36312, Ashford, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36312, Ashford, Alabama is 80 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 89.19 percent of the residents in 36312 has some form of health insurance. 42.79 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 62.02 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 36312 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,429 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 2 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36312. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,263 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 2,470 health care providers accessible to residents in 36312, Ashford, Alabama.

**Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36312 and Primary Care in Ashford, Alabama**

This analysis examines the landscape of lung cancer care accessibility within ZIP code 36312 (Ashford, Alabama) focusing on primary care availability, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The goal is to provide a comprehensive 'Lung Cancer Score' assessment, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in this critical area of healthcare.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on early detection and timely intervention. Primary care physicians (PCPs) are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms. The availability of PCPs in Ashford, Alabama, directly impacts the likelihood of prompt diagnosis and treatment. A higher density of PCPs, coupled with shorter wait times for appointments, translates to a more favorable 'Lung Cancer Score'. Conversely, a scarcity of PCPs, long wait times, and limited access to specialists will negatively impact the score.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a crucial indicator of healthcare access. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of doctors relative to the population, can strain the healthcare system. This strain can manifest as longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially, a decline in the quality of care. In the context of lung cancer, a low physician-to-patient ratio could delay the diagnosis of symptoms, which could lead to a poorer prognosis. The analysis will assess the current physician-to-patient ratio within ZIP code 36312, comparing it to state and national averages to establish a baseline.

Standout practices within Ashford, Alabama, play a vital role in improving the 'Lung Cancer Score'. These practices may have specialized expertise in lung cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment. They might also offer comprehensive patient support services, including smoking cessation programs, nutritional counseling, and access to clinical trials. Identifying and highlighting these standout practices is essential for guiding patients to the best possible care. The analysis will examine the practices within the ZIP code, evaluating their offerings, patient reviews, and participation in quality improvement initiatives.

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine allows patients to consult with specialists remotely, reducing the need for travel and potentially shortening the time to diagnosis and treatment. The adoption of telemedicine by primary care practices and specialists in Ashford is an important factor in the 'Lung Cancer Score'. The analysis will investigate the availability of telehealth options, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and online educational resources.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive care. Patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Access to mental health professionals, support groups, and counseling services can significantly improve patients' quality of life and their ability to cope with the challenges of their illness. The analysis will evaluate the availability of mental health services within Ashford, including the presence of mental health professionals, support groups, and mental health integration within primary care practices.

The 'Lung Cancer Score' will be a composite metric, incorporating all of the factors discussed above. It will be a nuanced assessment, recognizing that no single factor determines the quality of care. The score will provide a relative ranking of the healthcare environment in Ashford, Alabama, highlighting areas of strength and areas needing improvement.

The assessment will consider the specific challenges of the Ashford community. Rural communities often face unique barriers to healthcare access, including transportation limitations, socioeconomic disparities, and a shortage of healthcare professionals. The analysis will consider these factors and their impact on the 'Lung Cancer Score'.

The analysis will assess the current availability of lung cancer screening programs. Early detection is crucial for improving survival rates. The availability of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) for high-risk individuals, is a key factor in the 'Lung Cancer Score'. The analysis will investigate the availability of LDCT screening within Ashford and surrounding areas, evaluating the accessibility and affordability of these services.

The analysis will consider the availability of smoking cessation programs. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Effective smoking cessation programs can significantly reduce the risk of developing lung cancer and improve the overall health of the community. The analysis will assess the availability of smoking cessation programs within Ashford, evaluating their effectiveness and accessibility.

The assessment will consider the availability of patient navigation services. Patient navigators can help patients navigate the complex healthcare system, providing support and guidance throughout their treatment journey. Patient navigators can assist with scheduling appointments, coordinating care, and accessing financial assistance. The availability of patient navigation services is a valuable asset for patients with lung cancer.

The analysis will consider the availability of palliative care services. Palliative care focuses on providing comfort and support to patients with serious illnesses. Palliative care services can help manage pain, symptoms, and emotional distress. The availability of palliative care services is an important component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

The final 'Lung Cancer Score' will provide a valuable snapshot of the healthcare landscape in Ashford, Alabama. It will inform patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the system. The score will also serve as a benchmark for measuring progress and identifying areas for improvement. The goal is to improve access to quality lung cancer care and ultimately, improve patient outcomes.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Ashford, Alabama, and to explore the factors contributing to the 'Lung Cancer Score' in detail, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome provides interactive mapping and data visualization tools that can help you understand the complex interplay of factors affecting healthcare access.