35986, Rainsville, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 35986, Rainsville, Alabama is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 90.12 percent of the residents in 35986 has some form of health insurance. 40.94 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.22 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 35986 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,875 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35986. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,383 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 874 health care providers accessible to residents in 35986, Rainsville, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Rainsville, AL (ZIP Code 35986)

This analysis evaluates the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer detection and treatment within ZIP code 35986 (Rainsville, Alabama), focusing on primary care access and physician profiles. The assessment considers factors impacting early detection, diagnosis, and supportive care, ultimately culminating in a "Lung Cancer Score" reflecting the community's preparedness.

The foundation of any effective lung cancer strategy rests on accessible primary care. Rainsville, a rural community, faces inherent challenges in this area. The physician-to-patient ratio is a critical metric. While precise, real-time data fluctuates, national averages suggest a benchmark of around 1:1300. Rainsville, based on available data, likely falls below this standard, potentially creating barriers to timely preventative screenings and early diagnosis. This scarcity necessitates patients traveling to neighboring towns like Fort Payne or further afield for routine checkups and specialist referrals.

Primary care practices within the area, such as those affiliated with larger healthcare systems or independent practitioners, vary in their capacity to address lung cancer risk factors. A practice that actively screens for smoking history, offers cessation programs, and promotes low-dose CT scans for eligible patients (those with a significant smoking history) would score favorably. Conversely, practices lacking these proactive measures would receive a lower score. The availability of Electronic Health Records (EHRs) is also crucial. EHRs facilitate efficient data sharing between primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals, improving care coordination and reducing potential diagnostic delays.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, particularly for follow-up appointments, consultations, and behavioral health services, can mitigate the challenges of geographical isolation and limited physician availability. Practices embracing telemedicine, offering virtual consultations for smoking cessation counseling or mental health support, would receive a higher score. Conversely, practices relying solely on in-person visits would be penalized. The ability to connect patients with specialists remotely, for instance, a pulmonologist or oncologist, can significantly improve access to expertise.

Mental health resources are intrinsically linked to lung cancer care. A diagnosis of lung cancer, and the subsequent treatment, can be emotionally devastating. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is crucial for managing anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. The availability of these resources within Rainsville, or readily accessible through referral networks, directly impacts the overall Lung Cancer Score. Practices with established referral pathways to mental health providers, or those offering integrated mental health services, are prioritized.

Beyond primary care, the presence of specialists in the area is vital. The availability of pulmonologists (lung specialists), oncologists (cancer specialists), and thoracic surgeons (surgeons specializing in chest procedures) is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. The proximity of these specialists, or the ease of access through referral networks, significantly influences the Lung Cancer Score. The presence of a hospital equipped with advanced diagnostic imaging technology, such as CT scanners and PET scanners, is also crucial.

Standout practices within Rainsville, or those serving the community, would be those demonstrating a commitment to comprehensive lung cancer care. This includes proactive screening protocols, patient education initiatives, smoking cessation programs, and seamless referral pathways to specialists and mental health services. Practices that actively participate in community outreach programs, promoting lung cancer awareness and early detection, are highly valued. These practices would be considered leaders in the area.

The Lung Cancer Score for Rainsville, AL (ZIP Code 35986) is a composite measure, incorporating all the factors discussed. Due to the dynamic nature of healthcare data and the specific limitations of this analysis, an exact numerical score cannot be provided. However, based on the evaluation of the factors mentioned, the community likely faces challenges in accessing comprehensive lung cancer care. The score would be negatively impacted by the potentially low physician-to-patient ratio, the limited availability of specialists within the immediate area, and the need for patients to travel for specialized care.

Conversely, the score would be positively influenced by practices actively promoting early detection, offering smoking cessation programs, and embracing telemedicine. The availability of mental health resources, and the presence of a well-equipped hospital, would also improve the score. The overall score reflects the community's preparedness for addressing lung cancer, highlighting areas for improvement and potential investment.

Improving the Lung Cancer Score in Rainsville requires a multi-pronged approach. Efforts should focus on increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding access to specialists, promoting telemedicine adoption, and enhancing mental health resources. Community-based initiatives, such as public awareness campaigns and smoking cessation programs, are also crucial. Collaboration between healthcare providers, local organizations, and government agencies is essential to create a robust and accessible healthcare system.

To gain a more detailed understanding of the healthcare landscape in Rainsville and surrounding areas, including the location of healthcare providers, specialist availability, and hospital facilities, explore the interactive maps offered by CartoChrome. Their platform provides a visual representation of healthcare resources, allowing you to analyze the geographic distribution of services and identify potential gaps in care.