35460, Epes, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35460, Epes, Alabama is 8 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.20 percent of the residents in 35460 has some form of health insurance. 48.98 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.52 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 35460 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 277 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35460. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 80 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 49 health care providers accessible to residents in 35460, Epes, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 35460 & Primary Care Availability in Epes

This analysis delves into the landscape of healthcare accessibility and quality concerning lung cancer within ZIP code 35460, encompassing the town of Epes, Alabama. We will examine the availability of primary care physicians, a critical factor in early detection and treatment, and assess the overall healthcare environment, including physician-to-patient ratios, standout practices, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem's strengths and weaknesses in relation to lung cancer care, ultimately highlighting areas for potential improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests upon robust primary care. Early detection is paramount, and primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. In Epes, the availability of PCPs directly impacts the likelihood of timely diagnosis and intervention. Unfortunately, rural areas often face challenges in attracting and retaining physicians, potentially leading to lower physician-to-patient ratios. This scarcity can translate into longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and a less proactive approach to patient care. The analysis will consider the current number of PCPs serving the Epes community, comparing it to the population size to estimate the physician-to-patient ratio. This ratio provides a crucial benchmark for understanding the potential strain on existing healthcare resources.

Beyond the sheer number of physicians, the quality of primary care is also essential. We will evaluate the presence of any standout practices in the 35460 ZIP code. These practices might be recognized for their commitment to preventative care, their use of advanced diagnostic tools, or their patient-centered approach. Identifying such practices can highlight best practices and offer insights into models that could be replicated or adapted to improve care throughout the region. The analysis will consider factors such as the practice's accreditation, the availability of on-site diagnostic services (e.g., X-rays, CT scans), and the integration of electronic health records (EHRs).

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. It can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to consult with specialists remotely and receive ongoing care without traveling long distances. In the context of lung cancer, telemedicine can facilitate consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists, providing patients with access to expert advice and support. This analysis will investigate the adoption of telemedicine among practices in ZIP code 35460. We will assess the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the overall integration of telehealth into the healthcare delivery system.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is significant. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health resources is therefore a crucial component of comprehensive lung cancer care. This analysis will examine the availability of mental health services within the 35460 ZIP code. We will investigate the presence of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists, and assess the availability of support groups and counseling services. The integration of mental health services into the broader healthcare system, including collaboration between primary care physicians and mental health providers, will also be considered.

The physician-to-patient ratio in Epes, and the surrounding ZIP code, is a key indicator of healthcare accessibility. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of physicians, can create significant challenges for patients. Longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and difficulty in establishing a strong patient-physician relationship are all potential consequences. The analysis will attempt to quantify this ratio, using publicly available data and information from healthcare providers. This will provide a baseline understanding of the current situation and highlight areas where resource allocation may be needed.

The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another important factor. EHRs improve care coordination, facilitate information sharing between providers, and allow for more efficient management of patient data. Practices that have embraced EHRs are generally better equipped to provide comprehensive and coordinated care, which is particularly important for patients with complex conditions like lung cancer. The analysis will assess the level of EHR adoption among practices in the 35460 ZIP code, noting the specific EHR systems used and the extent to which these systems are integrated with other healthcare providers.

The presence of support groups and patient advocacy organizations can provide invaluable support to individuals diagnosed with lung cancer. These groups offer a safe space for patients to share their experiences, receive emotional support, and access information about treatment options and resources. The analysis will identify any such groups or organizations serving the Epes community and assess their impact on patient well-being. The availability of educational materials and resources, tailored to the needs of lung cancer patients, will also be considered.

The success of lung cancer treatment is often dependent on early detection. This means that primary care physicians need to be vigilant in screening patients for symptoms. The analysis will consider the extent to which primary care practices in the 35460 ZIP code are implementing lung cancer screening protocols, such as low-dose CT scans for high-risk individuals. The availability of these screening services, and the awareness of screening guidelines among both patients and providers, will be assessed.

The overall quality of care is also affected by the availability of specialists. Patients diagnosed with lung cancer will need to be referred to pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists. The analysis will consider the proximity of these specialists to the Epes community and the ease with which patients can access their services. This will include an assessment of travel times, appointment availability, and the overall efficiency of the referral process.

Ultimately, understanding the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 35460 is crucial for improving the quality of life for those affected by lung cancer. This analysis provides a starting point for understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current system.

To gain a more visual and interactive understanding of the healthcare landscape in ZIP code 35460, consider exploring the data using CartoChrome maps.