36544, Irvington, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36544, Irvington, Alabama is 85 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.49 percent of the residents in 36544 has some form of health insurance. 37.69 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.07 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 36544 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 2,881 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 1 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36544. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 2,151 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,906 health care providers accessible to residents in 36544, Irvington, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Irvington, Alabama (ZIP Code 36544)

This analysis assesses the quality of lung cancer care and primary care accessibility within Irvington, Alabama (ZIP code 36544), focusing on factors critical to patient outcomes. This "Lung Cancer Score" considers physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and mental health support, ultimately aiming to provide a comprehensive overview for residents seeking care.

Irvington, a community in Baldwin County, presents unique healthcare challenges and opportunities. The rural nature of the area can influence access to specialized medical services, including those related to lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. The analysis will examine the local healthcare landscape to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the current system.

**Physician Availability and Ratios**

One of the primary determinants of healthcare access is the physician-to-patient ratio. This metric reveals the density of medical professionals available to serve the population. Within ZIP code 36544, the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is a crucial starting point. PCPs often serve as the initial point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms suggestive of lung cancer. They are responsible for initial screenings, referrals to specialists, and ongoing management of chronic conditions.

The analysis will seek to determine the precise PCP-to-patient ratio within Irvington. This data will be compared to national and state averages to ascertain whether the community faces a shortage or surplus of primary care providers. A lower ratio (fewer physicians per patient) could indicate potential challenges in accessing timely appointments, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, the availability of pulmonologists, oncologists, and radiologists specializing in lung cancer within a reasonable geographic radius will be assessed. These specialists are essential for accurate diagnosis, staging, and treatment planning. The proximity of these specialists to Irvington will influence the ease of access for patients requiring specialized care. The analysis will identify the nearest facilities offering these specialized services.

**Standout Practices and Their Characteristics**

Beyond simple physician-to-patient ratios, the quality of care is heavily influenced by the characteristics of individual practices. The analysis will identify and evaluate standout primary care practices within or near ZIP code 36544. This evaluation will consider several factors:

* **Accreditation and Certifications:** Practices with accreditations from reputable organizations, such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), often demonstrate a commitment to high standards of care.
* **Patient Reviews and Satisfaction:** Online reviews and patient satisfaction surveys provide valuable insights into the patient experience. The analysis will examine these sources to gauge patient perceptions of the practices.
* **Technology Adoption:** Practices that embrace technology, such as electronic health records (EHRs) and patient portals, often provide more efficient and coordinated care. The analysis will investigate the technological capabilities of local practices.
* **Specialized Services:** Some practices may offer specialized services, such as smoking cessation programs or on-site diagnostic testing, which can enhance the quality of care.

The analysis will highlight practices that demonstrate excellence in these areas, providing residents with information to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Its Impact**

Telemedicine has emerged as a powerful tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The analysis will examine the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine technologies. This includes:

* **Virtual Consultations:** The availability of virtual appointments with PCPs and specialists can reduce the need for travel and improve convenience for patients.
* **Remote Monitoring:** Some practices may utilize remote monitoring technologies to track patients' vital signs and symptoms, enabling proactive intervention.
* **Tele-radiology and Tele-pathology:** The use of telemedicine for the interpretation of imaging studies and pathology reports can expedite diagnosis and treatment planning.

The analysis will assess the availability of these telemedicine services in Irvington and evaluate their impact on patient access to care. Practices that have successfully integrated telemedicine are likely to offer a more patient-centered and accessible healthcare experience.

**Mental Health Resources and Integration**

Lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental health. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges are common among individuals facing this disease. Therefore, access to mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care.

The analysis will investigate the availability of mental health services in Irvington and the surrounding area. This includes:

* **Mental Health Professionals:** The presence of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors will be assessed.
* **Mental Health Programs:** The availability of specialized programs for patients with cancer, such as support groups or individual therapy, will be investigated.
* **Integration with Primary Care:** The extent to which primary care practices integrate mental health services into their care models will be evaluated.

The analysis will highlight practices that prioritize mental health support, recognizing its crucial role in patient well-being. The integration of mental health services with primary care can improve patient outcomes and overall quality of life.

**Conclusion**

This "Lung Cancer Score" analysis for Irvington, Alabama (ZIP code 36544) provides a snapshot of the healthcare landscape, focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care and primary care access. By examining physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, this analysis aims to empower residents with the information they need to navigate the healthcare system effectively.

For a visual representation of these findings, including geographical mapping of physician locations, practice locations, and resource availability, we encourage you to explore the power of CartoChrome maps. CartoChrome maps can provide a dynamic and interactive view of the healthcare landscape, enabling you to make informed decisions about your health and the health of your community.