36551, Loxley, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36551, Loxley, Alabama is 71 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.71 percent of the residents in 36551 has some form of health insurance. 36.73 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.38 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 36551 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,190 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36551. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,498 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,984 health care providers accessible to residents in 36551, Loxley, Alabama.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Loxley, Alabama (ZIP Code 36551)

Analyzing the breast cancer landscape within Loxley, Alabama (ZIP code 36551) requires a multi-faceted approach. We'll evaluate the availability and quality of primary care physicians, the presence of specialized breast cancer services, and the overall accessibility of healthcare resources. This analysis aims to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" that reflects the community's preparedness to address this critical health concern. This score is not a definitive ranking but rather a composite assessment based on publicly available data and general industry benchmarks.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection and preventative measures are crucial. In Loxley, assessing primary care availability involves examining physician-to-patient ratios. The national average physician-to-patient ratio hovers around 1:400. A higher ratio in Loxley might indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative screenings, which are fundamental to breast cancer screening. Researching the number of primary care physicians actively practicing within the 36551 ZIP code and comparing this number to the local population is the first step. Public health data, state medical board records, and local hospital directories are valuable sources for this information.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. This includes the availability of female physicians, as many women prefer a female provider for sensitive health concerns. The presence of practices offering extended hours, weekend appointments, and same-day sick visits can significantly improve access to care. Moreover, the integration of electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals streamlines communication and allows for convenient appointment scheduling and test result access. Investigating which primary care practices in Loxley have adopted these technologies is essential.

Specialized breast cancer services are a critical component of the Breast Cancer Score. This involves assessing the presence of facilities offering mammography, ultrasound, and potentially, breast MRI within the 36551 ZIP code or in nearby communities. Proximity to these services is a significant factor. The availability of a dedicated breast cancer center, either within a local hospital or as a standalone facility, is a strong positive indicator. These centers often provide comprehensive care, including diagnostic imaging, surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and support services, all under one roof.

Furthermore, the presence of board-certified radiologists specializing in breast imaging and experienced breast surgeons is essential. The number of these specialists practicing in or readily accessible to Loxley directly impacts the quality of care. Analyzing the credentials and experience of these professionals, alongside their affiliations with local hospitals, is a key aspect of the assessment.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare accessibility, especially in rural areas like Loxley. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with primary care physicians, specialists, and mental health professionals. This is particularly beneficial for patients who face transportation challenges or have limited mobility. Evaluating the extent to which primary care practices and specialists in and around Loxley offer telemedicine services is crucial. This includes assessing the types of services offered virtually (e.g., follow-up appointments, medication management), the availability of virtual appointment scheduling, and the ease of use of the telemedicine platform.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but critical aspect of breast cancer care. A breast cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health professionals, such as therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists, within the Loxley community is a significant factor. Assessing the presence of support groups specifically for breast cancer patients and survivors is also important. These groups provide a safe space for patients to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and connect with others who understand their journey.

The Breast Cancer Score for Loxley, Alabama (ZIP code 36551) is a dynamic measure. It is not a static number but a reflection of the evolving healthcare landscape. The score will be influenced by factors such as the availability of primary care physicians, the presence of specialized breast cancer services, telemedicine adoption, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score indicates a community that is well-equipped to address breast cancer, while a lower score suggests areas for improvement.

Based on the factors discussed, we can infer a preliminary Breast Cancer Score for Loxley. Without concrete data, we can make some educated guesses. If the physician-to-patient ratio is high, there is limited access to specialized breast cancer services, and telemedicine adoption is low, the score will be lower. Conversely, if the physician-to-patient ratio is reasonable, there is easy access to mammography and other diagnostic tools, and there are mental health resources available, the score will be higher.

To accurately assess the Breast Cancer Score, a comprehensive data-gathering process is required. This involves contacting local healthcare providers, reviewing public health data, and analyzing hospital records. The data collected should be carefully analyzed to determine the overall score.

To visualize and better understand the healthcare landscape in Loxley and surrounding areas, consider utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide interactive visualizations of healthcare resources, allowing you to see the geographic distribution of physicians, specialists, and facilities. This can help identify areas with limited access to care and highlight potential gaps in services.