35630, Florence, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35630, Florence, Alabama is 64 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 83.18 percent of the residents in 35630 has some form of health insurance. 38.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 59.02 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 35630 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,325 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35630. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5,511 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,992 health care providers accessible to residents in 35630, Florence, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score: A Deep Dive into Healthcare in Florence, Alabama (ZIP Code 35630)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of healthcare resources in Florence, Alabama, specifically focusing on ZIP code 35630, with an emphasis on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care accessibility. The goal is to offer a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare landscape, considering physician availability, practice characteristics, and the integration of modern technologies like telemedicine. This information is crucial for patients seeking care and for healthcare providers striving to improve services.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and robust primary care. In Florence, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a critical factor. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio is the initial step. This involves calculating the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents within the 35630 ZIP code and the surrounding areas. A higher ratio generally indicates better access to care, allowing for more frequent check-ups, earlier detection of potential issues, and more comprehensive preventative measures, all of which are vital in the fight against lung cancer. Publicly available data from sources like the Alabama Department of Public Health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) can be used to determine this ratio.

Beyond the raw numbers, the distribution of PCPs across the area is also significant. Are they clustered in specific locations, creating potential access barriers for residents in more rural areas within the ZIP code? Are there transportation challenges that further complicate access to care? Addressing these geographical disparities is essential for ensuring equitable access to primary care services.

Evaluating the quality of primary care practices is another essential component of the Lung Cancer Score. This involves examining various factors, including patient satisfaction scores, the adoption of evidence-based practices, and the availability of specialized services within the practice. Practices that routinely screen for lung cancer risk factors, such as smoking history and exposure to environmental hazards, are particularly valuable. Furthermore, practices that offer on-site diagnostic capabilities, like X-rays or CT scans, can streamline the diagnostic process and reduce delays in treatment.

Standout practices in the area can be identified by analyzing patient reviews, physician ratings, and accreditations from reputable organizations like the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA). Practices with a strong focus on patient communication, preventative care, and chronic disease management are likely to provide a higher quality of care, ultimately improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly transforming healthcare delivery, and its presence in Florence is a key element of the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine offers numerous benefits, including increased access to specialists, reduced travel time for patients, and improved convenience. Practices that have integrated telemedicine into their services, offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, are likely to be more accessible and patient-centered. Examining the types of telemedicine services offered, the availability of technical support for patients, and the integration of telehealth platforms with electronic health records (EHRs) provides a comprehensive view of telemedicine adoption.

The mental health of patients is often overlooked, but it is a crucial aspect of lung cancer care. The diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. The availability of mental health resources within the healthcare system is therefore a critical factor. This includes access to psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and support groups. Practices that offer integrated behavioral health services, either on-site or through referrals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals, the waiting times for appointments, and the availability of support groups specifically for cancer patients is essential.

Furthermore, the integration of mental health services with primary care is highly beneficial. This allows PCPs to screen patients for mental health issues and provide timely referrals to mental health specialists. This integrated approach can improve patient outcomes and reduce the stigma associated with mental health conditions.

The availability of specialized lung cancer care within Florence is also a crucial consideration. This includes the presence of pulmonologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and thoracic surgeons. Assessing the number of specialists, their training and experience, and their affiliation with hospitals and cancer centers is essential. Ideally, patients should have access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists who can collaborate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

The Lung Cancer Score also considers the availability of advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, such as low-dose CT scans for lung cancer screening, advanced imaging techniques, and minimally invasive surgical procedures. The presence of these technologies can improve early detection rates, reduce treatment-related side effects, and improve patient outcomes.

Finally, the score assesses the availability of supportive services, such as patient navigation programs, financial assistance programs, and smoking cessation programs. These services can help patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, manage the financial burden of treatment, and quit smoking, which is the leading cause of lung cancer.

In conclusion, the Lung Cancer Score for ZIP code 35630 is a multi-faceted assessment that considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, mental health resources, and the availability of specialized lung cancer care and supportive services. This comprehensive approach provides a valuable overview of the healthcare landscape in Florence, Alabama, allowing patients to make informed decisions about their care and empowering healthcare providers to improve their services.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Florence, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant data, we encourage you to explore the interactive maps available on CartoChrome.