35466, Gordo, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35466, Gordo, Alabama is 84 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.41 percent of the residents in 35466 has some form of health insurance. 41.81 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.50 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 35466 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,446 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35466. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 922 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 678 health care providers accessible to residents in 35466, Gordo, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Gordo, Alabama (ZIP Code 35466)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection, treatment, and support within the Gordo, Alabama (ZIP Code 35466) area. The focus is on evaluating the availability and quality of primary care physicians, specialists, and supportive services, with a particular emphasis on factors that influence lung cancer outcomes. This analysis aims to provide a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, including physician-to-patient ratios, the adoption of telemedicine, and the accessibility of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer management rests on robust primary care. Early detection through screening, prompt referrals to specialists, and ongoing patient management are critical. In Gordo, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care physicians is a crucial indicator of access. A high ratio, meaning fewer doctors serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. This analysis will endeavor to estimate this ratio, using publicly available data and demographic information for the 35466 ZIP code. Factors like the age distribution of the population, with a higher proportion of older adults, may increase the demand for primary care services and potentially exacerbate the impact of a high physician-to-patient ratio.

Beyond the raw number of physicians, the quality of primary care is paramount. This includes the availability of comprehensive services, such as regular check-ups, smoking cessation programs, and education about lung cancer risk factors. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is another indicator of quality, as it can facilitate better communication between providers, improve care coordination, and streamline the referral process. The analysis will examine the extent to which primary care practices in Gordo utilize EHRs and other technologies to enhance patient care.

Specialist availability is another critical factor. Lung cancer often requires the expertise of pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. The geographic proximity of these specialists to Gordo residents, and the ease with which patients can access them, directly impacts the timeliness and effectiveness of treatment. This analysis will assess the presence of these specialists within a reasonable driving distance of Gordo, considering travel times and potential barriers to access, such as insurance coverage and transportation limitations.

The adoption of telemedicine represents a significant opportunity to improve access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can facilitate virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients, and access to educational resources. The analysis will investigate the extent to which primary care practices and specialists in the Gordo area utilize telemedicine technologies, and the types of services they offer remotely. This will include an assessment of the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and patient portals.

Mental health support is an often-overlooked but crucial aspect of lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for patients' well-being. This analysis will examine the availability of mental health services in the Gordo area, including the types of services offered, the accessibility of these services, and the extent to which they are integrated into the broader healthcare system.

Identifying standout practices within the 35466 ZIP code is another key objective. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, early detection, and comprehensive support services will be highlighted. This will involve examining factors such as patient satisfaction scores, the implementation of evidence-based practices, and the availability of resources such as smoking cessation programs and patient navigators. The analysis will also consider the use of patient education materials and the overall patient experience.

The analysis will also consider the availability of community resources that support lung cancer patients. This includes support groups, patient advocacy organizations, and financial assistance programs. The presence of these resources can provide invaluable support to patients and their families, helping them navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Gordo, Alabama (ZIP Code 35466) will be a composite metric, reflecting the availability and quality of healthcare resources across all the aforementioned categories. The score will be based on a weighted average of the individual factors, with each factor's weight reflecting its relative importance in influencing lung cancer outcomes. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and weakness.

The data for this analysis will be sourced from a variety of publicly available resources, including government databases, healthcare directories, and demographic data. Information on physician availability, specialist locations, and hospital services will be gathered from these sources. Patient satisfaction data and practice-level information will be collected from publicly available sources where possible.

The analysis will also consider the impact of social determinants of health on lung cancer outcomes. These factors, such as socioeconomic status, access to transportation, and health literacy, can significantly influence a patient's ability to access and benefit from healthcare services. The analysis will consider the socioeconomic profile of the 35466 ZIP code and assess the extent to which these factors may impact lung cancer care.

The findings of this analysis will provide valuable insights into the healthcare landscape in Gordo, Alabama, and will help inform efforts to improve lung cancer outcomes in the community. The analysis will identify areas where healthcare resources are lacking and provide recommendations for improvement.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Gordo, including the location of physicians, specialists, and other healthcare resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing and analyzing geographic data, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare resources available in your community.