35564, Hackleburg, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35564, Hackleburg, Alabama is 30 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.15 percent of the residents in 35564 has some form of health insurance. 39.40 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 58.18 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 35564 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 574 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35564. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 367 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 291 health care providers accessible to residents in 35564, Hackleburg, Alabama.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Hackleburg, Alabama (ZIP Code 35564)**

Analyzing the breast cancer care landscape within Hackleburg, Alabama (ZIP code 35564) necessitates a multi-faceted approach. This analysis considers several key factors, including physician availability, the quality of primary care, telemedicine integration, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive “Breast Cancer Score” assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system for individuals navigating a breast cancer diagnosis or seeking preventative care.

The foundation of any strong breast cancer care system rests on the availability of qualified physicians. In Hackleburg, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial metric. Unfortunately, rural areas often face a shortage of medical professionals, including primary care physicians, oncologists, and surgeons. Determining the precise ratio requires accessing up-to-date data from sources like the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This data would reveal the number of active physicians practicing within the ZIP code and the estimated population they serve. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, would negatively impact the "Breast Cancer Score."

Beyond raw numbers, the specialties of available physicians are critical. A robust breast cancer care system requires a multidisciplinary approach. This includes primary care physicians who can provide screening and early detection, radiologists skilled in mammography and other imaging techniques, surgeons capable of performing biopsies and lumpectomies/mastectomies, medical oncologists who administer chemotherapy and other systemic therapies, and radiation oncologists who deliver radiation therapy. The presence or absence of these specialists locally will significantly influence the score.

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of preventative breast cancer care. Regular check-ups with a primary care physician (PCP) are vital for early detection. PCPs can perform clinical breast exams, educate patients about self-exams, and order mammograms and other screenings. Assessing primary care availability involves evaluating the number of PCPs in the area, their acceptance of new patients, and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments. Long wait times or limited access to PCPs would detract from the overall score.

Identifying standout practices within Hackleburg is essential. This involves researching the reputations of local clinics and hospitals. Factors to consider include the availability of advanced diagnostic equipment (e.g., digital mammography, tomosynthesis), the expertise of the medical staff, and patient satisfaction ratings. Are there practices that actively participate in breast cancer research or offer specialized services like genetic counseling? These elements would positively influence the score.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas where access to specialists can be limited. The ability to consult with oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists remotely can improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for travel. Evaluating telemedicine adoption involves determining which practices offer telehealth services, the types of services offered (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring), and the availability of technology to support these services. A high degree of telemedicine integration would boost the score.

The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is significant. Access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and psychiatric services. Evaluating mental health resource availability involves identifying the number of mental health professionals in the area, the types of services they offer, and the availability of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients. A robust network of mental health support would positively influence the score.

The “Breast Cancer Score” for Hackleburg, Alabama, would be determined by weighing the factors mentioned above. The score would be a composite, reflecting the overall strength and weaknesses of the local healthcare system in addressing breast cancer needs. A high score would indicate a well-resourced system with readily accessible physicians, advanced diagnostic capabilities, telemedicine integration, and robust mental health support. A low score would indicate challenges in accessing care, potentially due to physician shortages, limited resources, or a lack of specialized services.

The specifics of the score, including the weighting of each factor, would depend on the methodology used. However, the underlying principle remains the same: to provide a clear and concise assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Hackleburg, Alabama, enabling patients and healthcare providers to make informed decisions. This assessment would also inform the community about the need for resources and support in the fight against breast cancer.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Hackleburg and visualize the locations of physicians, clinics, and support services, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a geospatial representation of the data, allowing for a more intuitive and informative analysis.