35004, Moody, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35004, Moody, Alabama is 96 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.25 percent of the residents in 35004 has some form of health insurance. 31.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 72.68 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 35004 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,678 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35004. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,003 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,155 health care providers accessible to residents in 35004, Moody, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Moody, Alabama (ZIP Code 35004)

This analysis assesses the availability and quality of healthcare resources in Moody, Alabama (ZIP Code 35004), specifically focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The goal is to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the community's preparedness to address this serious health concern. This score will be based on several key metrics, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of specialized services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support.

The foundation of any strong healthcare system lies in the accessibility of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Moody, the PCP-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, meaning a high number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying the early detection of lung cancer symptoms. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. Data on the exact ratio within ZIP Code 35004 is essential. Publicly available data from sources like the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) or state medical boards should be consulted to determine this critical metric. This data point will significantly influence the overall Lung Cancer Score.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality of primary care is paramount. Practices that emphasize preventative care, including regular screenings and smoking cessation programs, are vital. The Lung Cancer Score will consider the presence of these services. Does the community's primary care network actively promote lung cancer screenings for at-risk individuals, such as those with a history of smoking or exposure to environmental hazards? Are smoking cessation programs readily available, either within the practices themselves or through referral networks? The score will reflect the proactive nature of the primary care providers in addressing lung cancer risk factors.

Specialized care, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, is critical for diagnosis and treatment. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the proximity and availability of these specialists. Are there pulmonologists within a reasonable driving distance of Moody? What about oncologists and surgeons specializing in thoracic procedures? The presence of these specialists ensures that patients can receive timely and appropriate care if lung cancer is suspected or diagnosed. The score will also consider the reputation and experience of these specialists, drawing on publicly available information such as patient reviews and professional affiliations.

The adoption of telemedicine has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can improve access to care by allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and minimizing disruptions to daily life. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the extent to which telemedicine is utilized in Moody. Are primary care physicians offering virtual consultations? Are specialists available for telehealth appointments? The availability of telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients who may have difficulty traveling.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but critical aspect of cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The Lung Cancer Score will evaluate the availability of mental health resources in Moody. Are there mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, available to support patients and their families? Are there support groups or other community resources that provide emotional support? The presence of these resources is essential for ensuring the well-being of patients throughout their cancer journey.

Standout practices within the community will be identified. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care, whether through innovative screening programs, patient-centered care models, or a strong focus on preventative medicine. The Lung Cancer Score will highlight these practices as examples of best practices within the community. Identifying these "beacon" practices can provide valuable insights into effective healthcare delivery.

The geographic distribution of healthcare resources will also be considered. Are healthcare facilities clustered in one area, or are they distributed throughout the community? This spatial analysis will help determine whether all residents have equal access to care, regardless of their location. This aspect will be factored into the Lung Cancer Score to ensure a comprehensive assessment of healthcare accessibility.

The Lung Cancer Score will also consider the availability of patient education resources. Are there readily available materials that educate patients about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and prevention strategies? Are there support groups or community organizations that provide information and support to patients and their families? The presence of these resources is essential for empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

The score will integrate all these factors into a comprehensive assessment of the community's preparedness to address lung cancer. The final Lung Cancer Score will be a composite metric, reflecting the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare resources in Moody, Alabama (ZIP Code 35004). This score will be a valuable tool for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

To further visualize and understand the spatial relationships of healthcare resources in Moody, Alabama, and other areas, consider exploring interactive maps. CartoChrome maps can provide valuable insights into the geographic distribution of physicians, specialists, and other healthcare facilities. They allow you to analyze the data visually and identify potential gaps in access to care.