36064, Pike Road, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36064, Pike Road, Alabama is 87 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.06 percent of the residents in 36064 has some form of health insurance. 19.56 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 85.77 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 36064 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,122 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36064. An estimate of 4 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,360 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,329 health care providers accessible to residents in 36064, Pike Road, Alabama.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Pike Road, AL (ZIP Code 36064)

This analysis provides an in-depth assessment of breast cancer-related healthcare accessibility and quality within Pike Road, Alabama (ZIP code 36064). We will examine primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources, culminating in a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" and a call to action for further exploration using CartoChrome maps.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests upon a strong primary care infrastructure. In Pike Road, assessing primary care availability requires examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code and its immediate surrounding areas. Furthermore, it's crucial to consider the patient population size to calculate a physician-to-patient ratio. A lower ratio, indicating more physicians per capita, generally suggests better access to care. Data from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are essential resources for this analysis, providing information on physician counts and patient demographics. We must also consider the proximity of PCPs to residents, factoring in travel times and transportation options.

Beyond raw numbers, we must evaluate the quality of primary care practices. This includes assessing factors like appointment wait times, the availability of same-day appointments for urgent concerns, and the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient information sharing. Practices utilizing EHRs often demonstrate improved care coordination and facilitate seamless referrals to specialists, including oncologists and radiologists. Patient reviews and satisfaction surveys, available through platforms like Healthgrades and Vitals, offer valuable insights into patient experiences and the overall quality of care provided.

Identifying standout practices within the area is critical. These practices often demonstrate excellence in specific areas of breast cancer care. This could include early detection initiatives, such as proactive screening programs and patient education campaigns. Some practices may have established strong relationships with local hospitals and cancer centers, ensuring patients have access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options. Evaluating the presence of certified breast health navigators, who guide patients through the complexities of diagnosis and treatment, is another key indicator of a practice's commitment to comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural areas like Pike Road. Telemedicine offers the potential to improve access to care by reducing travel burdens and expanding the reach of specialists. We need to assess the extent to which primary care practices in the area offer telemedicine consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education. The availability of telehealth services for breast cancer-related concerns, such as genetic counseling and psychological support, should also be considered.

The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be significant. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a crucial component of comprehensive care. This analysis must assess the presence of mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, within primary care practices or in close proximity to the area. We need to investigate whether practices offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health providers specializing in oncology. Support groups, both in-person and virtual, can provide invaluable emotional support and should be considered.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will be a composite measure reflecting the factors discussed above. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the quality of primary care practices, the presence of standout practices, the extent of telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. Each factor will be assigned a weighted value based on its importance in delivering high-quality breast cancer care. The final score will provide a relative ranking of the healthcare landscape in Pike Road, AL, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

To calculate the physician-to-patient ratio, we will use publicly available data on the number of PCPs practicing within ZIP code 36064 and the surrounding areas, coupled with population data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The quality of primary care practices will be assessed based on patient reviews, the presence of EHRs, and the availability of same-day appointments. The presence of standout practices will be evaluated by identifying practices with proactive screening programs, strong hospital affiliations, and certified breast health navigators. Telemedicine adoption will be measured by the availability of telehealth consultations for primary care and breast cancer-related concerns. The availability of mental health resources will be assessed by identifying mental health professionals within primary care practices or with established referral pathways.

The final "Breast Cancer Score" will be presented on a scale, allowing for easy interpretation. This score will not only reflect the current state of breast cancer care in Pike Road but also serve as a benchmark for future improvements. It will highlight areas where healthcare providers are excelling and areas where further investment and improvement are needed. This score is not a static measure; it should be continuously monitored and updated to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape.

This analysis provides a snapshot of the breast cancer care landscape in Pike Road, AL. To gain a more detailed understanding, we encourage you to explore the data further using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome's interactive mapping platform allows you to visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, identify areas with limited access to care, and compare healthcare metrics across different geographic areas. By using CartoChrome maps, you can gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in Pike Road and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.

**Call to Action:**

Explore the healthcare landscape of Pike Road, AL, in greater detail. Visit CartoChrome maps to visualize the data discussed in this analysis and gain a comprehensive understanding of breast cancer care availability in your community.