36583, Tibbie, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36583, Tibbie, Alabama is 7 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.68 percent of the residents in 36583 has some form of health insurance. 20.74 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 83.45 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 36583 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 187 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36583. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 111 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 106 health care providers accessible to residents in 36583, Tibbie, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score: An Analysis for Tibbie, Alabama (ZIP Code 36583)

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment for primary care physicians and related healthcare resources within and serving the Tibbie, Alabama (ZIP code 36583) area. The goal is to evaluate the accessibility and quality of care relevant to early detection, diagnosis, and potential treatment pathways for lung cancer. The score considers factors like physician availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine integration, and the presence of mental health support, recognizing the significant emotional toll a cancer diagnosis can have.

The foundation of a strong Lung Cancer Score lies in the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). In Tibbie, a primarily rural community, the physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. While specific, up-to-the-minute ratios are difficult to ascertain without real-time data, it's reasonable to assume, based on demographic information and national averages for rural areas, that the ratio is likely less favorable than in more urban settings. This translates to potentially longer wait times for appointments, reduced access to preventative screenings, and potentially delayed diagnoses. This lower availability directly impacts the Lung Cancer Score negatively. The score will need to be adjusted, depending on the current data.

Beyond raw numbers, the distribution of these PCPs matters. Are the available physicians clustered in one specific area, or are they geographically dispersed, making access easier for residents across the community? The presence of a well-established primary care clinic, or multiple clinics, within the immediate vicinity of Tibbie is a significant positive factor. These clinics often offer a broader range of services, including on-site lab work and potentially even basic imaging, which are vital for early lung cancer detection. The presence of these clinics boosts the Lung Cancer Score.

Several practice characteristics influence the score. The adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is essential. EHRs facilitate seamless information sharing between physicians, specialists, and hospitals, ensuring a coordinated approach to patient care. This is particularly critical in managing a complex condition like lung cancer. Practices that actively utilize EHRs, with interoperability features that allow for easy transfer of patient records, receive a higher score.

Another key factor is the availability of preventative screening programs, particularly low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scans for high-risk individuals. The Lung Cancer Score is significantly improved if local primary care practices actively promote and facilitate LDCT screening for eligible patients, following established guidelines. This proactive approach to early detection is critical for improving patient outcomes.

Telemedicine adoption is another critical element. Telemedicine, including virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and access to specialists, can significantly improve access to care, especially in rural areas like Tibbie. Practices that offer telemedicine options, particularly for follow-up appointments, medication management, and mental health support, receive a higher score. This is especially important for patients with limited mobility or transportation challenges.

The emotional and psychological impact of a lung cancer diagnosis is profound. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a vital component of the Lung Cancer Score. This includes access to counselors, therapists, and support groups. Practices that actively integrate mental health services into their care models, either through on-site providers or referrals to external resources, significantly improve their score. The ability to address the emotional needs of patients is critical to their overall well-being and adherence to treatment plans.

The presence of established referral pathways to oncologists and specialized cancer centers is also crucial. The Lung Cancer Score benefits from practices that have strong relationships with specialists and can efficiently connect patients to the appropriate level of care. This includes timely referrals for diagnostic tests, consultations, and treatment.

The overall Lung Cancer Score for Tibbie (ZIP code 36583) is, therefore, a composite measure. It is influenced by physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of well-equipped primary care clinics, the adoption of EHRs, the promotion of preventative screening, the integration of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the establishment of referral pathways. Each of these factors contributes to a comprehensive picture of the healthcare landscape and its ability to address the needs of patients facing the challenges of lung cancer.

To get a detailed, interactive view of the healthcare landscape in Tibbie, Alabama, and surrounding areas, including the locations of primary care physicians, clinics, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome provides a visual representation of the data discussed in this analysis, allowing you to explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain a more nuanced understanding of the access and quality of care in your community.