36751, Lower Peach Tree, Alabama Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36751, Lower Peach Tree, Alabama is 15 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 84.01 percent of the residents in 36751 has some form of health insurance. 54.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 31.23 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 36751 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 181 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36751. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 226 health care providers accessible to residents in 36751, Lower Peach Tree, Alabama.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Lower Peach Tree, Alabama (ZIP Code 36751)

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer care within ZIP code 36751, encompassing the Lower Peach Tree, Alabama area. The assessment considers factors crucial to patient outcomes, including physician access, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the healthcare landscape for individuals seeking breast cancer services in this specific geographic region.

The foundation of any strong breast cancer care system rests on accessible primary care. In Lower Peach Tree, assessing primary care availability is paramount. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A low ratio, meaning fewer doctors per capita, can lead to appointment delays, reduced preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), needs to be consulted to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within 36751. This data will reveal the level of primary care access.

Beyond raw numbers, the operational characteristics of primary care practices matter. Are appointments easily scheduled? Does the practice offer extended hours or weekend availability? Does the practice offer a patient portal for communication and test results? These factors influence patient convenience and adherence to recommended care plans. Practices that prioritize patient accessibility and communication will naturally score higher.

The presence of dedicated breast cancer specialists, such as oncologists and surgeons, within or near 36751 is another crucial component. While primary care physicians often initiate the screening process, the expertise of specialists is essential for diagnosis, treatment planning, and ongoing care. The proximity of these specialists, and the ease with which patients can access them, significantly impacts the overall quality of care. Are there any established oncology practices in the area? Are there partnerships with larger hospitals or cancer centers in neighboring cities?

Telemedicine adoption is increasingly important, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, especially for follow-up appointments, consultations, and remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms can potentially offer more convenient and accessible care. The availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient education resources should be evaluated. This technology can bridge geographical barriers and improve patient outcomes.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of breast cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer can be emotionally taxing, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Practices that offer on-site mental health services, or have established referral networks with mental health professionals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. The availability of support groups, counseling services, and psychiatric care is a vital component of a comprehensive breast cancer care model.

Standout practices within 36751, if any, should be identified and highlighted. These practices would likely exhibit characteristics such as: a high physician-to-patient ratio, easy appointment scheduling, comprehensive patient education materials, telemedicine integration, and strong mental health support. Their best practices should be noted. Any practice that actively engages in community outreach, promotes preventative screenings, and participates in breast cancer research or clinical trials, should also be recognized.

The availability of advanced imaging technologies, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), is another factor. These technologies can improve the accuracy of breast cancer detection, particularly in women with dense breast tissue. Practices that offer these advanced imaging modalities demonstrate a commitment to providing the best possible diagnostic capabilities.

The analysis also considers the quality of the local hospital system. The presence of a well-equipped hospital with a dedicated cancer center can significantly improve patient outcomes. The availability of specialized surgical services, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy treatments within the local hospital system is crucial. The hospital’s accreditation status and patient satisfaction scores should also be considered.

The overall "Breast Cancer Score" for 36751 would be a composite score, reflecting the weighted average of all the factors discussed. The weighting of each factor would depend on its relative importance in influencing patient outcomes. For example, the physician-to-patient ratio and the availability of specialists would likely carry a higher weight than the availability of extended hours.

The final score will serve as a benchmark for the quality of breast cancer care in Lower Peach Tree. It will also highlight areas where improvements are needed. This analysis is not intended to be a definitive ranking, but rather a snapshot of the current healthcare landscape. It should be updated regularly to reflect changes in the availability of services and the quality of care.

This analysis reveals a complex interplay of factors. The availability of primary care physicians, the presence of breast cancer specialists, telemedicine adoption, mental health support, and the quality of the local hospital system all contribute to the overall quality of breast cancer care in Lower Peach Tree. The ability to access timely and comprehensive care is essential for improving patient outcomes and ensuring the best possible quality of life for individuals affected by breast cancer.

To gain a visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Lower Peach Tree and beyond, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and other relevant data points, explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome maps.