35548, Brilliant, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35548, Brilliant, Alabama is 16 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 79.57 percent of the residents in 35548 has some form of health insurance. 40.17 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.15 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 35548 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 432 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35548. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 351 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 478 health care providers accessible to residents in 35548, Brilliant, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Brilliant, Alabama (ZIP Code 35548)

This analysis delves into the landscape of lung cancer care within the ZIP code 35548, encompassing the town of Brilliant, Alabama, with a specific focus on primary care availability and its implications for early detection and treatment. We will assess the existing resources, identify potential gaps, and evaluate the overall 'Lung Cancer Score' for the area, considering factors beyond just the raw number of physicians.

The cornerstone of effective lung cancer management is early detection. This, in turn, relies heavily on accessible and proactive primary care. In Brilliant, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial determinant of the community's lung cancer score. A low density of PCPs can translate into delayed diagnoses, as individuals may struggle to access routine checkups, screenings, and timely referrals to specialists. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. While the exact ratio fluctuates, a significantly lower-than-average ratio in 35548 would negatively impact the score. The analysis will examine publicly available data, including information from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the US Census Bureau, to ascertain this ratio and its implications.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of existing primary care practices are essential. Standout practices are those that prioritize preventative care, including lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, and those with a family history). These practices should adhere to established guidelines, such as those from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), recommending annual lung cancer screening with low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) for eligible individuals. The analysis will investigate the screening practices of the available PCPs, looking for evidence of proactive screening programs and patient education initiatives.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial element. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, particularly in rural areas like Brilliant. It offers patients the opportunity to consult with physicians remotely, reducing travel time and improving access to care. Its impact on the lung cancer score is multifaceted. Telemedicine facilitates follow-up appointments for patients undergoing treatment, allows for remote monitoring of symptoms, and provides access to specialists who may not be readily available locally. The analysis will assess the extent of telemedicine adoption by local practices, considering the types of services offered and the patient population served.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but play a significant role in lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's mental well-being. Anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges are common. The availability of mental health support services, such as counseling, therapy, and support groups, is therefore a crucial component of a comprehensive lung cancer care system. The analysis will evaluate the availability of these resources in Brilliant and the surrounding areas, considering their accessibility and integration into the overall healthcare system. The presence of mental health professionals, their integration into primary care, and the availability of support groups are important indicators.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' for 35548 will be a composite measure, reflecting the availability, accessibility, and quality of care. It will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of preventative screening practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health resources. A high score would indicate a robust healthcare system with ample access to PCPs, proactive screening programs, telemedicine capabilities, and comprehensive mental health support. Conversely, a low score would suggest potential challenges in accessing timely diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care. The specifics of the score are based on the data and the weighting of each of the factors.

Furthermore, the analysis will consider the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons, within a reasonable distance of Brilliant. While primary care is the first line of defense, the presence of specialized expertise is crucial for advanced diagnosis and treatment. Travel time and access to these specialists will be factored into the overall score, as delays in accessing specialized care can negatively impact patient outcomes. The analysis will consider the nearest facilities and their ability to handle the volume of patients from 35548.

The socio-economic factors of the population are also important to consider. The analysis will look at the percentage of the population that is insured, the poverty rate, and the level of education. These factors can impact the ability of the population to access health care and the level of adherence to medical recommendations.

The analysis will not offer a definitive list of physicians or practices, but rather a comprehensive assessment of the overall healthcare landscape. The goal is to provide a clear understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the system, highlighting areas where improvements are needed to enhance the 'Lung Cancer Score' for the residents of Brilliant and the surrounding area.

The final 'Lung Cancer Score' will be presented with a clear explanation of the methodology and the factors considered. The score will serve as a benchmark for future improvements and a tool for advocating for better healthcare resources in the community. It will be a snapshot in time, reflecting the current state of affairs and highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and evaluation.

For a detailed, visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Brilliant, Alabama, and to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and population demographics, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps provides a dynamic and interactive way to visualize the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in lung cancer care within the 35548 ZIP code.