35761, New Market, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35761, New Market, Alabama is 69 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.01 percent of the residents in 35761 has some form of health insurance. 21.77 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 79.84 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 35761 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,978 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35761. An estimate of 6 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,392 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 9,777 health care providers accessible to residents in 35761, New Market, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: New Market, AL (ZIP Code 35761)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians (PCPs) within the 35761 ZIP code, focusing on factors crucial to early detection, diagnosis, and patient support. The score is a composite, considering physician-to-patient ratios, practice profiles, telemedicine integration, and the availability of mental health resources, all vital components of a holistic approach to lung cancer care. The aim is to offer a nuanced understanding of the healthcare landscape, highlighting strengths and identifying areas for improvement.

New Market, Alabama, a community nestled in Madison County, presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities in healthcare delivery. The rural nature of the area can impact access to specialized medical services, potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment for conditions like lung cancer. Therefore, the availability and quality of primary care become even more critical. This analysis endeavors to evaluate the local healthcare ecosystem through a "Lung Cancer Score" lens, emphasizing factors directly impacting patient outcomes.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio & Access to Care:**

A fundamental element of the Lung Cancer Score is the physician-to-patient ratio. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians serving a larger population, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced time spent with each patient, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Publicly available data, such as information from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), will be consulted to determine the physician-to-patient ratio within the 35761 ZIP code. This data will be compared to national and state averages to assess the relative accessibility of primary care services. Any identified shortages will negatively impact the overall score.

Furthermore, the analysis will investigate the geographical distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code. Are practices clustered in specific areas, potentially leaving certain residents underserved? This spatial analysis will consider the proximity of practices to residential areas and the availability of public transportation, ensuring that patients, especially those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges, can easily access care.

**Practice Profiles & Screening Practices:**

The Lung Cancer Score will also evaluate the practices themselves. This includes assessing the practices' commitment to preventive care, specifically lung cancer screening. Practices that actively promote and offer lung cancer screening to eligible patients, following the guidelines set by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), will receive higher scores. This involves examining the practice's protocols for identifying high-risk patients (smokers and former smokers), ordering low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans, and managing any abnormal findings.

The analysis will also consider the practice's overall approach to patient care. Do practices prioritize patient education about lung cancer risk factors, symptoms, and screening options? Do they offer comprehensive care coordination, helping patients navigate the complexities of diagnosis and treatment? Practices demonstrating a proactive and patient-centered approach will be highly regarded.

**Telemedicine Adoption & Its Impact:**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The Lung Cancer Score will assess the extent to which PCPs in 35761 have adopted telemedicine. Practices offering virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to online patient portals will receive higher scores. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing access to specialists who may not be readily available in the local area.

The analysis will investigate the specific telemedicine platforms used by the practices, evaluating their ease of use, security features, and integration with electronic health records (EHRs). The ability to seamlessly share patient information between providers, regardless of location, is a crucial aspect of effective telemedicine.

**Mental Health Resources & Supportive Care:**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be incredibly stressful, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the Lung Cancer Score places significant emphasis on the availability of mental health resources for patients. The analysis will investigate whether practices have established partnerships with mental health professionals, either within the practice or through referrals.

The availability of support groups, counseling services, and access to palliative care will also be considered. Practices that recognize the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological needs of patients, and proactively connect them with appropriate resources, will receive higher scores. This holistic approach to care is essential for improving patient well-being and quality of life.

**Standout Practices & Overall Assessment:**

Based on the above criteria, the analysis will identify any standout practices within the 35761 ZIP code. These practices will be recognized for their commitment to early detection, patient-centered care, and the integration of innovative technologies. The overall Lung Cancer Score for the area will be determined by considering the performance of all practices, the physician-to-patient ratio, and the availability of resources.

The final score will be presented in a clear and concise manner, providing a snapshot of the healthcare landscape in New Market, AL. The analysis will highlight areas where the community excels and identify areas that require improvement. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare, by providers to improve their services, and by community leaders to address any identified gaps in care.

**Call to Action:**

To visualize the healthcare landscape in New Market, AL, and explore the geographical distribution of healthcare resources, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive maps that allow you to visualize data, identify healthcare providers, and assess accessibility. Explore the CartoChrome maps to gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem in your community.