40165, Shepherdsville, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 40165, Shepherdsville, Kentucky is 26 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 96.94 percent of the residents in 40165 has some form of health insurance. 37.28 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 74.05 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 40165 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 8,549 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 191 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40165. An estimate of 10 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 6,018 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 20,510 health care providers accessible to residents in 40165, Shepherdsville, Kentucky.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Shepherdsville, KY (ZIP Code 40165)

This analysis provides a nuanced assessment of breast cancer care availability and quality within Shepherdsville, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40165), focusing on physician access, primary care infrastructure, telemedicine integration, and mental health support. The goal is to provide a comprehensive "Breast Cancer Score" reflecting the community's preparedness to address the needs of individuals facing this disease.

**Physician Access and Physician-to-Patient Ratios**

The core of any effective healthcare system lies in the availability of qualified physicians. Analyzing physician-to-patient ratios is paramount. In Shepherdsville, the availability of specialists, specifically oncologists, surgeons, and radiologists, is a crucial factor. While the exact numbers fluctuate, the analysis must ascertain the ratio of these specialists to the overall population within the ZIP code and its surrounding areas. This includes assessing the proximity of specialists in neighboring counties, as patient travel time significantly impacts access to care. A low specialist-to-patient ratio necessitates a lower score, potentially indicating a need for improved recruitment and retention strategies within the local healthcare system.

The analysis must also consider the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs). PCPs play a vital role in early detection, referrals, and ongoing patient management. The ratio of PCPs to the population, coupled with the average wait times for appointments, provides insight into the accessibility of primary care. Long wait times or a scarcity of PCPs can hinder timely diagnosis and treatment, leading to a lower score. The analysis should identify the number of PCPs accepting new patients within the specified ZIP code and the ease with which patients can schedule appointments.

**Standout Practices and Their Impact**

Identifying standout practices within Shepherdsville is crucial. These practices may excel in specific areas, such as advanced diagnostic technologies, patient-centered care models, or innovative treatment protocols. For example, a practice that consistently offers mammograms with short wait times and provides comprehensive patient education would receive a higher score. Conversely, practices with a history of patient complaints, limited insurance acceptance, or a lack of specialized equipment would receive a lower score. The analysis should investigate the quality of care provided by local practices, including their adherence to evidence-based guidelines, patient satisfaction scores, and the availability of support services.

**Telemedicine Adoption: A Critical Component**

Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool for expanding access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas. The analysis must evaluate the extent to which local practices have adopted telemedicine for breast cancer care. This includes assessing the availability of virtual consultations with specialists, remote monitoring of patients, and online educational resources. Practices that have embraced telemedicine, offering virtual appointments and remote monitoring capabilities, would receive a higher score. This is especially important for patients with mobility issues or those who live far from specialized care centers. The analysis should also consider the technological infrastructure available, including internet access and the digital literacy of the patient population.

**Mental Health Resources: An Essential Element**

Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on a patient's mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, the availability of mental health resources is a critical component of the "Breast Cancer Score." The analysis must assess the availability of therapists, counselors, and support groups within Shepherdsville and the surrounding areas. This includes identifying mental health professionals specializing in oncology or providing support for cancer patients and their families. The analysis should also investigate the integration of mental health services within local healthcare practices, such as offering on-site counseling or providing referrals to mental health professionals. A strong score reflects the availability of accessible and comprehensive mental health support.

**Primary Care Availability in Shepherdsville**

Primary care availability is a cornerstone of a robust healthcare system. The analysis must delve into the existing primary care infrastructure within Shepherdsville. This includes identifying the number of primary care clinics, their operating hours, and the types of insurance they accept. The analysis should assess the average wait times for appointments, the availability of same-day appointments, and the ease with which patients can access primary care services. A higher score would be awarded to areas with a high density of primary care providers, short wait times, and convenient access to care.

**Specific Considerations**

The analysis should consider the demographics of the population within ZIP code 40165. This includes assessing the prevalence of breast cancer risk factors, such as age, race, and family history. The analysis should also consider the socioeconomic status of the community, as financial constraints can impact access to care. Furthermore, the analysis should investigate the availability of transportation services for patients who may have difficulty traveling to medical appointments.

**Conclusion: A Holistic Approach**

Creating a "Breast Cancer Score" requires a holistic approach, considering all of the factors mentioned above. By assessing physician access, primary care availability, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources, the analysis can provide a comprehensive picture of the community's preparedness to address the needs of individuals facing breast cancer. This analysis aims to provide a valuable resource for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers, helping to improve the quality of care and outcomes for individuals affected by this disease.

**Call to Action:**

For a visual representation of this analysis, explore the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and the impact of socioeconomic factors on access to care using **CartoChrome maps**. CartoChrome provides a powerful platform for visualizing complex data and gaining a deeper understanding of the healthcare landscape in Shepherdsville and beyond.