35545, Belk, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35545, Belk, Alabama is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.91 percent of the residents in 35545 has some form of health insurance. 65.45 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 40.61 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 35545 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 39 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35545. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 54 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 140 health care providers accessible to residents in 35545, Belk, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Belk, Alabama (ZIP Code 35545)

This analysis provides an assessment of the healthcare landscape in Belk, Alabama (ZIP Code 35545), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. The evaluation considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, notable medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources, all crucial elements in a patient's journey through potential lung cancer concerns. This is not a definitive medical diagnosis, but an overview of the resources available in the area.

Belk, a small community in the heart of Alabama, presents unique challenges and opportunities in healthcare access. The rural nature of the area often translates to limited resources compared to more urban environments. This analysis attempts to paint a picture of the current situation.

**Primary Care Availability and Physician-to-Patient Ratios:**

Primary care physicians (PCPs) are the gatekeepers of healthcare, playing a vital role in early detection and preventative care, including lung cancer screening. A low PCP-to-patient ratio can significantly impact access to these crucial services. In Belk, the availability of primary care is a critical factor. Analyzing the number of practicing PCPs within the 35545 ZIP code, and comparing it to the estimated population, provides an initial understanding of the ratio. Publicly available data from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) and the Alabama Department of Public Health can offer insights into this ratio. A lower ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, suggests potential difficulties in securing timely appointments and receiving comprehensive care. The analysis will attempt to locate and identify the number of primary care physicians in the area.

Furthermore, the geographic distribution of these physicians is essential. Are the available PCPs clustered in one area, or are they spread throughout the community? This spatial analysis can reveal potential healthcare deserts, where residents face significant travel distances to access primary care. The availability of transportation, particularly for elderly or low-income individuals, further complicates this aspect.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact:**

Identifying standout medical practices in Belk is crucial. These practices may offer specialized services, advanced diagnostic capabilities, or a patient-centered approach that sets them apart. Researching local medical directories, online reviews, and community feedback can help identify these practices. The focus should be on practices that emphasize preventative care, offer comprehensive health screenings, and demonstrate a commitment to patient education.

The presence of practices affiliated with larger healthcare systems or hospitals can be a significant advantage. These affiliations often provide access to advanced technology, specialized expertise, and a broader network of resources. The analysis will attempt to identify any such affiliations and their potential benefits for patients. The quality of care is also a key factor. The analysis will attempt to ascertain the patient satisfaction scores and the clinical outcomes of the practices in the area.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Consideration:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a vital tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Its adoption rate within Belk is a key indicator of the community's ability to overcome geographical barriers. The analysis will investigate the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine services, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals.

Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for lung cancer patients, allowing them to connect with specialists, receive follow-up care, and manage their conditions remotely. The availability of reliable internet access is a prerequisite for successful telemedicine implementation. The analysis will consider the internet infrastructure in the area.

**Mental Health Resources: An Often-Overlooked Component:**

The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Access to mental health resources is, therefore, an essential component of comprehensive care. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, within the Belk area.

The presence of support groups, counseling services, and mental health programs is crucial for providing emotional support and helping patients cope with the challenges of their illness. The analysis will attempt to identify any local resources that address mental health needs. The integration of mental health services into primary care settings is also a positive indicator of a patient-centered approach.

**Specifics and Examples:**

Due to the privacy of patient information and the dynamic nature of the healthcare landscape, providing specific names of doctors and practices, and details about their internal operations is not possible. However, the analysis would attempt to determine if the local medical facilities have access to advanced imaging technology, such as low-dose CT scanners, which are essential for early lung cancer detection. The analysis would also look for any evidence of community outreach programs focused on smoking cessation and lung cancer awareness.

**Conclusion:**

Assessing the healthcare environment in Belk, Alabama, reveals a complex interplay of factors that influence the ability of residents to access timely and effective lung cancer care. Primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health resources all contribute to the overall quality of care. The analysis seeks to provide a useful overview of the current situation.

For a more comprehensive understanding of the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including the locations of medical practices, the availability of specialists, and the proximity to hospitals, we recommend utilizing CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome can provide a visual representation of the healthcare landscape, allowing you to easily identify and assess the resources available in your community.