36371, Pinckard, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36371, Pinckard, Alabama is 59 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.32 percent of the residents in 36371 has some form of health insurance. 41.71 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.59 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 36371 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 79 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36371. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 94 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 751 health care providers accessible to residents in 36371, Pinckard, Alabama.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Pinckard, Alabama (ZIP Code 36371)

This analysis assesses the landscape of breast cancer care within the Pinckard, Alabama (ZIP Code 36371) area, focusing on primary care physician availability, the quality of care provided by local doctors, and the resources available to patients. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare ecosystem and identify areas of strength and potential improvement. This analysis is not medical advice.

The availability of primary care physicians is a critical starting point. A strong primary care foundation is essential for early detection and ongoing management of breast cancer. Regular checkups, screenings, and referrals are all initiated by primary care providers. In Pinckard, the physician-to-patient ratio is a key metric. A lower ratio, indicating more patients per physician, can potentially lead to longer wait times for appointments and less individualized care. Researching the specific ratio within the area is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) can provide valuable insights into this.

Beyond the raw numbers, understanding the distribution of primary care physicians is also important. Are the physicians evenly distributed throughout the ZIP code, or are there areas that are underserved? This can be determined by analyzing the locations of practices and comparing them to population density data. Furthermore, the types of primary care practices present (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) should be considered, as different specializations may have varying levels of expertise in breast cancer screening and referral.

The quality of care provided by physicians in the area is another critical factor. Assessing this involves examining several aspects. One key indicator is the adoption of evidence-based practices, such as adherence to national guidelines for breast cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This information can be gleaned from a variety of sources, including publicly available data on physician performance, patient reviews, and accreditations from organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA).

Another important aspect is the presence of standout practices. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to providing high-quality care, often through innovative approaches or a focus on patient-centered care. Identifying these practices requires a deeper dive into the local healthcare landscape. This might involve researching practices that have received awards or recognition for their services, or those that have implemented programs specifically designed to improve breast cancer outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is also a key element in modern healthcare. Telemedicine can improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Pinckard. It allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially improving adherence to treatment plans. Assessing the level of telemedicine adoption among local physicians involves researching which practices offer virtual appointments, remote monitoring, and other telehealth services.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis can have a significant impact on a patient's emotional and mental well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health support services is crucial. This includes access to therapists, counselors, support groups, and other resources that can help patients cope with the emotional challenges of the disease. Assessing the availability of these resources involves researching local mental health providers, support groups, and organizations that specialize in cancer support.

The presence of a multidisciplinary approach to care is another important factor. This means that patients have access to a team of healthcare professionals, including primary care physicians, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists, who work together to provide comprehensive care. A multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive the best possible treatment and support.

To provide a more detailed analysis, it is necessary to delve into the specific practices within the 36371 ZIP code. This includes identifying the names of the practices, the physicians who work there, and the services they offer. Conducting online research, reviewing patient reviews, and contacting the practices directly can provide valuable information.

Patient reviews are a valuable source of information about the quality of care provided by local physicians. They can provide insights into patient experiences, including the doctor-patient relationship, the responsiveness of the staff, and the overall quality of care. Analyzing patient reviews can help identify physicians who are highly regarded by their patients.

Furthermore, the availability of specialized services, such as mammography, breast biopsies, and chemotherapy, is essential. The presence of these services within the local area can significantly improve patient outcomes by reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care. Identifying the locations of these services and assessing their quality is an important part of the analysis.

The role of local hospitals and healthcare systems is also critical. These institutions often play a central role in providing breast cancer care, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. Assessing the quality of care provided by local hospitals involves examining their accreditations, their patient outcomes, and the services they offer.

In summary, the breast cancer care landscape in Pinckard, Alabama (ZIP Code 36371) is a complex ecosystem that involves many factors. This analysis has highlighted the importance of primary care physician availability, the quality of care provided by local doctors, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of a multidisciplinary approach to care.

To gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Pinckard, further research is needed. This includes gathering data on physician-to-patient ratios, assessing the adoption of evidence-based practices, identifying standout practices, evaluating the availability of telemedicine and mental health resources, and examining the quality of care provided by local hospitals and healthcare systems.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pinckard and the surrounding areas, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare resources, consider exploring the CartoChrome maps. These maps can provide a valuable visual overview of the healthcare ecosystem, allowing you to identify areas of strength and potential areas for improvement.