35234, Birmingham, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35234, Birmingham, Alabama is 90 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.18 percent of the residents in 35234 has some form of health insurance. 52.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 32.88 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 35234 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 732 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 115 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35234. An estimate of 98 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,014 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,715 health care providers accessible to residents in 35234, Birmingham, Alabama.

The analysis will be structured around the following key areas:

* **Physician Availability and Ratios:** Assessing the density of primary care physicians (PCPs) and oncologists within ZIP code 35234, and how this compares to the broader Birmingham area.
* **Practice Performance and Standout Practices:** Identifying practices with strong reputations for breast cancer care, considering factors like patient reviews, accreditation, and specialized services.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Evaluating the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services for breast cancer patients, including virtual consultations, follow-ups, and remote monitoring.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Examining the availability of mental health support for breast cancer patients, such as counseling services, support groups, and psychiatric care, both within practices and in the wider community.
* **Overall Breast Cancer Score:** Combining the above factors to create a composite score reflecting the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in the specified area.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35234 and Primary Care Availability in Birmingham**

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment plan necessitates access to skilled medical professionals and a supportive healthcare environment. This analysis provides a granular assessment of breast cancer care within ZIP code 35234, encompassing key factors influencing patient experience and outcomes. The focus extends to the broader Birmingham area to provide a comparative context for primary care availability.

**Physician Availability and Ratios**

ZIP code 35234, encompassing portions of Birmingham, presents a unique healthcare landscape. Evaluating physician-to-patient ratios is crucial. Data analysis should reveal the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) and oncologists practicing within this ZIP code and compare this to the overall population. A low physician-to-patient ratio, particularly for oncologists, could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and specialized care. This ratio should then be benchmarked against the average for the Birmingham metropolitan area. Significant disparities may signal areas where resources need strengthening. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other community health clinics in the area also needs consideration, as these facilities often serve a diverse patient population and may influence access to care.

**Practice Performance and Standout Practices**

Identifying practices with strong reputations for breast cancer care is vital. This involves reviewing patient feedback, analyzing accreditation status, and scrutinizing the range of services offered. Practices accredited by organizations like the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Commission on Cancer often demonstrate a commitment to high-quality care. Patient reviews provide valuable insights into patient satisfaction, communication, and the overall experience. Specialized services, such as genetic counseling, breast reconstruction options, and access to clinical trials, are indicators of a practice's dedication to comprehensive care. Standout practices are those that not only provide these services but also actively engage in patient education and support. This includes offering informational seminars, support groups, and resources to navigate the complexities of diagnosis and treatment.

**Telemedicine Adoption**

Telemedicine has transformed healthcare delivery, offering significant benefits for breast cancer patients. The analysis will assess the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. It also facilitates convenient follow-up appointments and allows for remote monitoring of symptoms and treatment side effects. Practices that have embraced telemedicine demonstrate a commitment to patient convenience and accessibility. This analysis should examine which practices offer these services, the types of platforms used, and the availability of technical support for patients. The ease of use and integration of telemedicine into the overall care plan are also crucial factors to consider.

**Mental Health Resources**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can significantly impact mental health. Access to mental health support is crucial for patients. This analysis will examine the availability of mental health resources within local practices and the broader community. This includes assessing whether practices offer on-site counseling services or have established referral networks for mental health professionals. Support groups, both in-person and virtual, provide invaluable peer support and emotional coping mechanisms. The presence of psychiatric care, including access to psychiatrists and medication management, is also essential. The analysis should evaluate the availability of these resources, the ease of access, and the integration of mental health services into the overall care plan. Collaboration between oncologists, primary care physicians, and mental health professionals is key to providing comprehensive patient care.

**Overall Breast Cancer Score**

Synthesizing the data from the above factors, a composite "Breast Cancer Score" can be generated. This score reflects the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within ZIP code 35234, considering physician availability, practice performance, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score should provide a clear and concise assessment of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement. This score can then be compared to the Birmingham average, providing a benchmark for the local healthcare system. The final score should be presented in a way that is easily understood by patients, empowering them to make informed decisions about their care. The analysis should also identify potential gaps in services and suggest areas for improvement, such as increasing physician recruitment, expanding telemedicine offerings, and improving access to mental health support.

**Conclusion**

Understanding the intricacies of breast cancer care within a specific geographic area is paramount for patients and healthcare providers alike. This analysis provides a framework for evaluating the quality and accessibility of care in ZIP code 35234 and the broader Birmingham area. By assessing physician availability, practice performance, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape emerges. This data-driven approach empowers patients to make informed decisions and encourages healthcare providers to continuously improve their services.

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