35228, Birmingham, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35228, Birmingham, Alabama is 92 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 85.06 percent of the residents in 35228 has some form of health insurance. 40.76 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 55.79 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 35228 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,330 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 115 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35228. An estimate of 103 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,342 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 29,514 health care providers accessible to residents in 35228, Birmingham, Alabama.

Please be aware that providing specific rankings and detailed analyses of individual physicians or practices requires access to proprietary data and would potentially violate privacy regulations. This response will provide a framework for how such an analysis *could* be constructed, focusing on the types of data and considerations involved.

**Lung Cancer Score: A Framework for Analysis in ZIP Code 35228 and Birmingham Primary Care**

Analyzing the quality of primary care and its impact on lung cancer outcomes in a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach. This framework outlines the key components of a "Lung Cancer Score" analysis, focusing on ZIP Code 35228 and the broader context of primary care availability in Birmingham.

The ultimate goal is to assess the accessibility and quality of primary care services, particularly in their ability to facilitate early lung cancer detection and management. This involves evaluating factors related to physician availability, the adoption of best practices, and the availability of supportive services.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratios and Access to Care**

A fundamental aspect of the analysis is determining physician-to-patient ratios within ZIP Code 35228. This involves identifying the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing in the area and estimating the population they serve. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau and state medical boards are essential resources for this. A low physician-to-patient ratio can indicate limited access to care, potentially leading to delayed diagnoses and poorer outcomes for lung cancer patients. The analysis should also consider the demographics of the population served, including age, socioeconomic status, and health insurance coverage, as these factors can influence access to care.

Beyond simple ratios, the analysis must delve into the types of PCPs available. Are there enough family medicine physicians, internists, and geriatricians to meet the diverse needs of the population? Are there any specialists such as pulmonologists available, and how accessible are they? The geographic distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also crucial. Are there underserved areas where access is particularly limited? This can be visualized using mapping tools to identify "healthcare deserts."

**Standout Practices: Identifying Centers of Excellence**

Identifying standout practices involves evaluating several criteria. One key aspect is the implementation of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening. Does the practice actively screen eligible patients using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF)? Practices that proactively identify and refer high-risk patients for screening should be recognized.

Another important criterion is the practice's commitment to patient education and smoking cessation. Does the practice offer smoking cessation programs, counseling, and medication assistance? Effective smoking cessation is a critical factor in reducing lung cancer risk. Practices that demonstrate a strong commitment to these services should be highlighted.

The use of electronic health records (EHRs) and their interoperability is another factor. Practices with robust EHR systems can improve care coordination, track patient outcomes, and facilitate communication with specialists. The analysis should assess the practice's ability to share information with other healthcare providers, including pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists.

**Telemedicine Adoption: Bridging the Gap**

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly in rural or underserved areas. The analysis should assess the extent to which primary care practices in ZIP Code 35228 offer telemedicine services. This includes virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and the use of telehealth platforms for follow-up care. Telemedicine can improve access to care for patients who have difficulty traveling to appointments, such as those with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

The analysis should also consider the types of telemedicine services offered. Are virtual consultations available for routine check-ups, medication management, and chronic disease management? Does the practice offer remote monitoring for patients with chronic conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is often associated with lung cancer?

**Mental Health Resources: Addressing the Psychological Impact**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant psychological impact on patients and their families. The analysis should assess the availability of mental health resources in the area, including access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care model should be recognized.

Does the practice have a behavioral health specialist on staff or a referral network for mental health services? Are support groups available for patients and their families? Addressing the psychological needs of patients can improve their quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of cancer treatment. The analysis should also consider the availability of palliative care services, which can help manage pain and other symptoms.

**Data Sources and Methodology**

Constructing a "Lung Cancer Score" requires the integration of data from multiple sources. Publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state health departments can provide demographic and health statistics. Data from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Cancer Society (ACS) can provide information on lung cancer incidence and mortality rates.

Additional data can be obtained from insurance claims databases, hospital records, and physician directories. Surveys of primary care practices can provide information on their services, staffing, and adoption of best practices. The analysis should use statistical methods to analyze the data and generate a composite score for each practice or ZIP code.

**Conclusion and Call to Action**

This framework provides a starting point for a comprehensive analysis of primary care and its impact on lung cancer outcomes in ZIP Code 35228 and the Birmingham area. A data-driven approach, combined with a focus on best practices and patient-centered care, can help identify areas for improvement and promote better health outcomes.

To visualize the data and explore the geographic distribution of primary care resources, consider using CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can help you create interactive maps to identify healthcare deserts, visualize physician-to-patient ratios, and analyze other relevant factors. Visit CartoChrome today to learn more and start mapping your data.