35960, Centre, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35960, Centre, Alabama is 77 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 88.75 percent of the residents in 35960 has some form of health insurance. 45.11 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 63.18 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 35960 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,321 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35960. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,419 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 216 health care providers accessible to residents in 35960, Centre, Alabama.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Centre, Alabama (ZIP Code 35960)**

This analysis evaluates the healthcare landscape in Centre, Alabama (ZIP Code 35960), focusing on factors pertinent to lung cancer care. The assessment considers primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and the accessibility of mental health resources. The goal is to provide a nuanced understanding of the local healthcare ecosystem's strengths and weaknesses, particularly concerning lung cancer patients and those at risk.

Centre, Alabama, a town in Cherokee County, faces challenges common to many rural communities. One primary concern is the availability of healthcare professionals, especially primary care physicians (PCPs). The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical indicator. A higher ratio, meaning fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative care, and potentially delayed diagnoses. Assessing the current PCP-to-patient ratio in 35960 is crucial. Publicly available data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) or the Alabama Department of Public Health should be consulted to determine the exact ratio. A low ratio would significantly impact the overall score, as early detection and consistent follow-up are vital in lung cancer treatment.

Beyond the raw numbers, the quality and accessibility of primary care are paramount. The analysis must identify the number of primary care practices within the ZIP code and evaluate their operational characteristics. Are practices accepting new patients? What are the average wait times for appointments? Do practices offer extended hours or weekend availability? These practical considerations directly affect a patient's ability to seek timely medical attention. Furthermore, the presence of patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs), which emphasize coordinated care and patient involvement, would positively influence the score.

The presence of specialists is another essential factor. While primary care physicians are often the first point of contact, timely access to pulmonologists, oncologists, and thoracic surgeons is crucial for lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The analysis should identify the number of these specialists practicing within a reasonable radius of Centre. The ability to access these specialists without excessive travel is a significant advantage for patients. Moreover, affiliations with larger hospitals or cancer centers, which offer advanced diagnostic and treatment options, would enhance the score.

Telemedicine adoption is rapidly changing healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. The availability of telehealth services, including virtual consultations with PCPs and specialists, is particularly important for patients in 35960. Telemedicine can reduce travel burdens, improve access to specialists, and facilitate remote monitoring of patients. The analysis must determine the extent to which local practices offer telemedicine options, including the types of services provided and the ease of access for patients. Practices actively using telemedicine will receive a higher score.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are integral to comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis can have a profound impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. The analysis needs to assess the availability of mental health services within the community, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists. The presence of support groups, counseling services specifically tailored to cancer patients, and access to mental health professionals who understand the unique challenges faced by lung cancer patients will improve the score.

Standout practices, those demonstrating exceptional quality of care or innovative approaches, can significantly impact the overall score. Identifying practices that have received recognition for patient satisfaction, quality outcomes, or innovative programs is essential. This could include practices that offer comprehensive cancer screening programs, actively participate in clinical trials, or provide robust patient education resources. The analysis should highlight any practices that are making a significant positive impact on lung cancer care in the Centre area.

In evaluating the healthcare landscape, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of publicly available data. Information on physician-to-patient ratios and the availability of specific services may not always be readily accessible. The analysis must rely on a combination of public data, online resources, and potentially, direct inquiries to local healthcare providers to gather the necessary information.

The final Lung Cancer Score would be a composite of all these factors. Each element, from physician-to-patient ratios to telemedicine adoption, would be weighted based on its relative importance in lung cancer care. The score would reflect the overall accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of the healthcare resources available to patients in Centre, Alabama. A high score would indicate a strong healthcare system that supports early detection, timely treatment, and comprehensive care for lung cancer patients. A lower score would highlight areas where improvements are needed to ensure that all residents have access to the care they need.

**Conclusion**

Understanding the healthcare landscape in Centre, Alabama, is vital for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers. This analysis, though not exhaustive, provides a framework for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system, particularly in relation to lung cancer care. The availability of primary care, the presence of specialists, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources all play a crucial role in determining patient outcomes.

For a more detailed and visually insightful understanding of the healthcare resources in Centre, Alabama, and the surrounding areas, we encourage you to explore the potential of **CartoChrome maps**. These interactive maps can provide a spatial representation of physician locations, healthcare facilities, and other relevant data, enabling a deeper understanding of the healthcare ecosystem.