35580, Parrish, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35580, Parrish, Alabama is 32 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.48 percent of the residents in 35580 has some form of health insurance. 39.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.94 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 35580 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 847 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35580. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 527 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 56 health care providers accessible to residents in 35580, Parrish, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Parrish, Alabama (ZIP Code 35580)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score, a composite assessment of healthcare resources and access within Parrish, Alabama (ZIP code 35580), focusing on primary care availability and related factors impacting lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The score is not a definitive measure of individual physician competency, but rather a reflection of the community's overall healthcare landscape.

The core of the analysis centers on primary care physicians (PCPs), the gatekeepers to preventative care, including lung cancer screenings. A critical factor is the physician-to-patient ratio. A low ratio, indicating a scarcity of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and overall poorer health outcomes. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and other relevant sources are used to estimate this ratio within the 35580 ZIP code. This includes analyzing the number of active, practicing PCPs (internal medicine, family medicine, and general practice) and comparing it to the estimated population of Parrish. The ideal ratio varies, but a higher ratio generally signifies better access.

Beyond raw numbers, the geographic distribution of PCPs is crucial. Are physicians concentrated in specific areas of Parrish, leaving others underserved? Travel time to access care significantly impacts patient adherence to preventative measures and treatment plans. This analysis considers the proximity of PCPs to residential areas, utilizing mapping tools and demographic data to assess accessibility challenges.

Standout practices within Parrish are identified based on several criteria. This includes the adoption of evidence-based practices for lung cancer screening, such as the use of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. Practices are assessed on their adherence to screening guidelines established by organizations like the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The availability of patient education materials and resources, particularly those focused on smoking cessation, is also considered. Practices that actively promote smoking cessation programs, including counseling and medication assistance, are given higher marks.

Telemedicine adoption is another key component of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers a valuable means of increasing access to care, particularly for those in rural areas or with mobility limitations. The analysis examines the availability of telehealth services among PCPs in Parrish. This includes assessing whether practices offer virtual consultations for follow-up appointments, medication management, and even initial consultations. The ease of use of the telemedicine platform, including technical support and patient training, is also evaluated.

Mental health resources are inextricably linked to lung cancer outcomes. The emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis, the challenges of quitting smoking, and the side effects of treatment can significantly impact a patient's well-being and their ability to adhere to treatment plans. The analysis assesses the availability of mental health services in Parrish, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed counselors. This includes evaluating the proximity of mental health providers to PCPs, the ease of referral pathways, and the availability of support groups for cancer patients and their families. Practices that integrate mental health services into their care models receive higher scores.

The integration of these factors – physician-to-patient ratio, geographic distribution, standout practice features, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – forms the basis of the Lung Cancer Score. The score is presented as a qualitative assessment, reflecting the overall strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Parrish. A higher score indicates a more favorable environment for lung cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. A lower score highlights areas where improvements are needed to enhance access to care and improve patient outcomes.

Specific practices within Parrish are evaluated based on their individual strengths and weaknesses. Some practices may excel in telemedicine adoption, offering convenient virtual consultations. Others may have strong smoking cessation programs, providing crucial support to help patients quit smoking. Still others may have established referral pathways to mental health services, addressing the emotional needs of patients. The analysis provides a comparative overview, highlighting the best practices and identifying areas for improvement across the community.

The analysis also considers the availability of specialized care, such as pulmonologists and oncologists. While the focus is on primary care, the presence of specialists within a reasonable distance is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer. The analysis evaluates the travel time to the nearest pulmonologists and oncologists, considering the potential impact on patient outcomes.

The overall goal of this Lung Cancer Score analysis is to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare resources available in Parrish, Alabama. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by community stakeholders to advocate for better access to care.

The analysis also takes into account the socioeconomic factors that influence health outcomes. Poverty, lack of access to transportation, and limited health literacy can all impact a patient's ability to access and adhere to care. The analysis considers these factors, providing a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by patients in Parrish.

This Lung Cancer Score analysis is a dynamic assessment. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatment options, and healthcare policies emerging regularly. The analysis is updated periodically to reflect these changes, ensuring that the information remains relevant and useful.

The final Lung Cancer Score is a composite measure, reflecting the overall quality of healthcare resources in Parrish. It is not a definitive measure of individual physician competency, but rather a reflection of the community's overall healthcare landscape. The score can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement, and by community stakeholders to advocate for better access to care.

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