36543, Huxford, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36543, Huxford, Alabama is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 100.00 percent of the residents in 36543 has some form of health insurance. 62.50 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 100.00 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 36543 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 0 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36543. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 5 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 211 health care providers accessible to residents in 36543, Huxford, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Huxford, AL (ZIP Code 36543)

This analysis examines the availability and quality of healthcare resources relevant to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment within ZIP Code 36543, focusing on primary care physician (PCP) accessibility in the Huxford, Alabama area. The goal is to create a "Lung Cancer Score" that reflects the community's readiness to address this significant health concern. This score considers factors like physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout medical practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources.

Huxford, a small community, presents unique challenges and opportunities regarding healthcare access. The limited population density often translates to a lower concentration of medical professionals. Consequently, the physician-to-patient ratio becomes a critical indicator of healthcare accessibility. A high ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments, potentially delaying early detection and treatment of lung cancer. Data from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and state medical boards are crucial to determine the precise physician-to-patient ratio within the 36543 ZIP code and the surrounding areas that Huxford residents might utilize. This information will form a foundational element of the Lung Cancer Score.

The presence of standout medical practices is another crucial factor. While Huxford may not have large, specialized cancer centers within its immediate vicinity, the proximity to larger towns or cities with comprehensive cancer care facilities is essential. Assessing the travel time to these facilities, the types of services offered (e.g., diagnostic imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy), and the availability of specialized pulmonologists and oncologists are vital. Researching the reputation of these practices, their patient outcomes, and their participation in clinical trials will contribute significantly to the Lung Cancer Score. Are there any primary care practices in Huxford or the surrounding areas that are known for their proactive screening programs, especially for high-risk individuals (smokers, former smokers, those with a family history of lung cancer)?

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, providing access to specialists and consultations that might otherwise be unavailable. Evaluating the extent of telemedicine adoption within the primary care practices and specialist offices serving the 36543 ZIP code is crucial. Do these practices offer virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and online patient portals? The availability of telemedicine can significantly impact the Lung Cancer Score, particularly in improving access to early detection and follow-up care.

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment are often emotionally challenging. The availability of mental health resources is therefore a critical component of the Lung Cancer Score. Assessing the availability of mental health professionals (therapists, psychiatrists, counselors) in the Huxford area or nearby communities is essential. Do primary care practices offer integrated behavioral health services? Are there support groups or mental health programs specifically designed for cancer patients and their families? Access to these resources can improve patient outcomes and quality of life.

Beyond the availability of services, understanding the insurance landscape is also crucial. The acceptance of various insurance plans by local medical providers, including Medicare and Medicaid, impacts the affordability and accessibility of care. Analyzing the insurance coverage options available to Huxford residents and the extent to which local practices accept these plans is a key consideration. This information will influence the Lung Cancer Score by reflecting the financial accessibility of healthcare services.

The Lung Cancer Score for Huxford, AL (ZIP Code 36543) will be a composite measure, reflecting the various factors discussed above. The scoring system will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the proximity and quality of cancer care facilities, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the insurance coverage landscape. Each factor will be weighted based on its relative importance in influencing the early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer. The final score will provide a comprehensive assessment of the community's readiness to address this disease.

The evaluation of physician-to-patient ratios will involve a review of publicly available data and potentially contacting local medical practices to gather information on their patient load. The assessment of standout practices will involve researching online reviews, contacting the practices directly, and reviewing patient outcomes data if available. Telemedicine adoption will be evaluated by examining practice websites and contacting the practices to inquire about their telemedicine capabilities. Mental health resource availability will be assessed by searching online directories and contacting local mental health providers. The insurance coverage landscape will be investigated by contacting local practices and reviewing insurance provider websites.

The final Lung Cancer Score will be presented as a numerical value, along with a detailed breakdown of the scoring methodology and the rationale behind the weighting of each factor. The score will also include recommendations for improving healthcare access and quality in the Huxford area. These recommendations may include suggestions for increasing the number of physicians, expanding telemedicine capabilities, and improving access to mental health resources.

This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the healthcare resources available to residents of Huxford, AL, regarding lung cancer. The goal is to inform residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers about the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare system and to identify opportunities for improvement. The Lung Cancer Score will serve as a valuable tool for assessing the community's readiness to address this serious health concern.

For a visual representation of healthcare access in Huxford and the surrounding areas, including physician locations, hospital proximity, and the availability of specialized services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a powerful visual understanding of the healthcare landscape.