35186, Wilsonville, Alabama Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 35186, Wilsonville, Alabama is 40 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 93.30 percent of the residents in 35186 has some form of health insurance. 31.66 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 78.45 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 35186 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,137 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35186. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,032 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,790 health care providers accessible to residents in 35186, Wilsonville, Alabama.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Wilsonville, AL (ZIP Code 35186)

This analysis delves into the landscape of prostate cancer care within Wilsonville, Alabama (ZIP code 35186), focusing on primary care physician availability and related resources. The goal is to provide a Prostate Cancer Score, a qualitative assessment of the accessibility and quality of care available to men in this community. This score considers factors beyond simple physician counts, incorporating elements such as physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the integration of mental health support, which is crucial for patients navigating a cancer diagnosis.

The cornerstone of effective prostate cancer care is early detection and ongoing management, which begins with a strong primary care foundation. Assessing the physician-to-patient ratio provides a crucial starting point. While precise figures require real-time data that fluctuates, a reasonable estimate can be derived from publicly available sources like the US Census Bureau and the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners. Wilsonville, as a relatively small community, likely faces challenges in physician density compared to larger metropolitan areas. A lower physician-to-patient ratio, meaning fewer physicians per resident, can translate to longer wait times for appointments and reduced access to preventative screenings, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests.

Beyond the raw numbers, the characteristics of primary care practices are critical. Are practices accepting new patients? Do they offer comprehensive services, including routine physicals, PSA testing, and referrals to urologists? Are they equipped with electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate seamless information sharing between primary care physicians, specialists, and the patient? Practices that demonstrate a proactive approach to preventative care, including actively encouraging PSA screenings for men over 50 (or earlier for those with risk factors like family history), are highly valued. The presence of on-site laboratory services can also significantly improve the patient experience, reducing the need for multiple appointments and streamlining the diagnostic process.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor in the Prostate Cancer Score. The ability to consult with a physician remotely, especially for follow-up appointments, medication management, and addressing concerns that don't require a physical examination, can significantly improve access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas or those with mobility limitations. Practices that embrace telemedicine, offering virtual consultations and utilizing secure online portals for communication, receive a higher score. This technology can also facilitate access to specialists who may not be readily available in Wilsonville.

The emotional and psychological impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis is substantial. Therefore, the integration of mental health resources into the care pathway is vital. Practices that offer access to mental health professionals, either on-site or through referrals, demonstrate a commitment to holistic patient care. This includes providing support for anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges that can arise during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The availability of support groups and educational resources for patients and their families also contributes positively to the score.

Assessing the "standout practices" within Wilsonville requires a deeper dive into individual practice profiles. This involves researching practice websites, reading patient reviews, and potentially conducting phone interviews to gather information about services offered, patient satisfaction, and the overall approach to care. Practices that consistently receive positive reviews, demonstrate a commitment to patient education, and actively participate in community outreach programs designed to raise awareness about prostate cancer prevention and early detection are considered standout practices. These practices often serve as models for others in the community.

The Prostate Cancer Score for Wilsonville, AL (35186) is not simply a numerical value. It’s a composite assessment reflecting the interplay of various factors. The score is likely influenced by the community's size and resource availability. While Wilsonville may face challenges related to physician density, a strong score can still be achieved if practices prioritize preventative care, embrace telemedicine, and integrate mental health support. The score is dynamic and can change based on evolving healthcare landscape.

A lower score might indicate a need for initiatives to improve access to care. This could include efforts to attract more primary care physicians to the area, promote the adoption of telemedicine, and increase the availability of mental health resources. Community-based educational programs can also play a crucial role in raising awareness about prostate cancer and encouraging men to seek early screening and diagnosis.

The success of prostate cancer care in Wilsonville depends not only on the availability of physicians but also on the collaborative efforts of the healthcare providers, the community, and the patients themselves. The patient's role is critical; they must be proactive in their own health, seeking regular checkups and screenings, and communicating openly with their physicians about any concerns.

To gain a more visual understanding of the healthcare landscape in Wilsonville, including the locations of primary care practices, hospitals, and other relevant resources, we encourage you to explore the interactive mapping capabilities offered by CartoChrome. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing geographic data, allowing you to see the distribution of healthcare providers, identify potential gaps in access, and make informed decisions about your healthcare needs.