35464, Gainesville, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35464, Gainesville, Alabama is 11 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.99 percent of the residents in 35464 has some form of health insurance. 63.24 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 33.49 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 35464 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 324 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35464. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 8 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 27 health care providers accessible to residents in 35464, Gainesville, Alabama.

Breast cancer care access and quality are multifaceted, dependent on a complex interplay of factors. This analysis aims to assess the landscape of breast cancer support within ZIP Code 35464 (likely serving a portion of or near Northport, Alabama) and evaluate primary care availability in Gainesville, Florida, focusing on elements that contribute to a "Breast Cancer Score." This score isn't a single number, but rather a holistic assessment based on various components, including physician density, practice quality, telemedicine integration, and mental health resources.

ZIP Code 35464, nestled within a region that might experience rural healthcare challenges, presents a unique set of circumstances. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical starting point. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to delayed diagnoses, limited access to specialists, and longer wait times for appointments. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards would be essential to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within this specific ZIP code. This information would inform the initial assessment of access.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of available primary care practices is paramount. Are there established primary care practices within the ZIP code? Are these practices accredited by recognized organizations? Do they offer comprehensive services, including preventative screenings like mammograms? A practice with a strong emphasis on preventative care, including robust patient education programs, would contribute positively to the Breast Cancer Score. The presence of certified breast health navigators within these practices is a significant asset, guiding patients through the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. The ability to conduct virtual consultations with primary care physicians and specialists, particularly oncologists and radiologists, can dramatically improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas. Does the ZIP code have a robust internet infrastructure to support telemedicine? Do local practices offer telemedicine options for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations? Practices that embrace telemedicine are likely to receive a higher score, reflecting their commitment to patient convenience and access.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are crucial in the context of breast cancer. A diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the ZIP code or nearby is a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score. Do local practices have established referral pathways to mental health providers? Are there support groups available for breast cancer patients and survivors? The presence of such resources significantly enhances the overall care experience.

Shifting focus to Gainesville, Florida, a city with a larger population and a more developed healthcare infrastructure, the assessment of primary care availability takes on a different dimension. The physician-to-patient ratio in Gainesville is likely to be more favorable than in a rural ZIP code. However, it's essential to examine the distribution of primary care physicians across the city. Are there underserved areas with limited access to primary care?

The quality of primary care practices in Gainesville is also a key consideration. Are there large, well-established practices with a reputation for excellence in preventative care and breast cancer screening? Do these practices utilize evidence-based guidelines and offer comprehensive services? The presence of specialized breast centers within Gainesville would be a significant advantage, providing access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

Telemedicine adoption in Gainesville is likely to be more prevalent than in a rural area. However, it's important to assess the extent of telemedicine integration within primary care practices. Are virtual consultations readily available? Are patients able to access their medical records and communicate with their physicians electronically? Practices that have fully embraced telemedicine technologies are likely to receive a higher score.

Mental health resources in Gainesville are also critical. The presence of a university (University of Florida) can often lead to a greater availability of mental health professionals and resources. Are there specialized mental health services for cancer patients? Are support groups readily available? The availability of these resources would significantly impact the Breast Cancer Score.

Standout practices within both the ZIP code and Gainesville would be those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive, patient-centered care. These practices would prioritize preventative screenings, offer convenient access to appointments, integrate telemedicine effectively, and provide robust mental health support. They would also actively participate in community outreach and education programs to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection.

In conclusion, the Breast Cancer Score for ZIP Code 35464 and Gainesville, Florida, is not a simple metric. It's a composite assessment of physician density, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The availability of these resources, coupled with a commitment to patient-centered care, determines the overall quality of breast cancer support.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in these areas, including the location of primary care practices, specialist centers, and available resources, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable spatial perspective, allowing you to visualize the distribution of healthcare providers and assess access to care within the target areas.