36728, Catherine, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36728, Catherine, Alabama is 6 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 75.32 percent of the residents in 36728 has some form of health insurance. 75.32 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 4.45 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 36728 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 243 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36728. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 46 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 74 health care providers accessible to residents in 36728, Catherine, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Catherine, AL (ZIP Code 36728)

This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the healthcare landscape in Catherine, Alabama (ZIP code 36728), focusing on factors relevant to lung cancer care, specifically examining primary care availability and quality, physician-to-patient ratios, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The ultimate goal is to provide a nuanced "Lung Cancer Score" based on the available data, highlighting strengths and weaknesses in the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on robust primary care. Early detection, through screening and timely referrals, significantly improves patient outcomes. In Catherine, primary care availability is a critical factor. The analysis considers the number of primary care physicians (PCPs) practicing within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, factoring in specialist access as well. A low PCP-to-patient ratio suggests potential challenges in accessing timely appointments and preventative care, which are crucial for early diagnosis.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a key indicator of healthcare access. A high ratio, meaning a larger number of patients per physician, can lead to longer wait times, reduced appointment durations, and potentially delayed diagnoses. This analysis will investigate the specific PCP-to-patient ratio in 36728 and compare it to state and national averages. This comparison will help determine if the local population faces a significant access barrier.

Identifying standout practices within Catherine is essential. This involves evaluating factors such as patient reviews, the range of services offered, and any specific expertise related to lung cancer prevention, screening, and referral pathways. Practices that prioritize preventative care, offer comprehensive health screenings, and have established relationships with pulmonologists and oncologists will be considered favorably. The availability of on-site diagnostic equipment, such as X-ray machines, can also streamline the diagnostic process and improve patient convenience.

Telemedicine adoption plays an increasingly important role in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients in Catherine to consult with specialists, receive follow-up care, and participate in virtual support groups. The analysis will assess the availability of telemedicine services offered by local practices, including the types of services available (e.g., virtual consultations, remote monitoring) and the technology used (e.g., secure video conferencing platforms).

The mental health of patients is often overlooked, yet it is a critical component of comprehensive cancer care. A lung cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound impact on a patient's emotional well-being. The analysis will assess the availability of mental health resources in Catherine, including access to therapists, counselors, and support groups. Practices that offer integrated mental health services or have established referral pathways to mental health professionals will be viewed positively.

Evaluating the overall "Lung Cancer Score" involves weighing these factors. A high score would indicate a healthcare environment that supports early detection, timely treatment, and comprehensive patient support. This would include a favorable PCP-to-patient ratio, readily available primary care services, proactive screening programs, widespread telemedicine adoption, and robust mental health resources. Conversely, a low score would indicate potential challenges in accessing care and a need for improvements in several areas.

The analysis will also consider the presence of community health initiatives and partnerships. Any programs aimed at increasing awareness about lung cancer, promoting smoking cessation, or providing financial assistance to patients will be recognized as positive factors. Collaboration between local healthcare providers, community organizations, and public health agencies can significantly improve the overall healthcare ecosystem.

In conclusion, the "Lung Cancer Score" for Catherine, AL (36728) will be a composite assessment based on the factors outlined above. It will provide a valuable snapshot of the local healthcare landscape, highlighting areas of strength and areas that need improvement. This information can be used by patients, healthcare providers, and community stakeholders to make informed decisions and advocate for better healthcare services.

The analysis will involve gathering data from various sources, including public health databases, physician directories, patient reviews, and local healthcare providers. The accuracy of the score will depend on the completeness and reliability of the available data. The goal is to provide a realistic and actionable assessment that can contribute to improved lung cancer care in Catherine, Alabama.

The final "Lung Cancer Score" will be presented as a concise summary, with specific recommendations for improvement. This may include suggestions for increasing primary care access, promoting telemedicine adoption, expanding mental health services, and strengthening community partnerships. The analysis will strive to be objective and data-driven, providing a valuable resource for improving lung cancer care in Catherine.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Catherine, AL (36728), including the location of primary care providers, specialist access, and other relevant data points, we recommend exploring the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. CartoChrome maps offer a dynamic and user-friendly way to visualize the data and gain a deeper understanding of the healthcare environment in your community.