35587, Townley, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35587, Townley, Alabama is 45 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 76.79 percent of the residents in 35587 has some form of health insurance. 37.34 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 64.12 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 35587 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 84 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35587. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 143 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 93 health care providers accessible to residents in 35587, Townley, Alabama.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Townley, AL (ZIP Code 35587)**

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians and resources within the Townley, Alabama (ZIP code 35587) area. The score is based on factors relevant to early detection, access to care, and supportive services, crucial for effective lung cancer management. The assessment considers physician-to-patient ratios, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and availability of mental health resources.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on early detection and prompt treatment. This necessitates a robust primary care infrastructure. The physician-to-patient ratio within 35587 is a critical indicator. Analyzing publicly available data, such as the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) data, reveals the number of primary care physicians serving the population. A lower ratio (more physicians per capita) generally indicates better access to care. Conversely, a higher ratio may signify potential challenges in securing timely appointments and comprehensive preventative screenings, including those for lung cancer. This aspect of the analysis will be a crucial component of the Lung Cancer Score.

The quality of primary care practices is another pivotal element. This involves evaluating factors such as the availability of comprehensive preventative services, including smoking cessation programs and lung cancer screening protocols. Practices that actively promote and implement these measures contribute positively to the Lung Cancer Score. Conversely, practices lacking these resources may receive a lower score. The analysis will consider factors like the utilization of electronic health records (EHRs), which can improve care coordination and data sharing, crucial for managing chronic conditions like lung cancer. Furthermore, the availability of on-site diagnostic capabilities, such as X-ray machines, will be factored in, as this enhances convenience and potentially speeds up the diagnostic process.

Telemedicine adoption represents a significant advancement in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural areas like Townley. Telemedicine can improve access to specialists, provide remote monitoring, and offer convenient follow-up appointments. Practices that have embraced telemedicine platforms and services will receive a higher score. This includes the availability of virtual consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists involved in lung cancer care. The ability to remotely monitor patients' symptoms and medication adherence also contributes positively to the score. The analysis will assess the types of telemedicine services offered, their accessibility, and their integration into the overall care plan.

Mental health resources are an often-overlooked but essential component of lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer can trigger significant emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and fear. Practices that offer or facilitate access to mental health services will receive a higher score. This includes the availability of on-site therapists or counselors, referrals to mental health professionals, and support groups. The analysis will evaluate the availability of these resources and their integration into the overall care plan, recognizing the importance of addressing the psychological impact of the disease.

The analysis will also consider the presence of standout practices within the 35587 ZIP code. These are practices that demonstrate a commitment to excellence in lung cancer care. This includes practices that have implemented innovative programs, achieved positive patient outcomes, and actively participate in community outreach initiatives. These practices will be highlighted and recognized for their contributions to improving lung cancer care in the area. The analysis will examine publicly available data, patient reviews, and other relevant information to identify these standout practices.

The assessment of primary care availability in Townley, AL, necessitates a detailed review of each practice. This involves examining the services offered, the staffing levels, and the patient satisfaction ratings. Practices with a broader range of services, a sufficient number of qualified healthcare professionals, and positive patient feedback will receive a higher score. The analysis will consider the accessibility of appointments, the waiting times, and the overall patient experience. This comprehensive evaluation is essential for determining the Lung Cancer Score.

The Lung Cancer Score will be a composite metric, reflecting the weighted average of the factors discussed above. Each factor will be assigned a weight based on its relative importance in lung cancer care. The resulting score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the availability and quality of lung cancer-related resources in the 35587 ZIP code. The score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, allowing residents to easily understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system.

The methodology used in this analysis will incorporate a variety of data sources, including public health data, practice websites, patient reviews, and other publicly available information. The data will be carefully analyzed and validated to ensure accuracy and reliability. The analysis will be conducted by qualified healthcare professionals with expertise in lung cancer care and healthcare data analysis. The final Lung Cancer Score will be a valuable resource for residents of Townley, AL, and for healthcare providers seeking to improve lung cancer care in the area.

The analysis will also consider the impact of socioeconomic factors on lung cancer care. This includes factors such as income levels, education levels, and access to transportation. These factors can significantly influence a patient's ability to access care and adhere to treatment plans. The analysis will incorporate these factors into the overall assessment, recognizing the importance of addressing health disparities.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be a dynamic metric, subject to change as healthcare resources and practices evolve. The analysis will be updated periodically to reflect changes in the healthcare landscape. This ensures that the score remains a relevant and reliable resource for the community. The goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the resources available for lung cancer care in Townley, AL, and to identify areas for improvement.

For a visual representation of this data, including practice locations, physician density, and other relevant geographical information, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful way to visualize and understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the landscape of care.