35634, Florence, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 35634, Florence, Alabama is 68 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.85 percent of the residents in 35634 has some form of health insurance. 36.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.78 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 35634 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,110 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35634. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,674 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,006 health care providers accessible to residents in 35634, Florence, Alabama.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Florence, Alabama (ZIP Code 35634)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of breast cancer care within ZIP code 35634 (Florence, Alabama) and considers the broader context of primary care access in the city. The goal is to provide an informed assessment, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in the local healthcare landscape, specifically concerning breast cancer detection, treatment, and support. This assessment will be framed as a "Breast Cancer Score," reflecting the overall quality of care available.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. In Florence, primary care availability plays a crucial role in early detection. Regular checkups, including breast exams and referrals for mammograms, are essential. The physician-to-patient ratio is a key indicator. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per patient, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data from sources like the Alabama Department of Public Health and the US Census Bureau, combined with information from local healthcare providers, would be needed to accurately determine the current physician-to-patient ratio in Florence. This data is critical to forming an accurate score.

Beyond the numbers, the quality of primary care matters. Are primary care physicians (PCPs) well-versed in breast cancer screening guidelines? Do they actively encourage mammograms for women over 40, and those at higher risk? Are they proactive in referring patients with suspicious findings to specialists? The Breast Cancer Score must consider these factors.

Specialist care is the next critical element. The availability of qualified oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons is paramount. The presence of a comprehensive cancer center, offering a multidisciplinary approach to treatment, would significantly boost the score. A cancer center would ideally include medical oncology (chemotherapy and other systemic treatments), radiation oncology, surgical oncology, and supportive services. The presence of a dedicated breast cancer clinic, staffed by specialists and offering advanced imaging capabilities (e.g., 3D mammography, MRI), would be another positive indicator.

Standout practices in Florence would be those demonstrating a commitment to excellence in breast cancer care. These practices would likely have a strong track record of early detection, successful treatment outcomes, and patient satisfaction. They would prioritize patient education, providing clear and accessible information about breast cancer risk factors, screening options, and treatment plans. They would actively participate in clinical trials, offering patients access to cutting-edge therapies. The Breast Cancer Score must incorporate these elements.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine can improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Telemedicine consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment, and virtual support groups can all enhance the quality of care. The Breast Cancer Score would give higher marks to practices actively utilizing telemedicine platforms to connect with patients.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential aspect of breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychologists, psychiatrists, and licensed clinical social workers, who specialize in oncology, is vital. Support groups, both in-person and virtual, provide a valuable source of emotional support and peer-to-peer connection. The Breast Cancer Score would reflect the availability and accessibility of these mental health resources.

The Breast Cancer Score would also consider the affordability of care. The cost of mammograms, diagnostic tests, and treatment can be a significant barrier to access. The presence of financial assistance programs, such as those offered by hospitals, cancer centers, or charitable organizations, would be a positive factor. The acceptance of various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, is also crucial.

Specific data points would be needed to create a precise score. For example, the number of board-certified oncologists practicing in Florence, the availability of advanced imaging technologies, the percentage of women over 40 who receive annual mammograms, and the availability of mental health services specializing in oncology. This data would be gathered from various sources, including medical directories, hospital websites, insurance provider databases, and local healthcare organizations.

The analysis would also consider the geographic distribution of healthcare resources within ZIP code 35634. Are services concentrated in one area, making it difficult for patients in other parts of the city to access care? The Breast Cancer Score would factor in the accessibility of care for all residents, regardless of their location.

The Breast Cancer Score, once calculated, would provide a valuable benchmark for the quality of breast cancer care in Florence. It would identify areas of strength and weakness, highlighting opportunities for improvement. This score could be used by healthcare providers to benchmark their performance, by patients to make informed decisions about their care, and by policymakers to allocate resources effectively.

The final score would be a composite of various factors, each weighted according to its importance. The weighting would be based on established medical guidelines and expert opinions. The score could be presented on a scale, such as 1 to 100, with a higher score indicating a higher quality of care.

The assessment would also provide recommendations for improvement. These recommendations could include increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding access to specialist care, promoting telemedicine adoption, and enhancing mental health resources. The recommendations would be tailored to the specific needs of Florence and would be based on the findings of the analysis.

The Breast Cancer Score is a dynamic tool. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. As new technologies emerge, treatment options evolve, and healthcare policies change, the score should be adjusted accordingly. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the score remains a relevant and reliable measure of the quality of breast cancer care in Florence.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Florence, including the location of healthcare providers, the distribution of resources, and potential areas of need, consider exploring the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provide a dynamic and interactive way to visualize complex healthcare data, enabling you to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for improvement.

**Click here to explore CartoChrome maps and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Florence, Alabama.**