35653, Russellville, Alabama Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 35653, Russellville, Alabama is 61 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 82.93 percent of the residents in 35653 has some form of health insurance. 35.78 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 53.96 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 35653 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 3,129 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 35653. An estimate of 1 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,365 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,898 health care providers accessible to residents in 35653, Russellville, Alabama.

## Prostate Cancer Score Analysis: Russellville, AL (ZIP Code 35653)

This analysis examines the landscape of prostate cancer care within Russellville, Alabama (ZIP code 35653), focusing on primary care availability and the resources accessible to men facing this diagnosis. We will evaluate the quality of care, taking into account physician-to-patient ratios, innovative practices, the integration of telemedicine, and the availability of mental health support, all crucial components of comprehensive prostate cancer management. This is not a definitive ranking, but an assessment based on available public data and reasonable assumptions about the local healthcare ecosystem.

The foundation of effective prostate cancer care lies in accessible and responsive primary care. Russellville, like many rural communities, faces challenges in this area. Assessing primary care availability involves examining the number of practicing primary care physicians (PCPs) within the ZIP code and the surrounding areas, as well as the population size. A higher physician-to-patient ratio, indicating more patients per PCP, can strain resources and potentially limit the time a patient can spend with their doctor. Publicly available data on physician counts and population demographics will be used to estimate this ratio.

Beyond the raw numbers, the types of practices available in Russellville are important. Are there large, multi-specialty groups that offer integrated services, or are the practices primarily solo or small group practices? Larger groups often have the advantage of offering a wider range of services, including on-site laboratory testing, radiology, and access to specialists, which can streamline the diagnostic and treatment process for prostate cancer. This integrated approach can be especially valuable for men navigating the complexities of diagnosis, staging, and treatment options.

The adoption of telemedicine is another critical factor. Telemedicine, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and online patient portals, can significantly improve access to care, especially for patients in rural areas who may face transportation challenges or limited mobility. This technology allows patients to consult with their physicians remotely, receive test results, and manage their medications more conveniently. Assessing the prevalence of telemedicine adoption requires examining the websites and patient portals of local practices to determine the extent of their virtual care offerings.

Mental health support is often overlooked in the context of cancer care, but it is a vital component of overall well-being. A prostate cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging, leading to anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. The availability of mental health resources, such as therapists, counselors, and support groups, is essential for helping patients cope with the psychological impact of the disease. This analysis will investigate the availability of these resources in Russellville and the surrounding areas.

Identifying standout practices involves looking for those that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, incorporate innovative technologies, and prioritize comprehensive services. This can include practices that have received awards or recognitions for quality of care, actively participate in clinical trials, or offer specialized prostate cancer treatment options. These practices often serve as models for others in the community, driving improvements in the overall quality of care.

To determine the quality of prostate cancer care, we must consider the specific services available. These include screening programs, diagnostic capabilities (such as PSA testing and biopsies), treatment options (including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy), and post-treatment follow-up care. Practices that offer a full spectrum of these services are better equipped to provide comprehensive care.

The analysis of physician-to-patient ratios will be based on publicly available data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and the American Medical Association. This data will be used to estimate the number of PCPs per 1,000 residents in the Russellville area. A higher ratio suggests better access to primary care, which is crucial for early detection and management of prostate cancer.

Telemedicine adoption will be assessed by reviewing the websites of local practices. We will look for evidence of virtual consultations, patient portals, and remote monitoring capabilities. Practices that have embraced telemedicine are better positioned to provide convenient and accessible care, particularly for patients who live in rural areas or have mobility issues.

Mental health resources will be evaluated by researching local mental health providers, support groups, and community organizations. We will look for evidence of partnerships between primary care practices and mental health professionals, as well as the availability of specialized support services for cancer patients.

Standout practices will be identified by searching for practices that have received awards or recognitions for quality of care, participate in clinical trials, or offer specialized prostate cancer treatment options. We will also consider practices that have a strong focus on patient education and support.

The overall assessment of prostate cancer care in Russellville will be based on a combination of these factors. We will consider the physician-to-patient ratio, the adoption of telemedicine, the availability of mental health resources, and the presence of standout practices. This assessment will provide a general overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

While specific practice names and individual physician ratings are beyond the scope of this analysis, the goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of the resources available to men in Russellville who are facing a prostate cancer diagnosis. This information can be used by patients to make informed decisions about their care and by healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement.

The information gathered here is intended to be informative and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should always consult with their physicians to discuss their individual needs and treatment options. The availability of resources and the quality of care can change over time, so it is important to stay informed and seek updated information from reliable sources.

To visualize and understand the spatial distribution of healthcare resources, including the location of physicians, hospitals, and support services in Russellville and surrounding areas, we recommend exploring the interactive maps available through CartoChrome. These maps can provide a valuable visual perspective on the healthcare landscape, helping you to better understand the accessibility of care in your community.