Health Scores Near 36765, Newbern, Alabama
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The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 36765, Newbern, Alabama is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.
An estimate of 85.20 percent of the residents in 36765 has some form of health insurance. 67.57 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 30.18 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 36765 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.
For the 454 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36765. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 436 residents over the age of 65 years.
In a 20-mile radius, there are 271 health care providers accessible to residents in 36765, Newbern, Alabama.
Health Scores in 36765, Newbern, Alabama
| Breast Cancer Score | 3 |
|---|---|
| People Score | 23 |
| Provider Score | 8 |
| Hospital Score | 34 |
| Travel Score | 20 |
| 36765 | Newbern | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Providers per 10,000 residents | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Pediatricians per 10,000 residents under 18 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Geriatricians per 10,000 residents over 65 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Newbern, Alabama (ZIP Code 36765)
The task at hand is to analyze the landscape of breast cancer care within ZIP code 36765, Newbern, Alabama, focusing on physician availability, primary care access, and related resources. This analysis will attempt to create a "Breast Cancer Score" ranking, though a precise numerical score is challenging without granular data access. Instead, we will provide a qualitative assessment, highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. The analysis will also consider the broader context of primary care availability in Newbern.
Newbern, a small town in Hale County, faces unique challenges in healthcare access, particularly given its rural setting. The availability of specialized medical care, including oncology and breast cancer specialists, is likely limited within the immediate ZIP code. Therefore, the analysis will consider access to care within a reasonable radius, acknowledging the potential for travel barriers for patients.
**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Primary Care Landscape**
A critical factor in assessing breast cancer care is the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients, providing preventative care, screening recommendations, and initial referrals. The physician-to-patient ratio in Hale County, and specifically within the Newbern area, is a crucial metric. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), can provide insights into this ratio. A low ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses.
The primary care landscape in Newbern is likely characterized by a mix of solo practices, small group practices, and potentially affiliations with larger healthcare systems in nearby cities like Tuscaloosa or Selma. The presence of federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) is also significant. These clinics often serve vulnerable populations and may offer sliding-scale fees, making healthcare more accessible. The quality of primary care is also essential. Does the available primary care provide comprehensive care, including preventative screenings and the ability to recognize the early signs of breast cancer?
**Breast Cancer Screening and Specialist Access**
The availability of mammography services is another critical aspect of breast cancer care. The presence of a local imaging center or the proximity to one is essential for timely screening. The analysis must consider the availability of advanced imaging techniques, such as 3D mammography (tomosynthesis), which can improve the detection of early-stage cancers.
Specialist access, including oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, is paramount. Given the likely absence of these specialists within ZIP code 36765, the analysis must evaluate the travel distance to the nearest specialists. This involves assessing the availability of transportation options for patients, particularly those with limited mobility or financial resources. Furthermore, the analysis must consider the quality of care provided by these specialists, including their experience, expertise, and adherence to established guidelines.
**Standout Practices and Healthcare System Affiliations**
Identifying "standout practices" requires examining the quality of care, patient satisfaction, and the adoption of innovative practices. This could involve looking at practices that have earned recognition for their quality of care, have a strong track record of patient outcomes, or are actively involved in community outreach and education.
The affiliations of local practices with larger healthcare systems are also important. Affiliations can provide access to a broader range of resources, including specialized equipment, clinical trials, and support services. The analysis should assess the extent to which local practices are integrated into larger healthcare networks and the benefits this integration provides to patients.
**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**
Telemedicine has the potential to improve access to care, particularly in rural areas. The analysis should assess the extent to which telemedicine is used by local practices to provide consultations, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for patients who live far from specialist centers, reducing the need for travel and improving convenience. The analysis should also consider the availability of telehealth platforms and the ease with which patients can access these services.
**Mental Health Resources and Supportive Care**
Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on patients' mental health. The analysis should consider the availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups. Access to these resources is crucial for patients to cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of their illness. The analysis should also consider the availability of other supportive care services, such as physical therapy, nutritional counseling, and financial assistance programs.
**The "Breast Cancer Score" – A Qualitative Assessment**
Given the limitations of available data, creating a precise numerical "Breast Cancer Score" is difficult. However, we can provide a qualitative assessment based on the factors discussed above.
* **Primary Care Access:** Likely limited, potentially requiring travel to neighboring areas. This is a significant weakness.
* **Screening and Specialist Access:** Specialist access is likely limited, requiring travel to larger cities. This is a significant weakness.
* **Telemedicine Adoption:** Likely limited, offering a potential area for improvement.
* **Mental Health Resources:** Likely limited, representing a critical need for improvement.
* **Standout Practices:** Identifying standout practices requires a deeper investigation.
**Overall Assessment:** The breast cancer care landscape in Newbern, Alabama (36765) faces significant challenges due to its rural location and limited resources. Access to primary care, screening services, and specialist care is likely limited, requiring patients to travel for treatment. The availability of telemedicine and mental health resources may also be limited.
**Areas for Improvement:**
* **Increase Primary Care Physician Availability:** Recruitment of PCPs is paramount.
* **Improve Screening Accessibility:** Mobile mammography units or partnerships with regional hospitals could help.
* **Expand Telemedicine Services:** Encourage adoption of telehealth platforms by local providers.
* **Increase Mental Health Resources:** Partnerships with mental health providers are vital.
* **Promote Community Education:** Raise awareness about breast cancer screening and early detection.
**Conclusion**
The breast cancer care landscape in Newbern, Alabama, presents challenges that require targeted interventions to improve patient outcomes. Addressing the limitations in primary care access, specialist availability, and supportive services is crucial.
**Take Action with CartoChrome Maps**
For a visual representation of healthcare access in Newbern, and to explore the geographic distribution of resources, we encourage you to explore the power of spatial analysis. **Visit CartoChrome maps** to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape.
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