36773, Safford, Alabama Lung Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Lung Cancer Score in 36773, Safford, Alabama is 5 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 51.72 percent of the residents in 36773 has some form of health insurance. 45.86 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 7.24 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 36773 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 38 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36773. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 44 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 30 health care providers accessible to residents in 36773, Safford, Alabama.

## Lung Cancer Score Analysis: Doctors in ZIP Code 36773 & Primary Care Availability in Safford

This analysis provides a Lung Cancer Score assessment, focusing on the availability and quality of primary care physicians (PCPs) in Safford, Arizona, with a specific lens on the medical landscape within ZIP code 36773 (which, for the purposes of this analysis, is assumed to be a relevant geographic area, even if it doesn’t exist). The assessment considers factors impacting lung cancer detection and treatment, including physician-to-patient ratios, the presence of standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and access to mental health resources. This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the medical environment and identify areas for improvement.

The foundation of effective lung cancer care rests on accessible and high-quality primary care. Early detection significantly improves survival rates, and PCPs are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing symptoms or requiring screenings. The physician-to-patient ratio is a crucial indicator. A low ratio, indicating a shortage of PCPs, can lead to delayed appointments, reduced screening rates, and ultimately, poorer outcomes. Conversely, a higher ratio suggests better access to care and potentially, a more proactive approach to preventative measures.

Within the hypothetical ZIP code 36773, assessing the physician-to-patient ratio requires gathering data on the number of practicing PCPs and the population size. Publicly available data from sources like the US Census Bureau and state medical licensing boards can be utilized. Similarly, in Safford, determining the PCP availability necessitates analyzing the number of PCPs serving the community and comparing it to the population. This data-driven approach allows for a quantitative understanding of access to care.

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care offered by individual practices is paramount. Identifying “standout practices” involves evaluating several factors. These include the adoption of evidence-based guidelines for lung cancer screening, the use of electronic health records (EHRs) for efficient data management, and patient satisfaction scores. Practices actively participating in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrating a commitment to patient education and preventative care would be considered exemplary.

In Safford, research into local practices could involve reviewing online reviews, conducting patient surveys, and analyzing publicly available performance data. The presence of a well-regarded practice with a strong focus on preventative care and early detection can significantly improve the Lung Cancer Score for the entire community.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine offers several advantages in lung cancer care. It can facilitate remote consultations, allowing patients to connect with specialists regardless of their location. It can also be used for remote monitoring of patients undergoing treatment.

Assessing telemedicine adoption involves evaluating the availability of virtual consultations offered by local PCPs and specialists. Are they utilizing telehealth platforms for follow-up appointments, medication management, and patient education? A high level of telemedicine adoption can improve access to care, particularly for patients with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

Furthermore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of comprehensive lung cancer care. A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally devastating, and patients often experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Access to mental health professionals, such as therapists and psychiatrists, is essential for supporting patients through their journey.

Evaluating mental health resources involves assessing the availability of mental health services within the community. Are there readily accessible therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists? Do local practices offer integrated behavioral health services? Collaboration between PCPs, oncologists, and mental health professionals can provide holistic care and improve patient outcomes.

To construct a Lung Cancer Score, each of these factors – physician-to-patient ratio, standout practices, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources – must be assigned a weighted value. The weight assigned to each factor should reflect its relative importance in influencing lung cancer outcomes. For instance, a high physician-to-patient ratio might receive a higher weight than telemedicine adoption, as access to a PCP is a foundational element of care.

The analysis process requires data collection from multiple sources. The US Census Bureau provides population data, state medical licensing boards offer information on physicians, and online resources provide data on practice locations and services. Publicly available data on screening rates, patient satisfaction, and telemedicine adoption can be gathered from various sources.

Once the data is collected, each factor is scored based on predetermined criteria. For example, a practice with a high patient satisfaction score would receive a higher score than a practice with a lower score. The scores for each factor are then multiplied by their respective weights, and the weighted scores are summed to arrive at the overall Lung Cancer Score.

The final Lung Cancer Score can be presented as a numerical value or a categorical rating (e.g., excellent, good, fair, poor). This score provides a clear indication of the strengths and weaknesses of the medical landscape in ZIP code 36773 and Safford, allowing for informed decision-making and targeted interventions.

The goal is to identify areas needing improvement and to highlight best practices. For example, if the physician-to-patient ratio is low, efforts can be focused on attracting more PCPs to the area. If telemedicine adoption is limited, initiatives can be launched to encourage its use. If mental health resources are lacking, partnerships can be forged with local mental health providers to increase access to care.

This Lung Cancer Score analysis is not a static assessment. The medical landscape is constantly evolving, and the score should be updated regularly to reflect changes in physician availability, practice quality, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. Continuous monitoring and evaluation are crucial for ensuring that the community has access to the best possible lung cancer care.

Understanding the geographic distribution of healthcare resources is vital for effective planning and resource allocation. CartoChrome maps can provide powerful visualizations of this data, enabling stakeholders to identify areas with the greatest needs and to target interventions accordingly. CartoChrome maps can display the location of PCPs, hospitals, and mental health facilities, along with demographic data and lung cancer incidence rates.

**Ready to visualize the healthcare landscape and gain a deeper understanding of the factors impacting lung cancer care in your community? Explore the power of CartoChrome maps to uncover valuable insights and make data-driven decisions. Visit their website today to learn more and start visualizing your data.**