40403, Berea, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 40403, Berea, Kentucky is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 92.06 percent of the residents in 40403 has some form of health insurance. 47.83 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 56.35 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 40403 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 6,785 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40403. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 3,410 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,056 health care providers accessible to residents in 40403, Berea, Kentucky.

## Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Berea, KY (ZIP Code 40403)

Analyzing the landscape of breast cancer care in Berea, Kentucky (ZIP code 40403) requires a multi-faceted approach. We must consider the availability of primary care physicians (PCPs), the physician-to-patient ratio, the presence of specialized oncology services, the adoption of telemedicine, and the integration of mental health resources. This analysis will culminate in a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, providing a nuanced understanding of the healthcare ecosystem's capacity to address the needs of individuals facing breast cancer.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care rests on accessible primary care. PCPs are crucial for early detection through screenings and referrals. The availability of PCPs in Berea is a critical factor in our assessment. The physician-to-patient ratio provides a quantitative measure of accessibility. A higher ratio, indicating fewer physicians per capita, can lead to longer wait times for appointments and potentially delayed diagnoses. Data from the Kentucky Board of Medical Licensure and the US Census Bureau will inform this critical metric. We will need to analyze the number of active PCPs practicing within the 40403 ZIP code and compare this to the population of Berea to derive a meaningful ratio.

Beyond sheer numbers, the quality of primary care matters. Are PCPs actively promoting and facilitating breast cancer screenings, such as mammograms? Do they have established referral pathways to specialists? Assessing these aspects requires examining the practices of individual providers. We will investigate the presence of electronic health records (EHRs) that facilitate efficient communication and coordination of care. Practices with robust EHR systems, particularly those integrated with local hospitals and specialists, will receive higher scores.

Specialized oncology services are crucial for patients diagnosed with breast cancer. Berea's proximity to larger healthcare centers, such as those in Lexington, will influence our score. While direct access to oncologists, surgeons, and radiation therapists within the 40403 ZIP code is unlikely, the ease of referral and transportation to these specialists is paramount. We will assess the time and distance required to access these services, considering factors like traffic and public transportation options. The presence of multidisciplinary cancer care teams, including medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and radiologists, is a significant indicator of comprehensive care.

Telemedicine adoption has become increasingly important, particularly for cancer patients. It can reduce travel burdens, improve access to specialists, and facilitate follow-up appointments. We will evaluate the availability of telemedicine services among local PCPs and specialists. This includes assessing the types of platforms used, the ease of use for patients, and the availability of technical support. Practices actively utilizing telemedicine for consultations, medication management, and remote monitoring will receive higher scores.

The emotional toll of a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is significant. Access to mental health resources is therefore an essential component of comprehensive care. We will investigate the availability of mental health professionals, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers, in the Berea area. The integration of mental health services into cancer care, such as offering counseling and support groups, is a key factor. Practices that prioritize mental health support for patients will receive higher scores.

Analyzing the practices of individual physicians is crucial for identifying standout providers. We will look for practices that demonstrate a commitment to patient-centered care, including clear communication, shared decision-making, and patient education. Practices that have received positive patient reviews and have a strong track record of providing high-quality care will be highlighted. The presence of patient navigators, who assist patients in navigating the complex healthcare system, is another positive indicator.

The "Breast Cancer Score" will be a composite metric reflecting the factors discussed above. Each factor will be weighted based on its relative importance in providing comprehensive breast cancer care. The score will be presented on a scale, allowing for easy comparison and understanding. The score will reflect a combination of quantitative data (physician-to-patient ratio) and qualitative assessments (telemedicine adoption, mental health integration).

Ultimately, the goal is to provide a clear and concise assessment of the breast cancer care landscape in Berea. This analysis is intended to be a starting point for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas of strength and areas that need improvement. The score will highlight the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare system in Berea, providing insights for future development and resource allocation.

This analysis is designed to be dynamic. The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, with new technologies, treatments, and best practices emerging regularly. The "Breast Cancer Score" will be updated periodically to reflect these changes, ensuring that it remains a relevant and valuable resource. The ongoing evaluation of these factors will help to improve the quality of care and outcomes for individuals facing breast cancer in Berea.

To visualize the distribution of healthcare resources, physician locations, and patient demographics in Berea, we encourage you to explore CartoChrome maps. They offer a powerful tool for understanding the spatial relationships within the healthcare ecosystem.