36693, Mobile, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36693, Mobile, Alabama is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.49 percent of the residents in 36693 has some form of health insurance. 33.68 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.22 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 36693 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 4,897 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36693. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,782 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,145 health care providers accessible to residents in 36693, Mobile, Alabama.

Breast cancer is a significant health concern, and access to quality care is paramount. This analysis examines the landscape of breast cancer care in ZIP Code 36693, Mobile, Alabama, and the broader primary care environment in the city. This assessment aims to provide insights into the availability, quality, and accessibility of care, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, while focusing on the specific needs of breast cancer patients.

ZIP Code 36693, encompassing parts of Mobile, necessitates a nuanced understanding of its healthcare infrastructure. Assessing the quality of breast cancer care requires considering several factors. One crucial aspect is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio of specialists, particularly oncologists and surgeons specializing in breast cancer, to the population indicates potentially better access to care and potentially shorter wait times for consultations and procedures. This data is not always readily available at the ZIP code level, but we can infer general trends from county-level data and hospital affiliations. The University of South Alabama Medical Center, located in Mobile, is a significant player in the healthcare landscape. Its influence extends to several ZIP codes, including 36693.

The availability of primary care physicians is another critical component. Primary care physicians often serve as the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, screening for breast cancer, and referrals to specialists. The density of primary care physicians in the area directly impacts the accessibility of these crucial services. Low primary care physician availability can lead to delayed diagnoses and treatment. Mobile County, in general, faces challenges in primary care access, which can indirectly affect breast cancer patients.

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. These include the experience and expertise of the physicians, the availability of advanced diagnostic tools like mammography and MRI, and the integration of multidisciplinary care teams. Practices with dedicated breast cancer centers, offering comprehensive services from diagnosis to treatment and survivorship care, are highly valued. These centers often have a team of specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nurses, working collaboratively to provide personalized care.

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access consultations, follow-up appointments, and support groups remotely. Practices that have embraced telemedicine technologies, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring, are better positioned to serve a wider patient population. This is particularly beneficial for patients with mobility issues or those living far from major medical centers.

Mental health resources are an integral part of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models, offering access to therapists, support groups, and other resources, are essential for holistic patient care. The availability of these resources can significantly improve a patient's quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of their illness.

In Mobile, the primary care landscape is characterized by a mix of large hospital systems, independent practices, and community health centers. The University of South Alabama Health System, Providence Hospital, and Infirmary Health are major players, each with their network of primary care physicians and specialists. The distribution of these resources across the city, including within ZIP Code 36693, determines the accessibility of care.

The presence of specialized breast cancer centers within these systems is a significant advantage. These centers typically offer a comprehensive range of services, including screening, diagnosis, treatment, and support services. They often incorporate advanced technologies, such as 3D mammography and genetic testing, to provide the best possible care.

The integration of mental health services varies among practices. Some practices have dedicated mental health professionals on staff, while others may refer patients to external resources. The availability of these services is a key factor in assessing the quality of care.

Telemedicine adoption is growing in Mobile, but it is not yet universally available. Some practices offer virtual appointments for certain types of consultations, while others are still in the early stages of adopting these technologies. The expansion of telemedicine services is crucial to improve access to care, particularly for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments.

The overall assessment of breast cancer care in ZIP Code 36693 and the broader primary care environment in Mobile reveals a complex picture. While the presence of major hospital systems and specialized breast cancer centers offers significant advantages, challenges remain in terms of physician-to-patient ratios, access to primary care, and the integration of mental health services. The adoption of telemedicine is also an area for continued growth.

To gain a more comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape in Mobile and surrounding areas, including physician locations, clinic locations, and access to care, we recommend exploring the interactive maps provided by CartoChrome. CartoChrome's maps offer a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to analyze the distribution of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.