35585, Spruce Pine, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35585, Spruce Pine, Alabama is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.14 percent of the residents in 35585 has some form of health insurance. 49.59 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 50.98 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 35585 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 644 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35585. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 298 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 199 health care providers accessible to residents in 35585, Spruce Pine, Alabama.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Spruce Pine, Alabama (ZIP Code 35585)

Analyzing healthcare accessibility and quality, particularly concerning breast cancer care, within Spruce Pine, Alabama (ZIP code 35585), requires a multi-faceted approach. This analysis will evaluate physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health resources, culminating in a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment. The goal is to provide a clear picture of the local landscape, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the context of breast cancer care.

The foundation of any healthcare assessment lies in physician availability. In Spruce Pine, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. A lower ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, preventative screenings, and ongoing care. Publicly available data from the Alabama Department of Public Health, combined with information from the American Medical Association (AMA) and local hospital systems like Northwest Medical Center, can provide a baseline understanding of this ratio. Further investigation is needed to account for specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, who are essential in breast cancer treatment. The presence of these specialists, or the proximity to facilities that offer them, significantly impacts the "Breast Cancer Score."

Beyond sheer numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices matter. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer extended hours or weekend appointments? Do they have robust electronic health record (EHR) systems that facilitate seamless communication and coordination of care? Practices that prioritize patient-centered care, including clear communication, comprehensive health education, and proactive screening programs, will naturally contribute positively to the score. The integration of patient navigators or care coordinators, who can help patients navigate the complexities of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, is a particularly valuable asset.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial component of the "Breast Cancer Score." The ability to offer virtual consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Spruce Pine. Telemedicine can reduce travel time and costs, making it easier for patients to attend appointments and receive timely information. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, particularly for routine check-ups, medication management, and mental health support, will receive a higher score. The availability of reliable internet access in the area is also a factor.

Mental health resources are integral to the overall well-being of breast cancer patients. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of local mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services is therefore essential. Practices that actively screen for mental health issues, provide referrals to mental health providers, and integrate mental health support into their care plans will contribute positively to the "Breast Cancer Score."

To assess the practices, we can use a scoring system. The scoring system would be based on the following criteria: Physician-to-patient ratio (weight 20%), patient-centered care (weight 25%), telemedicine integration (weight 25%), and mental health resources (weight 30%). Each criterion would be evaluated based on the available data, with points awarded based on performance. For example, a practice with a high physician-to-patient ratio would receive fewer points than a practice with a lower ratio. Practices with robust telemedicine programs would receive more points than those with limited or no telemedicine capabilities.

Identifying standout practices requires a deeper dive. This involves researching individual practices, analyzing patient reviews, and potentially conducting interviews with healthcare providers and patients. Practices that consistently receive positive feedback, demonstrate a commitment to patient education, and actively participate in community outreach programs would be highlighted. These practices serve as models for others, demonstrating best practices in breast cancer care.

The "Breast Cancer Score" for Spruce Pine, Alabama (ZIP code 35585) will be a composite metric reflecting the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The final score will be a number, representing the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for patients, with greater access to physicians, advanced technologies, and supportive services. A lower score indicates areas where improvements are needed, such as increasing physician availability, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and enhancing mental health support.

The final score will be a valuable tool for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. It will provide a clear picture of the local healthcare landscape, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care. It will also highlight areas where improvements are needed, informing efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of breast cancer care in Spruce Pine.

The analysis of primary care availability in Spruce Pine is a dynamic process. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new practices opening, existing practices expanding their services, and technological advancements transforming the delivery of care. Regular updates to the "Breast Cancer Score" are essential to ensure that the assessment remains accurate and relevant. This ongoing monitoring will help to identify trends, track progress, and ensure that patients in Spruce Pine have access to the best possible breast cancer care.

The data collected and analyzed for this assessment can be visualized and explored in greater detail using geographic information systems (GIS). CartoChrome maps can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, highlighting the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. This visual approach can make it easier to understand the distribution of resources and identify areas where access to care is limited.

Are you interested in visualizing the healthcare landscape of Spruce Pine, Alabama (ZIP code 35585)? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of physician distribution, practice characteristics, and the availability of essential resources. **Contact CartoChrome today to learn more about our mapping solutions and how they can empower you to make informed decisions about your health.**