40404, Berea, Kentucky Breast Cancer Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Breast Cancer Score in 40404, Berea, Kentucky is 28 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.94 percent of the residents in 40404 has some form of health insurance. 15.35 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 82.32 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 40404 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 262 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 40404. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 0 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 1,034 health care providers accessible to residents in 40404, Berea, Kentucky.

**Breast Cancer Score Analysis: Berea, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40404)**

This analysis delves into the availability and quality of breast cancer care within the Berea, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40404) area, focusing on primary care physicians and related resources. The goal is to provide a "Breast Cancer Score" assessment, considering factors like physician-to-patient ratios, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and the presence of mental health support. This score is not a definitive ranking but rather a comparative evaluation to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare landscape concerning breast cancer.

The foundation of effective breast cancer care lies in accessible primary care. Early detection through regular screenings and prompt referrals are crucial. In Berea, the physician-to-patient ratio for primary care providers is a critical indicator. Publicly available data, such as that from the Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), provides estimates of the number of primary care physicians per capita within Madison County, where Berea is located. Analyzing this data, and cross-referencing it with local hospital affiliations and clinic listings, provides an initial assessment of access. A lower physician-to-patient ratio suggests potentially better access to primary care, and therefore, potentially better access to early detection and referral services.

Standout practices in Berea are those that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive breast cancer care. This includes practices that actively promote breast cancer screenings, offer patient education materials, and have established relationships with local specialists, such as oncologists and radiologists. Identifying these practices requires examining online reviews, patient testimonials, and practice websites. Practices with a dedicated focus on women's health, including preventive care, are likely to score higher. The presence of certified nurse practitioners (CNPs) and physician assistants (PAs) who can provide primary care services also contributes to a higher score, as they can increase the availability of appointments and follow-up care.

Telemedicine adoption is another crucial factor. The ability to offer virtual consultations, particularly for follow-up appointments and discussing test results, can significantly improve patient convenience and access to care, especially for those in rural areas. Assessing the extent of telemedicine adoption requires examining the websites of local primary care practices and hospitals. Practices that offer virtual appointments, secure messaging with physicians, and remote monitoring capabilities will receive higher scores. The availability of telemedicine also becomes particularly important for patients who may face transportation challenges or mobility issues.

Mental health resources are often overlooked but are an integral part of breast cancer care. A cancer diagnosis and treatment can cause significant emotional distress, and access to mental health support is vital for patients' overall well-being. Evaluating the availability of mental health resources requires investigating the presence of on-site counselors or therapists at primary care practices or local hospitals. It also involves assessing the availability of referrals to mental health specialists in the area, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs). Practices that actively screen for mental health issues and provide referrals to appropriate resources will receive higher scores. The presence of support groups, either in-person or online, is also a positive factor.

To create a "Breast Cancer Score," each of these factors is weighted and assessed. For example, a practice with a low physician-to-patient ratio, a strong focus on preventive care, active telemedicine adoption, and readily available mental health resources would receive a higher score. Conversely, a practice with limited resources in these areas would receive a lower score. The final score is a composite, representing the overall quality and accessibility of breast cancer care within the specified area.

The analysis also considers the level of collaboration between primary care physicians and specialists. Practices that have established referral networks with oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons will receive higher scores. This collaboration ensures seamless care coordination and improves patient outcomes. This can be assessed by examining practice websites, reviewing physician profiles, and, where possible, conducting interviews with local healthcare providers.

The analysis must also consider the presence of any dedicated breast cancer screening facilities in the area, such as mobile mammography units or dedicated breast imaging centers. The availability of these resources, and their accessibility to patients, is a critical component of early detection. The presence of these facilities, their hours of operation, and their acceptance of various insurance plans all contribute to the overall score.

Furthermore, the analysis must consider the socioeconomic factors of the community. Berea is a relatively rural area, and factors such as transportation access, insurance coverage, and health literacy can impact access to care. The analysis will consider these factors and adjust the score accordingly. Practices that are actively working to address these barriers, such as offering transportation assistance or providing patient education materials in multiple languages, will receive higher scores.

In conclusion, the "Breast Cancer Score" for Berea, Kentucky (ZIP Code 40404) is a complex evaluation that considers multiple factors related to primary care availability, practice characteristics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resources. The score is designed to provide a snapshot of the local healthcare landscape and identify areas for improvement. It is a dynamic assessment, and the score will change over time as healthcare practices evolve and adapt to the needs of the community.

For a visual representation of this data, including physician locations, practice characteristics, and access to resources, explore the potential of CartoChrome maps. Use CartoChrome maps to visualize the geographic distribution of healthcare resources and gain a deeper understanding of the local healthcare landscape.