36083, Tuskegee, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36083, Tuskegee, Alabama is 17 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 87.29 percent of the residents in 36083 has some form of health insurance. 45.29 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 57.20 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 36083 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,820 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36083. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,912 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 353 health care providers accessible to residents in 36083, Tuskegee, Alabama.

Analyzing lung cancer care within a specific geographic area requires a multifaceted approach, considering not just the medical professionals but also the broader healthcare ecosystem. This analysis focuses on ZIP Code 36083 (Tuskegee, Alabama) and its primary care availability, aiming to provide a "Lung Cancer Score" assessment. This score isn't a single number but a composite evaluation based on several key factors.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on early detection and prompt, appropriate treatment. This, in turn, is heavily influenced by the accessibility and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs). Tuskegee, like many rural areas, may face challenges in this regard. Physician-to-patient ratios are critical. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per resident, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying crucial screenings and diagnoses. Determining the precise ratio for 36083 requires data from sources like the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the American Medical Association (AMA). These sources provide data regarding the number of active physicians practicing in the area.

Beyond sheer numbers, the distribution of PCPs matters. Are they concentrated in a single clinic or hospital, or are they spread throughout the community, making them more accessible to diverse populations? Examining the geographic distribution of practices within the ZIP code is crucial. This involves mapping the locations of clinics and hospitals to identify areas with potential healthcare deserts.

Standout practices, if any, within the area play a vital role in elevating the overall quality of care. These practices might be recognized for their commitment to preventive care, including robust lung cancer screening programs. They might also excel in patient education, ensuring individuals understand the risks, symptoms, and importance of early detection. Identifying these practices requires reviewing patient reviews, consulting with local healthcare professionals, and assessing their adoption of evidence-based guidelines.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical factor. Telemedicine, the use of technology to deliver healthcare remotely, has the potential to overcome geographical barriers and improve access to specialists. This is especially relevant for lung cancer, where patients often require consultations with pulmonologists, oncologists, and other specialists who may not be readily available in Tuskegee. The availability of telemedicine consultations, particularly for initial screenings, follow-up appointments, and remote monitoring, can significantly impact patient outcomes. Assessing telemedicine adoption involves examining the services offered by local practices and hospitals, as well as the availability of telehealth platforms.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and psychologically challenging. Patients may experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors, is therefore essential. This includes assessing the number of mental health providers in the area, their accessibility, and their integration into the broader healthcare system. Do primary care physicians have established referral pathways to mental health services? Are there support groups or other resources available for patients and their families?

The "Lung Cancer Score" for 36083 would therefore be a composite of these factors. It would not be a simple numerical score but rather a descriptive analysis. The analysis would highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem, providing insights into the accessibility, quality, and comprehensiveness of lung cancer care.

To calculate the score, data from multiple sources would be needed. The US Census Bureau and the Alabama Department of Public Health would provide population data. The AMA, the HHS, and professional medical societies would be consulted for physician data. Patient reviews, local healthcare professionals, and practice websites would provide information on practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources.

The analysis would then synthesize this information, assessing the physician-to-patient ratio, the geographic distribution of practices, the availability of lung cancer screening programs, the adoption of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health services. The analysis would also identify any standout practices that are demonstrating excellence in lung cancer care.

The analysis would conclude with a summary of the findings, highlighting the key strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system. The conclusion would also include recommendations for improvement, such as increasing the number of primary care physicians, expanding access to telemedicine, and improving the integration of mental health services.

The analysis would also acknowledge the limitations of the data and the inherent complexity of assessing healthcare quality. It is important to note that this analysis is not a definitive ranking but rather a snapshot of the current state of lung cancer care in 36083.

The "Lung Cancer Score" analysis for 36083, when completed, can be visualized and explored using interactive maps. CartoChrome maps offer a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing users to explore physician locations, practice characteristics, and other relevant information in a user-friendly format. CartoChrome maps can also be used to identify areas with limited access to care, helping to inform efforts to improve healthcare access in Tuskegee.