36049, Luverne, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36049, Luverne, Alabama is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 91.21 percent of the residents in 36049 has some form of health insurance. 38.99 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 66.71 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 36049 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,345 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36049. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,094 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 338 health care providers accessible to residents in 36049, Luverne, Alabama.

The following analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for doctors practicing within ZIP code 36049, focusing on primary care availability in Luverne, Alabama. This assessment considers factors crucial to early detection, treatment access, and overall patient well-being, especially concerning lung cancer.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care lies in accessible and proactive primary care. In Luverne (ZIP code 36049), evaluating primary care availability necessitates a deep dive into physician-to-patient ratios. A low ratio indicates a potential strain on resources, making timely appointments and preventative screenings, such as lung cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, more challenging. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests greater accessibility. This analysis needs to consider the population size of Luverne and the number of actively practicing primary care physicians within the specified ZIP code. Data from the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners and the US Census Bureau provides the necessary information.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of primary care physicians across Luverne is crucial. Are the practices clustered in one area, leaving other parts of the community underserved? Are there any federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) or rural health clinics (RHCs) within the ZIP code? These facilities often provide care to underserved populations and can be vital in increasing accessibility to primary care. The location of these practices, considering the geographical spread of the population, is paramount.

Standout practices in Luverne would be identified by several key indicators. First, practices that emphasize preventative care, including routine checkups and screenings, are highly valued. These practices should actively promote lung cancer screening for eligible patients, following guidelines from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Second, practices with a robust electronic health record (EHR) system that facilitates seamless communication and coordination of care are crucial. This includes the ability to efficiently share patient information with specialists, such as pulmonologists and oncologists, should a lung cancer diagnosis occur. Third, practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient education, providing resources and support to help patients understand their risk factors and treatment options, are highly regarded.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Telemedicine can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas like Luverne. Practices that offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals can bridge geographical barriers and improve patient convenience. Telemedicine can be particularly beneficial for follow-up appointments, medication management, and providing support to patients undergoing treatment. Assessing the availability and utilization of telemedicine services within primary care practices in 36049 is essential.

The mental health of lung cancer patients is often overlooked, yet it is a critical aspect of their overall well-being. A lung cancer diagnosis can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources within the primary care setting or through referrals is a significant factor in the Lung Cancer Score. Practices that have integrated mental health services, such as on-site therapists or partnerships with mental health providers, are highly valued. Furthermore, practices that screen patients for mental health issues and provide appropriate referrals demonstrate a commitment to holistic care.

The Lung Cancer Score analysis also considers the availability of specialized care. While this analysis focuses on primary care, the ability of primary care physicians to connect patients with specialists is vital. The proximity of pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiation oncologists is a factor. The efficiency of referral processes, the speed with which patients can access specialist appointments, and the communication between primary care physicians and specialists are all significant.

To determine the Lung Cancer Score for doctors in 36049, a weighted system is employed. The physician-to-patient ratio receives a significant weight, reflecting the importance of access to care. The emphasis on preventative care, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources also receive considerable weight. The presence of standout practices that excel in these areas boosts the score. The score is calculated based on publicly available data, surveys of practices, and patient feedback.

The resulting Lung Cancer Score provides a comprehensive assessment of the quality and accessibility of lung cancer care in Luverne. It helps patients make informed decisions about their healthcare and highlights areas where improvements are needed. The score is not a definitive ranking but a snapshot of the current state of care, subject to change as practices evolve and new data becomes available.

This analysis is a starting point for understanding the landscape of lung cancer care in Luverne. Further research, including direct contact with primary care practices, is needed to refine the score and gain a more in-depth understanding of the services offered. The score should be viewed as a dynamic tool, updated regularly to reflect changes in the healthcare environment.

To further explore the geographical distribution of primary care physicians, the location of healthcare facilities, and the population demographics of Luverne, we encourage you to utilize CartoChrome maps. This interactive mapping platform provides a visual representation of the data discussed in this analysis, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare access in the area.