36916, Pennington, Alabama Prostate Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Prostate Cancer Score in 36916, Pennington, Alabama is 20 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 94.68 percent of the residents in 36916 has some form of health insurance. 55.06 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 54.68 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 36916 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 194 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 36916. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 134 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 27 health care providers accessible to residents in 36916, Pennington, Alabama.

The analysis below assesses prostate cancer care and primary care availability in Pennington, Alabama (ZIP Code 36916), focusing on physician resources, practice characteristics, and access to related services. This evaluation aims to provide a comprehensive overview, acknowledging the limitations of publicly available data and the dynamic nature of healthcare delivery.

Pennington, a rural community, likely faces challenges common to such areas, including potential shortages of medical professionals and limited access to specialized care. Analyzing the landscape requires considering these factors.

Physician-to-patient ratios are a critical indicator of healthcare access. Determining the exact ratio for Pennington requires data from multiple sources, including the U.S. Census Bureau, the Alabama Board of Medical Examiners, and potentially, private healthcare databases. A low ratio, indicating fewer doctors per capita, could signify longer wait times for appointments and potentially reduced access to preventative care, including prostate cancer screenings.

The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is the foundation of healthcare access. PCPs often act as the initial point of contact for patients, coordinating care and referring patients to specialists when needed. The number of PCPs practicing within ZIP Code 36916, and the surrounding areas, significantly impacts the overall healthcare ecosystem. Investigating the specific types of PCPs (e.g., family medicine, internal medicine) is also crucial.

Identifying standout practices in Pennington requires evaluating several factors. Reputation, patient reviews, and the range of services offered are key. Practices that demonstrate a commitment to preventative care, including proactive prostate cancer screening programs, are particularly noteworthy. Furthermore, practices that utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively, facilitating communication and care coordination, can be considered more advanced.

Telemedicine adoption is a significant factor in modern healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas. Telemedicine can bridge geographical barriers, allowing patients to access specialist consultations, follow-up appointments, and even certain types of therapy remotely. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption among primary care physicians and specialists in the area is essential. This includes determining the availability of virtual consultations, remote monitoring capabilities, and the types of technology used.

Mental health resources are an integral component of overall well-being and often play a role in cancer care. The availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, within or near Pennington is vital. Assessing the accessibility of these resources, including the acceptance of insurance, wait times for appointments, and the availability of support groups, is important.

Specific practices in the area may have a better reputation for patient care. Researching local hospitals and clinics, and examining patient reviews and testimonials, can provide insights into the quality of care provided. Identifying practices with a demonstrated commitment to patient education, preventative care, and the early detection of prostate cancer is crucial. This includes practices that actively promote screening guidelines and provide patients with information about risk factors and treatment options.

The presence of specialists, such as urologists, is vital for prostate cancer care. The availability of urologists within a reasonable distance of Pennington significantly impacts access to specialized diagnosis and treatment. This includes assessing the number of urologists, their areas of expertise, and their affiliations with hospitals or cancer centers.

The integration of technology into healthcare practices can improve patient outcomes. Practices that utilize EHRs, patient portals, and other digital tools can streamline care coordination and improve communication. This includes assessing the use of these technologies for appointment scheduling, test results delivery, and patient education.

The availability of support services is a critical factor in cancer care. This includes assessing the availability of patient navigators, support groups, and other resources that can help patients cope with the emotional and practical challenges of cancer treatment.

The effectiveness of prostate cancer screening programs is another important consideration. Practices that actively promote screening guidelines, such as those recommended by the American Cancer Society and the American Urological Association, are likely to be more proactive in detecting prostate cancer early. This includes assessing the use of PSA testing and digital rectal exams, and the practice's commitment to patient education about these screening methods.

The analysis of primary care availability in Pennington requires considering factors beyond the raw number of physicians. This includes the availability of appointments, the acceptance of insurance, and the ability of PCPs to coordinate care with specialists.

The overall assessment of prostate cancer care and primary care availability in Pennington requires a comprehensive approach. This includes gathering data from multiple sources, conducting site visits (where feasible), and consulting with healthcare professionals. The goal is to provide a clear and concise overview of the healthcare landscape in the area, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses.

The conclusions drawn from this analysis are subject to the limitations of available data. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and the information presented here should be considered a snapshot in time. However, by examining the key factors discussed above, it is possible to gain a valuable understanding of the healthcare resources available to residents of Pennington and the surrounding areas.

For a visual representation of the healthcare landscape in Pennington, including physician locations, practice details, and access to services, consider exploring CartoChrome maps. These interactive maps can provide a valuable tool for understanding the distribution of healthcare resources and identifying potential gaps in care.