36022, Deatsville, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36022, Deatsville, Alabama is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.89 percent of the residents in 36022 has some form of health insurance. 24.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 81.36 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 36022 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,263 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36022. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,548 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 702 health care providers accessible to residents in 36022, Deatsville, Alabama.

The analysis focuses on assessing breast cancer care accessibility and quality within ZIP code 36022 (Deatsville, Alabama), with a particular emphasis on primary care physician (PCP) availability. This evaluation considers factors crucial for early detection, diagnosis, and support for individuals navigating breast cancer. The goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare landscape, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The analysis will not provide a numerical score, but rather a qualitative assessment of the existing conditions.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. PCPs serve as the initial point of contact, facilitating screenings, providing education, and coordinating referrals to specialists. In Deatsville, the physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator of access. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. The analysis will investigate the current ratio in 36022, comparing it to state and national averages to gauge the relative availability of primary care services. This comparison will highlight whether residents have adequate access to timely and convenient medical attention.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is important. Are practices clustered in specific areas, potentially leaving some residents underserved? The analysis will consider the geographical distribution of practices, identifying areas with potential shortages. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or other safety-net providers will also be examined, as these facilities often play a vital role in providing care to underserved populations, including those with limited financial resources.

The quality of care extends beyond access. The analysis will examine the practices’ commitment to preventative care, specifically breast cancer screening guidelines. Do they actively promote mammograms and other recommended screenings? Do they have systems in place to remind patients of upcoming appointments? Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the practices’ use of electronic health records (EHRs). EHRs facilitate information sharing, improve care coordination, and enable data analysis, which can lead to better patient outcomes. Practices with advanced EHR systems are likely to offer more comprehensive and coordinated care.

Identifying standout practices is essential. These practices may demonstrate exemplary patient care, innovative approaches, or superior patient outcomes. The analysis will consider factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the availability of specialized services (e.g., on-site mammography), and the practice’s commitment to community outreach. The analysis will also examine the practices' integration of evidence-based guidelines and their participation in quality improvement initiatives. These practices will serve as models for other providers in the area.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers the potential to expand access to care, reduce travel burdens, and improve patient convenience. The analysis will assess the extent to which practices in 36022 utilize telemedicine for consultations, follow-up appointments, and other services. Practices that embrace telemedicine are better positioned to serve patients, especially those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas. The analysis will also consider the types of telemedicine services offered and the technology infrastructure supporting these services.

The emotional and psychological impact of a breast cancer diagnosis is significant. Access to mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive care. The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services within the ZIP code, including therapists, counselors, and support groups. The analysis will also examine the practices’ awareness of and referral pathways to these resources. Practices that prioritize mental health support are better equipped to provide holistic care and address the emotional needs of patients.

The availability of support services, such as patient navigators, is also important. Patient navigators help patients navigate the healthcare system, coordinate appointments, and access resources. The analysis will investigate whether practices offer patient navigation services or partner with organizations that provide these services. These services can significantly improve the patient experience and reduce the burden of navigating a complex healthcare system.

The analysis will also assess the availability of specialized breast cancer care within a reasonable distance. While Deatsville may not have specialized cancer centers, the analysis will examine the proximity of such facilities in neighboring cities or counties. This includes the availability of oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists. The analysis will consider the ease of access to these facilities, including transportation options and appointment wait times.

The analysis will also consider the demographics of the population served by the practices in 36022. This includes age, race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Understanding the demographics of the patient population is important for identifying potential disparities in care and ensuring that all residents have equal access to services. The analysis will also consider the cultural competency of the practices, including their ability to provide culturally sensitive care.

In conclusion, the assessment of breast cancer care in Deatsville (36022) reveals a complex landscape. The availability of primary care, the adoption of telemedicine, the integration of mental health resources, and the presence of specialized services are all critical factors. While this analysis provides a qualitative overview, a visual representation of the data can further enhance understanding.

To gain a more detailed and geographically informed perspective on the healthcare landscape in Deatsville and surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can visually represent physician locations, service availability, and other relevant data, providing a dynamic and interactive tool for understanding healthcare access and quality.