. This can be especially helpful for patients undergoing treatment for breast cancer, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient management. Practices that actively integrate telemedicine into their care models demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to patient care.
**Mental Health Resources and Their Integration:**
The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is substantial. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes assessing the presence of on-site mental health professionals, such as therapists or counselors, who specialize in oncology or have experience working with cancer patients.
Practices that offer integrated mental health services are better equipped to address the psychological needs of their patients. This can involve individual therapy, group support sessions, and access to resources like support groups and educational materials. Additionally, assessing whether practices have established referral pathways to external mental health providers is important. A strong network of mental health support can significantly improve patient outcomes and overall well-being.
**Breast Cancer Score Synthesis:**
The 'Breast Cancer Score' for Mount Olive (ZIP Code 35117) is derived from a weighted combination of the factors discussed above. The physician-to-patient ratio and primary care availability are given significant weight, as they form the foundation of accessible care. Standout practices, with their focus on preventative care, diagnostic services, and quality improvement, contribute substantially to the score. Telemedicine adoption and the integration of mental health resources are also given considerable weight, reflecting their importance in modern cancer care.
The score is not a static number but a dynamic assessment that can change over time. As healthcare practices evolve, adopt new technologies, and improve their services, the 'Breast Cancer Score' will be updated to reflect these changes. This continuous assessment provides a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.
**Conclusion:**
Understanding the landscape of breast cancer care in Mount Olive is vital for residents seeking quality healthcare. The analysis presented here provides a framework for evaluating the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of care available in the 35117 ZIP code.
To gain a deeper, visual understanding of physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to care within Mount Olive and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial data visualization. CartoChrome maps can provide an interactive and informative perspective on the healthcare resources available in your community.
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